Western European nations are beginning 
to see the international implications of 
different national rules and guidelines. 
Scientific research capabilities are no 
longer confined within national barriers. 
The, international diversification of our 
large commercial firms, particularly the 
drag firms, has eliminated such limita- 
tions if indeed they ever existed. We need 
to evaluate the information being made 
available from the debates in this coun- 
try and abroad and determine the full 
implications of any of our decisions be- 
fore we enact legislation in this area. 
Fortunately, these debates on genetic 
manipulation are occurring in the form- 
ative stages of public policy. We have a 
unique opportunity to make sound deci- 
sions if we can muster the attention to 
detail required to sort out the facts from 
the conjecture. The House Science and 
Technology Committee, Subcommittee 
on Science, Research, and Technology 
has already devoted a series of hearings 
to the science policy implications of this 
issue, and the record of these hearings 
will soon be available for your study. 
I believe that the DNA recombinant 
molecule research issue has many impli- 
cations for science policy which extend 
beyond the immediate task of regulating 
a specific type of genetic manipulation. 
I urge the Members to became familiar 
with this issue before we make a 
decision on any legislation which may 
come before us. The House Science and 
Technology Committee has had prepared 
an informative background report for the 
Members which can be obtained by con- 
tacting the committee for copies — Ge- 
netic Engineering, Human Genetics, and 
Cell Biology. Evolution of Technological 
Issues. DNA Recombinant Molecule Re- 
search [Supplemental Report HI De- 
cember 1976. The Congressional Re- 
search Service has prepared an Issue 
brief which is available on this topic and 
which they can provide on request. Their 
.issue brief provides current information 
on the status of legislative actions being 
considered in the Congress and cites 
other sources of information. I offer the 
services of my office to any Member who 
desires additional information and I as- 
sure you that this issue will have my own 
continuing attention. This is an issue of 
worldwide interest in which once again 
the actions of tlie United States are the 
center of attention and will have a far- 
reaching impact on world decisions. 
III-2 
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