[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 136 (Friday, October 8, 1999)]
[Senate]
[Page S12323]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   SENATE RESOLUTION 200--DESIGNATING THE WEEK OF FEBRUARY 14-20 AS 
                    ``NATIONAL BIOTECHNOLOGY WEEK''

  Mr. GRAMS submitted the following resolution; which was referred to 
the Committee on the Judiciary:

                              S. Res. 200

       Whereas biotechnology is increasingly important to the 
     research and development of medical, agricultural, 
     industrial, and environmental products;
       Whereas biotechnology has been responsible for 
     breakthroughs and achievements which have benefited people 
     for centuries and, in the 20th century, has contributed to 
     increasing the lifespan of Americans by 25 years through the 
     development of vaccines, antibiotics, and other drugs;
       Whereas biotechnology is central to research for cures to 
     diseases such as cancer, diabetes, epilepsy, multiple 
     sclerosis, heart and lung disease, Alzheimer's disease, 
     Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), and innumerable 
     other medical ailments;
       Whereas biotechnology contributes to crop yields and farm 
     productivity and enhances the quality, value, and suitability 
     of crops for food and other uses which are critical to 
     America's agricultural system;
       Whereas biotechnology promises environmental benefits 
     including protection of water quality, conservation of 
     topsoil, improvement of waste management techniques, and 
     reduction of chemical pesticide usage;
       Whereas biotechnology contributes to the success of the 
     United States in international commerce and trade;
       Whereas biotechnology will be an important catalyst for 
     creating jobs in the 21st century; and
       Whereas it is important for all Americans to understand the 
     role biotechnology contributes to their quality of life: Now, 
     therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) designates the week of February 14-20 of the year 2000 
     as ``National Biotechnology Week''; and
       (2) requests that the President issue a proclamation 
     calling on the people of the United States to observe this 
     week with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.

 Mr. GRAMS. Mr. President, I rise today to submit a resolution 
which would designate the week of February 14-20 as ``National 
Biotechnology Week.''
  I'm submitting this resolution because I believe it is important for 
our nation to recognize the role biotechnology has played in enhancing, 
saving and extending our lives. Indeed, biotechnology has extended the 
average American's life by nearly 25 years.
  Mr. President, the 20th century has shown the most significant 
advancements in all fields of biotechnology and there is reason to 
believe it will continue to deliver great hope and promise well into 
the 21st century. This industry is one of our fastest growing and will 
add thousands of new job opportunities to our economy. Just as the 
weeks of January and February, 2000 represent the start of a countdown 
to a new millennium beginning in 2001, they also represent the 
countdown to breakthroughs we all once thought were impossible.
  Already, advances made in agricultural biotechnology have given us 
increased crop yields and promises of new uses for our agricultural 
commodities as well as the higher quality, more nutritious products to 
improve the competitiveness of our farmers. Great strides have been 
made through the use of biotechnology and health care and hold the keys 
to successfully treating or curing diseases such as cancer, diabetes 
and countless other conditions. Biotechnology has assisted us in 
improving water quality, conserving precious topsoil and reducing the 
need for pesticides which helps us improve our environment for future 
generations.
  Mr. President, these are just a few examples of the impact 
biotechnology has had on our lives. I believe Americans should 
understand the importance of biotechnology in our way of life. With the 
passage of the resolution I introduce today, we provide a forum for 
many events in February to salute and promote this industry of the 
future.
  I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing this important 
industry.

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