Gas Attack Masks Ready as US Senate Opens

As the 111th session of the United States began at the Capitol Hill amid smiles and laughter Tuesday morning, elaborate security arrangements were made to keep the senators and their staff safe from a gas attack.

Large green color bags, filled with gas masks, were were kept right in the rooms where the receptions were taking place in the three senate buildings--Dirksen, Hart and Russell senate office buildings.

The gas masks were kept underneath the tables on which food was served to the senators and their guests. According to an eyewitness account, the dark green bags had “Emergency Special Hoods” written on them.

Among those who hosted receptions was John F. Kerry, the new chair of the senate foreign relations committee.

Just a month after the 911 attacks at least 40 people - mostly members of staff based in Senate Majority leader Tom Daschle's office had to be treated following anthrax exposure in a letter that arrived in his office.

One of the most highly unpopular vice presidents in U.S. history, Dick Cheney, who presides over the senate administered oath to the senators.

Liberal senator Ted Kennedy also took oath from Cheney, but the two did not shake hands.

In two and quarter centuries, the senate faced a major attack once: in 1814 when the British burnt down the building.