7 
Mr. Chairman, certain of the principles embodied in the original 
Administration bill continue to serve as a model for simple legislation. 
At the same time, whatever legislation is enacted should avoid detailed 
listing of responsibilities that limit needed discretionary powers of 
relevant Federal officials and bodies. For example, subject to Congres- 
sional oversight, the Secretary of HEW, in developing and implementing 
regulations for recombinant DNA activities, should have flexibility 
to accommodate rapidly growing knowledge in the subject area. 
Also desirable would be appropriate means to remove such regulation 
if demonstrated to be unnecessary. Legislation should facilitate 
maximum governance at the level of the institution where the research 
takes place, including responsibility for overseeing the conduct of 
these activities. Whatever the nature of the regulation, there must 
be careful regard for due process, full disclosure of information to 
the public, and a safeguard of its Interests. 
In the absence of legislation, recombinant DNA research in the 
private sector which is federally funded will continue to comply with 
the NIH standards as currently agreed upon by agencies involved. 
Elsewhere in the private sector, the pharmaceutical manufacturers 
[ 884 ] 
