Reid asks Reno to probe CDC spending of funds

WASHINGTON -- Sen. Harry Reid this week asked Attorney General Janet Reno to investigate the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for "potential criminal activity."

In a written statement Tuesday Reid said he is "deeply disappointed" to find out that the CDC had misappropriated funds designated for chronic fatigue syndrome research.

Congress set aside $22.7 million for chronic fatigue research in 1995, based partly on Reid's request. But a report released six months ago by a Health and Human Services inspector said that only $9.8 million was used.

The report said $8.8 million went to other research; $4.1 million is unaccounted for.

The CDC may have knowingly supplied false information about the money to Congress, Reid told Reno in a letter Monday.

"This was a huge step backwards in our national effort to find out more about CFS," Reid said. "I hope this is not common practice at the CDC, and I am concerned that this situation is not being taken seriously."

Reid's interest in chronic fatigue dates to the early 1990s when Incline Village residents approached him for help.

At the time, little was understood about the disease, which drew criticism from some who said disease victims were just lazy.

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