[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 79 (Thursday, May 21, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1243]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         INTRODUCTION OF THE MERCURY-FREE VACCINES ACT OF 2009

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                        HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 21, 2009

  Mrs. MALONEY. Madam Speaker, today I am reintroducing an important 
piece of legislation with my colleagues Mr. Smith, Mr. Kennedy, Mr. 
Burton, and Mr. Ackerman that will protect infants and young children 
from mercury, a known neurotoxin, in vaccines. This legislation builds 
on the policy recommendations issued in July 1999 by the Public Health 
Service, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the American Academy 
of Family Physicians. That policy proclaimed ``[The] Public Health 
Service, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and vaccine manufacturers 
agree that thimerosal-containing vaccines should be removed as soon as 
possible.'' Mercury is well established as a neurotoxin and is 
particularly harmful to the developing central nervous system. Given 
that mercury remains in some childhood vaccines and that some infants 
are likely to receive mercury-containing flu vaccine in the upcoming 
flu season this bill puts in statute definite timelines for the 
elimination of mercury from vaccines to eliminate this exposure in 
children and reduce this exposure in adults. It is incumbent upon us to 
ensure the immunizations we provide our children are free from harmful 
neurotoxins, which is why I proudly introduce this legislation.

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