85 
Several committee representatives also reported on meetings with 
other interested parties whose views had been solicited on legislation to 
regulate recombinant DNA research. Those who were contacted include 
agricultural scientists, biomedical scientists, environmentalists, labor 
unions, and private industry. At Dr. Fredrickson's request, the Industrial 
Research Institute and the Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association 
conducted a survey of their member firms to determine the scope of the 
research efforts in the private sector. The Pharmaceutical Manufacturers 
Association has endorsed the NIH Guidelines as standards for conduct 
of this research. 
In considering elements of proposed legislation, a number of issues 
were raised and discussed fully by the Committee. After detailed 
deliberations at meetings on March 10 and 14, 1977, the Committee 
agreed on a set of elements for proposed legislation. The elements 
agreed upon and the various alternatives reviewed by the Committee 
were presented in an Interim Report transmitted to HEW Secretary 
Califano on March 15, 1977. The report of the Interagency Committee 
is included in Appendix I. 
HEW Secretary Califano had legislation developed in light of the 
Committee's recommendations. The Administration bill drafted by 
the Department was reviewed by all members of the Interagency 
Committee and, at the request of the Office of Management and Budget, 
by all Departments and agencies. The bill was introduced by Senator 
Edward M. Kennedy, Chairman of the Subcommittee on Health and 
Scientific Research of the Senate's Committee on Human Resources, 
and by Representative Paul G. Rogers, Chairman of the Subcommittee 
on Health and the Environment of the Interstate and Foreign Commerce 
Committee. Congressional hearings have been held, and both the 
House and Senate bills are pending. A copy of the Administration bill 
as originally introduced is included as Appendix N. 
Further, the Federal Interagency Committee on Recombinant DNA 
Research is currently addressing international aspects of recombinant 
DNA activities. The Committee is reviewing the nature and scope of 
international scientific activities related to recombinant DNA research, 
with particular attention to the setting of safety standards for recom- 
binant DNA activities by national and international health and safety 
organizations. It is expected that the full committee will conclude 
its review and prepare a report with recommendations, if any, to the 
Secretary, HEW, in the early fall. 
