If an influenza epidemic strikes the United States, what will the
nationwide impacts be? This surprising October 2009 report of the United
States Government Accountability Office explores one probable result:
the likely Internet congestion as workers stay home and attempt to
telecommute, particularly as this congestion would affect the securities
markets. Attacking the responsible government agencies-including the
Department of Homeland Security-as well as key market participants in
the private sector for their collective lack of appropriate strategic
planning, this blistering report offers recommendations for immediate
action and provides a startling look at the procedures-and lack
thereof-of those who should be preparing for the worst contingencies...
but aren't. The GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY OFFICE was established in 1921
as the audit, evaluation, and investigative arm of the United States
Congress.