[Congressional Bills 108th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Con. Res. 110 Referred in Senate (RFS)]

  1st Session
H. CON. RES. 110


_______________________________________________________________________


                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                             June 12, 2003

        Received and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary

_______________________________________________________________________

                         CONCURRENT RESOLUTION


 
   Recognizing the sequencing of the human genome as one of the most 
 significant scientific accomplishments of the past one hundred years 
 and expressing support for the goals and ideals of Human Genome Month 
                              and DNA Day.

Whereas April 25, 2003, will be the 50th anniversary of the publication of the 
        description of the double-helix structure of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) 
        in Nature magazine by James D. Watson and Francis H.C. Crick, which is 
        considered by many scientists to be one of the most significant 
        scientific discoveries of the twentieth century;
Whereas their discovery launched a field of inquiry that explained how DNA 
        carries biological information in the genetic code and how this 
        information is duplicated and passed from generation to generation, 
        forming the stream of life that connects us all to our ancestors and to 
        our descendants;
Whereas this field of inquiry in turn was crucial to the founding and continued 
        growth of the field of biotechnology, which has led to historic 
        scientific and economic advances for the world, advances in which the 
        people of the United States have played a leading role and from which 
        they have realized significant benefits;
Whereas, in April 2003, the international Human Genome Project will achieve 
        essential completion of the finished reference sequence of the human 
        genome, which carries all the biological information needed to construct 
        the human form;
Whereas the Human Genome Project will be completed ahead of schedule and under 
        budget;
Whereas all data from the Human Genome Project is provided free of charge to the 
        public as soon as it is available;
Whereas the sequencing of the human genome has already fostered biomedical 
        research discoveries that have led to improvements in human health;
Whereas the Human Genome Project has provided an exemplary model for social 
        responsibility in scientific research, by devoting significant resources 
        to studying the ethical, legal, and social implications of the project;
Whereas, in April 2003, the National Human Genome Research Institute of the 
        National Institutes of Health will publish a new plan for genomic 
        research;
Whereas this new plan will establish priorities for the future of genomic 
        research, predict future developments in understanding heredity, and 
        serve as a guide in applying this knowledge to improve human health; and
Whereas the National Human Genome Research Institute has designated April 2003 
        as ``Human Genome Month'' in celebration of the completion of the 
        sequencing of the human genome and April 25, 2003, as ``DNA Day'' in 
        celebration of the 50th anniversary of the publication of the 
        description of the structure of DNA on April 25, 1953: Now, therefore, 
        be it
    Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), 
That Congress--
            (1) recognizes the sequencing of the human genome as one of 
        the most significant scientific accomplishments of the past one 
        hundred years;
            (2) honors the 50th anniversary of the outstanding 
        accomplishment of describing the structure of DNA, the 
        essential completion of the sequencing of the human genome in 
        April 2003, and the development a plan for the future of 
        genomics;
            (3) supports the goals and ideals of Human Genome Month and 
        DNA Day; and
            (4) encourages schools, museums, cultural organizations, 
        and other educational institutions in the United States to 
        recognize Human Genome Month and DNA Day with appropriate 
        programs and activities centered on human genomics, using 
        information and materials provided through the National Human 
        Genome Research Institute and other sources.

            Passed the House of Representatives June 11, 2003.

            Attest:

                                                 JEFF TRANDAHL,

                                                                 Clerk.