When last we visited some Democratic staffers at the House Homeland Security Committee, they were getting immunized against Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, tetanus, diphtheria, and influenza before venturing out to a couple of NASCAR races.

After receiving a considerable amount of flack for the insinuation that fans carry germs and may have infected the Washington insiders with such third-world illnesses (plus one sexually transmitted disease), the Democrats claimed they weren't just going to NASCAR events, but needed the shots to attend the World Series and other sporting events where a health disaster could strike.

Well, as it turns out, the only events the staffers went to were in fact the NASCAR races, and instead, the committee has invited representatives from other venues to meet with them in the safe confines of Washington, D.C.

"On Wednesday, November 14, 2007, the Committee on Homeland Security will hold a Member-only briefing on sports venue security," reads a memo obtained by The Washington Times.

"Representatives from the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), the National Football League (NFL), the National Basketball Association. (NBA), the National Hockey League (NHL), Major League Baseball (MLB), and National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) will be present to respond to Member questions."

The "Member-Only briefing" will be held at the Cannon House Office Building.

I wonder if any of the sporting officials will get the same immunizations before congregating with members of Congress?

— Audrey Hudson, Homeland Security reporter, The Washington Times