12 
In considering elements of proposed legislation, a number of issues 
were raised and discussed fully by the Committee. After detailed delib- 
erations 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. 
Secretary Califano, in releasing the report on March 16, stated that 
"legislation in this area would represent an unusual regulation of 
activities affecting basic science but the potential hazards posed by 
recombinant DNA techniques warrant such a step at this time." The 
Secretary added that the Department will begin immediately to draft 
legislation in the light of the recommendations made by the Committee. 
Mr. Chairman, I would like to submit for the record this "Interim 
Report of the Federal Interagency Committee on Recombinant DNA Research 
on Suggested Elements for Legislation." 
[ 838 ] 
