THE CONFERENCE CALL 13 



In order that we may better understand the effects of these com- 

 pounds, I have included increased funds in the budget for use by 

 the Secretaries of Agriculture, Interior, and Health, Education, and 

 Welfare to increase their research efforts on pesticides so they can 

 give special attention to the flow of pesticides through the environ- 

 ment; study the means by which pesticides break down and disappear 

 in nature; and to keep a constant check on the level of pesticides 

 in our water, air, soil, and food supply. 



I am recommending additional funds for the Secretary of Agricul- 

 ture to reduce contamination from toxic chemicals through intensified 

 research, regulatory control, and educational programs. 



The Secretary of Agriculture will soon submit legislation to tighten 

 control over the manufacture and use of agricultural chemicals, in- 

 cluding licensing and factory inspection of manufacturers, clearly 

 placing the burden of proof of safety on the proponent of the chemical 

 rather than on the Government. 



Research resources 



Our needs for new knowledge and increasing application of exist- 

 ing knowledge demand a greater supply of trained manpower and 

 research resources. 



A National Center for Environmental Health Sciences is being 

 planned as a focal point for health research in this field. In addition, 

 the 1966 budget includes funds for the establishment of university 

 institutes to conduct research and training in environmental pollution 

 problems. 



Legislation recommended in my message on health has been intro- 

 duced to increase Federal support for specialized research facilities of 

 a national or regional character. This proposal, aimed at health re- 

 search needs generally, would assist in the solution of environmental 

 health problems and I urge its passage. 



We need legislation to provide to the Departments of Agriculture 

 and Interior authority for grants for research in environmental pollu- 

 tion control in their areas of responsibility. I have asked the Secre- 

 tary of Interior to submit legislation to eliminate the ceiling on 

 pesticide research. 



Other efforts 



In addition to these needed actions, other proposals are under- 

 going active study. 



