INTRODUCTION 
The ability to recombine DNA molecules of different organisms 
holds the promise of important benefits, both intellectual and material. 
Theoretically, it may also create hazards to human beings or the envi- 
ronment or interfere in unpredictable ways with hereditary processes. 
Exchanges of genetic material among organisms occur naturally, and 
no illnesses or other adverse effects have been associated with recom- 
binants produced in the research laboratory. Nevertheless, many scien- 
tists and laypersons believe that the degree of uncertainty and the 
magnitude of the hypothesized risks justify restricting the use of 
recombinant DNA techniques. 
American society, however, places great value on scientific and 
academic inquiry and has been reluctant to limit their freedom. Even 
where the risks of research are known, Government has not always 
acted to reduce them. The Atomic Energy Act imposes controls on the 
scientific use of radioactive substances, and restrictions are placed on 
the use of human subjects in experimentation; but pathogenic orga- 
nisms and toxins have long been used in research, largely without 
Government interference or serious adverse effects on public health. 
Regulation of recombinant DNA technology represents public control 
of research procedures whose scientific utility is proven, whose social 
benefits may be significant, and whose dangers are not evident. 
Understandably, Congress has found it difficult to reach an accept- 
able legislative resolution of these issues. The difficulty arises from 
conflicting values and perceptions in the absence of long experience 
with recombinant DNA techniques and knowledge of their effects. 
Legislative attempts to protect public health and the environment 
without impeding further research and development have met with 
criticisms from both sides of the controversy. Some charge that the 
proposed controls are inadequate; others argue that they represent 
unwarranted and dangerously restrictive Government control of 
scientific investigation. 
Pursuant to its jurisdiction over “science, engineering, and technol- 
ogy research and development policy.” the Subcommittee on Science, 
Technology, and Space held 3 days of hearings on recombinant DNA 
research in November 1977 ; the subcommittee later examined the 
possible commercial applications of this technology. These inquiries 
reflect the subcommittee’s concerns both about the protection of public 
health and the environment and about the implications of regulation 
for scientific research and development activities generally. While the 
former concern dictates caution in the conduct of recombinant DNA 
research, the latter concern dictates care in the design and implementa- 
tion of restrictions on it. The following oversight report presents the 
subcommittee’s conclusions and recommendations for legislative and 
executive action. 
( 1 ) 
[Appendix B — 261] 
