Mr. Chairman and Members of the Committee: 
In June 1976 the National Institutes of Health, with the concurrence 
i 
of the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare and the Assistant 
Secretary for Health, issued Guidelines to govern the conduct of NIH- 
supported research involving recombinant DNA molecules. A number of 
scientific, administrative, and legislative events have occurred since 
that time which I would like to summarize for the Committee. Then 
perhaps a quick look at issues in evolving Federal policies for 
recombinant DNA research would be in order. 
The new recombinant DNA technique has resulted in a profound and 
qualitative change in the field of genetics. Developments in genetic 
research, particularly in the last four years, open avenues to science 
that were previously inaccessible. Hypotheses and ideas that were not 
confirmed can now be rigorously tested. The understanding of basic 
biological phenomena has already been enhanced, and the promise of 
recombinant DNA research for better understanding and improved treatment 
of human disease is great. Further experimental data will be required 
to delimit the benefits that may be derived through this technique. 
Some of the same scientists who foresaw the widening of the 
horizons of biology through these means were the first to express concern 
that they might be hazardous as well. The worst scenarios imagined 
microorganisms with foreign genes that could cause disease or adversely 
affect the environment if they should escape from the laboratory and 
infect human beings, animals, or plants. The Guidelines that resulted 
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