[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 6 (Tuesday, February 1, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E43]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             SUPPORT FOR WASHINGTON STATE BIOTECH INDUSTRY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. ADAM SMITH

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 1, 2000

  Mr. SMITH. Mr. Speaker, I rise to express my support for the 
biotechnology industry in Washington State and throughout the country. 
The Puget Sound region of Washington State, which I represent, has a 
vibrant economy and the area leads the United States as a haven for 
new, innovative, cutting-edge companies. A major contributor to this 
economy are the many biotechnology companies that have been established 
in our State. Washington State is currently home to 116 biotechnology 
companies and the industry employs over 7,000 people in the State. I 
believe these companies do more than make our State a leader, but also 
put the United States in a position as a worldwide leader for 
developing products that improve lives.
  The United States leads the world in biotechnology innovations. These 
products benefit hundreds of millions of people worldwide with life-
threatening illnesses, such as heart disease, cancer, neurological 
diseases, infectious diseases, and obesity. The advances by the 
biotechnology industry are revolutionizing every face of medicine, from 
diagnosis to treatment of all diseases, not just bacterial infections. 
It is detailing life at the molecular level and someday will take much 
of the guesswork out of disease management and treatment.
  I am happy to support the biotechnology industry and commend the 
important investments the industry makes in research and development. I 
believe it is the responsibility of Congress to continue to spend money 
on basic research, which the industry can build on to develop products. 
I also believe it is important for Congress to assure the policies of 
our Federal Government to encourage the continued innovation of this 
ever growing industry.

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