[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 32 (Thursday, February 27, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Page S2979]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 10--DESIGNATING APRIL 2003 AS ``HUMAN 
               GENOME MONTH'' AND APRIL 25 AS ``DNA DAY''

  Mr. GREGG (for himself, Mr. Kennedy, Ms. Snowe, and Mr. Daschle) 
submitted the following concurrent resolution; which was considered and 
agreed to:

                            S. Con. Res. 10

       Whereas April 25, 2003, will mark the 50th anniversary of 
     the description of the double-helix structure of DNA by James 
     D. Watson and Francis H.C. Crick, considered by many to be 
     one of the most significant scientific discoveries of the 
     20th Century;
       Whereas, in April 2003, the International Human Genome 
     Sequencing Consortium will place the essentially completed 
     sequence of the human genome in public databases, and thereby 
     complete all of the original goals of the Human Genome 
     Project;
       Whereas, in April 2003, the National Human Genome Research 
     Institute of the National Institutes of Health in the 
     Department of Health and Human Services will unveil a new 
     plan for the future of genomics research;
       Whereas, April 2003 marks 50 years of DNA discovery during 
     which scientists in the United States and many other 
     countries, fueled by curiosity and armed with ingenuity, have 
     unraveled the mysteries of human heredity and deciphered the 
     genetic code linking one generation to the next;
       Whereas, an understanding of DNA and the human genome has 
     already fueled remarkable scientific, medical, and economic 
     advances; and
       Whereas, an understanding of DNA and the human genome hold 
     great promise to improve the health and well being of all 
     Americans: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives 
     concurring), That the Congress--
       (1) designates April 2003 as ``Human Genome Month'' in 
     order to recognize and celebrate the 50th anniversary of the 
     outstanding accomplishment of describing the structure of 
     DNA, the essential completion of the sequence of the human 
     genome, and the development of a plan for the future of 
     genomics;
       (2) designates 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; and
       (3) recommends that schools, museums, cultural 
     organizations, and other educational institutions across the 
     nation recognize Human Genome Month and DNA Day and carry out 
     appropriate activities centered on human genomics, using 
     information and materials provided through the National Human 
     Genome Research Institute and through other entities.

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