H FUQUA (Fla I. Chtlrmm 
U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
COMMITTEE ON SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 
SUITE 2321 RAYBURN HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING 
WASHINGTON. D C. 20515 
(202) 225-6371 
March 9, 1984 
Hon. Margaret M. Heckler 
Secretary, Department of Health 
and Human Services 
200 Independence Avenue, SW 
Washington, D.C. 20201 
Dear Madame Secretary: 
I am enclosing a copy of a report entitled, "The Environmental Implications 
of Genetic Engineering," which was recently printed by the Committee on Science 
and Technology. Generally, the report addresses questions concerning releases 
Into the environment of genetically engineered organisms. 
While acknowledging the Invaluable role played by the NIH Recombinant DNA 
Advisory Committee (RAC) In assuring public safety, together with research 
progress In genetic engineering, the report raises questions about the appro- 
priate role for NIH In assessing the release of genetically engineered or- 
ganisms Into the environment for field scale testing and for commercial pur- 
poses. The report contains several recommendations relevant to the activities 
of your agency. I would appreciate your response to the report generally, and 
to the specific recommendations addressed to your agency. Additionally, I 
would appreciate answers to the following questions: 
(1) The RAC has recently made several decisions concerning releases into 
the environment of genetically engineered organisms. Does HHS Intend 
to continue this practice for NIH funded research? For non-NIH funded 
research? For releases for field scale tests? For releases for com- 
mercial purpose? 
(2) To the extent that NIH intends to review applications for release Into 
the environment of genetically engineered organisms for commercial pui — 
poses, does HHS Del leve that NIH has sufficient (a) legal authority to 
require submission of applications for all potential releases, and to 
obtain or acquire Information necessary for decision making; (b) admin- 
istrative procedures to protect the rights of the public and the appli- 
cant; and (c) personnel and procedures to adequately evaluate on a 
timely basis significant numbers of applications? 
LARRY WINN. JR.. KAN3. 
MANUEL LUJAN JR., N MEX. 
ROBERT S WALKER. PA. 
WILLIAM CARNEY. NY. 
E JAMES SFNSFNBRENNER. JX. W1S 
JUOO GREGG. NH 
RAYMOND J MCGRATH. NY 
JOE SKEEN N MEX 
CLAUDINE SCHNEIDER. R I. 
BILL LOWERY. CALIF 
ROD CHANDLER. WASH. 
HERBERT H BATEMAN. VA 
SHERWOOD L BOEHLERT. N.Y. | 
ALFRED A. MC CANOLESS. CALIF 
TOM LEWIS. FLA. 
HAROLO P. HANSON 
Eaecutfve Director 
ROBERT C K ETC HAM 
General Counsel 
OAVIO S. JEFFERY 
Minority Sieff Director 
RcbVrt a. roe. nj. 
G(OftOC C. BROWN. JR.. CAUf. 
J AMK k H. SCHEUER. N Y. 
RICHARO L OTTINGER. N.Y. 
TOM HARK IN. IOWA 
MARILYN LLOYD. TENN. 
DOUG WALGREN. PA 
DAN GLICKMAN. KANS. 
ALBERT GORE. JR.. TENN. 
ROBERT A YOUNG. MO 
HAROLO L VOLKMER. MO. 
•IU NELSON. FLA 
STAN LUNDINE. N.Y. 
Ralph m hall. TEA 
OAVC MC CUROY. OK LA 
MERVYN M. OYMALLY, CAL#. 
PAUL SIMON. XL 
NORMAN V MINETA CAL#. 
RICHARO J. DURBIN. ILL 
MICHAEL A ANDREWS, TOC 
•UODY MAC KAY. FLA 
TIM VALENTINE. NC. 
HARRY M REID. NEV. 
ROBERT a TORRICELLI. NJ. 
FREDERICK C BOUCHER, VA 
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