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.