1.   An agency spokeswoman acknowledged that it had been slow to draw up those standards but said they would be out by the end of the year.

2.   An agency spokeswoman said officials were unaware of the suit.

3.   An agency spokeswoman declined to comment.

4.   An agency spokeswoman said a doctor would be lowered from a helicopter to the ship to determine the extent of injuries.

5.   An agency spokeswoman said it has asked Congress for money to hire more agents.

6.   An agency spokeswoman, Franceska Perot, said the weapon had been shipped to a laboratory in Maryland for further inspection.

7.   An agency spokeswoman said no interviews on bioterrorism were being given.

8.   An agency spokeswoman said prospects for funding in the Senate are uncertain.

9.   An agency spokeswoman said the primary concern will continue to be consumer perceptions.

10.   An agency spokeswoman, Jennifer Chait, voiced caution.