[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 42 (Tuesday, April 16, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Pages S2731-S2732]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 SENATE RESOLUTION 243--DESIGNATING THE WEEK OF APRIL 21 THROUGH APRIL 
              28, 2002, AS ``NATIONAL BIOTECHNOLOGY WEEK''

  Mr. HUTCHINSON (for himself, Mr. Dodd, Mrs. Murray, Mr. Hatch, Mr. 
Specter, Mr. Bond, Mr. Bingaman, Mr. Craig, Mr. Torricelli, Mr. Biden, 
Mr. Jeffords, Mr. Corzine, Mr. Sarbanes, Ms. Mikulski, Mr. Kennedy, Mr. 
Helms, Mr. Frist, Mr. Breaux, Mr. Edwards, Mr. Crapo, Ms. Collins, Mr. 
Campbell, Mr. Sessions, Mr. Inhofe, Mrs. Carnahan, Mr. Durbin, Mr. 
Kerry, and Mr. Thurmond) submitted the following resolution; which was 
referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

                              S. Res. 243

       Whereas biotechnology is a strategic industry and is 
     increasingly important to the research and development of 
     products that improve health care, agriculture, industrial 
     processes, environmental remediation, and biological defense;
       Whereas biotechnology has been responsible for medical 
     breakthroughs that have benefited millions of people 
     worldwide through the development of vaccines, antibiotics, 
     and other drugs;
       Whereas biotechnology is central to research into cures and 
     treatments for conditions such as cancer, diabetes, epilepsy, 
     multiple sclerosis, heart and lung disease, Alzheimer's 
     disease, Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, Parkinson's 
     disease, spinal cord injuries, and many other ailments;
       Whereas biotechnology contributes to crop yields and farm 
     productivity, reduces chemical pesticide use, and enhances 
     the quality, value, and suitability of crops for food and 
     other uses that are critical to the agriculture of the United 
     States;
       Whereas biotechnology offers the potential for increasing 
     food production, particularly in developing nations facing 
     chronic food shortages;
       Whereas biotechnology, through industrial applications, is 
     creating an abundance of efficient enzymes and other biobased 
     products, which foster cleaner industrial processes and can 
     help produce energy, fine chemicals, and biobased plastics 
     from renewable resources;
       Whereas biotechnology contributes to homeland defense and 
     national security by providing the tools to develop a new 
     generation of vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics for 
     defense against bioterrorism;
       Whereas biotechnology contributes to the success of the 
     United States as the global leader in research and 
     development, and international commerce;
       Whereas biotechnology will be an important catalyst for 
     creating more high-skilled jobs throughout the 21st century 
     and will help reinvigorate rural economies; and
       Whereas it is important for all people of the United States 
     to understand the beneficial role biotechnology plays in an 
     improved quality of life: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) designates the week of April 21 through April 28, 2002, 
     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. HUTCHINSON. Mr. President, I rise today with Senators 
Dodd, Murray, Hatch, Specter, Bond, Bingaman, Craig, Torricelli, Biden, 
Jeffords, Corzine, Sarbanes, Mikulski, Kennedy, Helms, Frist, Breaux, 
Edwards, Crapo, Collins, Campbell, Sessions, Inhofe, Carnahan, Durbin, 
Kerry, and Thurmond to submit a Senate Resolution declaring the Week of 
April 21-April 27, 2002, as ``National Biotechnology Week.''
  There have been incredible advancements in science over the last few 
years that are allowing us to improve health care, increase crop 
yields, reduce the use of pesticides, and replace costly industrial 
processes involving harsh chemicals with cheaper, safer, biological 
processes. These advancements have occurred due to the hard work and 
diligence of scientists and researchers in the United States, and all 
around the world, who have spent their lives promoting and perfecting 
the practice of biotechnology.
  In addition, biotechnology and the tools and devices developed for 
this technology will be essential as our country continues to heighten 
its efforts to combat bioterrorism. One of the first challenges in 
combating bioterrorism is detection. Quick analysis of pathogens using 
gene chips and advanced techniques derived from biotechnology will 
allow health providers to quickly identify the type and nature of any 
biological attack. Also, there is a need to be able to respond to a 
biological attack. The tools of biotechnology will allow us to develop 
the vaccines and treatments needed for this purpose. Because of its 
great potential, biotechnology is a key component of promoting national 
security.
  In my home State of Arkansas, the potential for biotechnology as a 
motor for driving economic growth is just taking hold. Innovative 
research at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville and the 
University of Arkansas Medical School is paving the way for many small 
start-up companies at the state's incubation centers. In addition, 
research at Arkansas Children's Hospital and new genomics research at 
the National Center for Toxicological Research is leading to greater 
understanding of the impact that diets have on health. Also, there is 
great economic potential for a biotechnology corridor between Little 
Rock and the Pine Bluff Arsenal where the research community would be 
welcome to grow and thrive in our State.
  With all of these benefits, there is no doubt that biotechnology is 
touching our lives and improving our world. But, along with this 
technology comes the responsibility to understand and carefully 
evaluate it. It is essential that this technology be used to improve 
our world and preserve our humanity. If there is to be a future for 
this technology, and we are to fully realize its benefits and 
potential, elected officials and the public must be informed and 
engaged about the basics of technology itself and its incredible 
benefits.
  This is why my colleagues and I are pleased to introduce this 
resolution declaring April 21-27, 2002, as ``National Biotechnology 
Week.'' It is our hope

[[Page S2732]]

that public officials, community leaders, researchers, professors, and 
school teachers across the country will take this week to actively 
promote understanding of biotechnology in their communities and their 
classrooms.

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