[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 6 (Tuesday, February 1, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E49]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              RECOGNITION OF NATIONAL BIOTECHNOLOGY MONTH

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                         HON. PATRICK J. TOOMEY

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 1, 2000

  Mr. TOOMEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend workers in the 
biotechnology industry for their progress in improving the lives of all 
Americans. We just concluded National Biotechnology Month, and I would 
like to take a brief moment to highlight the potential that 
biotechnology has for us in 21st century.
  Biotechnology companies are developing treatments and vaccines for 
devastating diseases--such as Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, cancer, and 
AIDS--that will improve the lives of millions of Americans afflicted 
with these ailments. They are also responsible for developing 
treatments for smaller diseases harming perhaps just a few hundred 
people, but nonetheless just as debilitating. In addition, 
biotechnology is about more than just medical research. Scientists are 
beginning to use biotechnology for other uses, such as environmental 
remediation.
  Furthermore, the biotechnology industry has also had a significant 
positive impact on our nation's economy. A recent report by the Joint 
Economic Committee stated that the biotechnology industry spent $10 
billion on research and development in 1998, while employing 150,000 
workers nationwide. My home state of Pennsylvania has helped lead the 
way in biotechnology, ranking second in the nation in the number of 
jobs based on biotechnology.
  Congress needs to continue to work with the biotechnology industry 
for an equitable public-private sector partnership, and make sure new 
technologies are not unnecessarily slowed by over-burdensome 
regulations. I congratulate the biotechnology industry on its 
accomplishments and its bright future.

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