9 
IV. Committee Views 
I. Findings 
The Committee believes that recombinant DXA techniques hold 
great promise for biologic research. The products of this research may 
have significant benefits for the health of the American people — by 
helping scientists better understand the nature of specific diseases and 
by facilitating the development of effective, inexpensive therapies 
for those diseases. In addition, the Committee believes that recom- 
binant DXA activities hold great promise in other areas, such as agri- 
culture and industrial production. The Committee notes the important 
implications for the development of nitrogen fixation. 
The Committee is impressed with the process by which the national 
debate over recombinant DXA research has been conducted. The 
process has involved the continuing dialogue between members of 
the general public and the scientists conducting the research. These 
discussions have ben carried out in many communities throughout 
the nation. They have served to bring scientists and members of the 
public together. They have shown that citizens who take an active 
interest in recombinant DXA policy can become informed and make 
responsible judgments. 
II. National Commission 
The Committee believes that an expanded role for members of the 
general public in the establishment, development and evaluation of 
recombinant DXA policy is important. In order to build on what 
has already been achieved in many communities throughout the na- 
tion, the Committee believes that the regulation of the safety of recom- 
binant DXA activities should be conducted by a national commission 
which would bring members of the general public and scientists, 
including those competent in recombinant DXA research, together 
in a regulatory body. Such a vehicle assures that the process of regu- 
lation will not be solely in the hands of those doing the research. The 
committee believes that the X.I.H., with its mission of promoting the 
development of research, is not the appropriate agency to regulate it. 
Thus, the commission will consist of eleven members, six of whom are 
not engaged in and have never been engaged in biological research and 
who are members of the general public, including those who are quali- 
fied by virtue of their training, experience or background in the fields 
of medicine, law, ethics, education, physical, behavioral and social 
sciences, philosophy, humanities, health administration, government 
or public affairs. Five members of the commission will be individuals 
who have been or are engaged in biologic research. Because of the 
significance of this new approach of bringing members of the public 
and members of the scientific community together in a joint effort 
to regulate a potentially hazardous area of research so as to ensure 
its safe conduct, the Committee believes that the commission members 
should be appointed by the President and that the chairman should 
be subject. to the advice and consent of the Senate. 
The Committee believes that the talents of university researchers 
must be tapped for service on this commission. Thus, it is not the intent 
of the Committee to equate the receipt of scientific research grants with 
a “financial interest” in recombinant DXA activities.” 
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