[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 193 (Thursday, December 15, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2270]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     IN OPPOSITION OF IMPLICATIONS TO MEDICAL RESEARCH IN H.R. 1254

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DORIS O. MATSUI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, December 15, 2011

  Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to bring attention to a 
possible unintentional consequence of H.R. 1254, the Synthetic Drug 
Control Act of 2011. This legislation would add two categories of 
synthetic drugs to the list of Schedule I controlled substances.
  While I am troubled by news reports involving these drugs and I 
support restrictions on the sale of these chemicals for purposes of 
illicit use, I am concerned about the impact the ban would impose on 
legitimate scientific research, including much needed medical advances.
  To maintain our position in the world as the leader in the research 
and development of pharmaceuticals, we must ensure that researchers 
have access to the compounds necessary to discover and create new 
drugs. We cannot afford to stifle these advancements. At a time when 
other countries continue to make gains in medical research, we must 
make certain our researchers have all available means necessary to 
further their studies and uphold our competitive edge.
  If enacted into law, should this measure hinder any progress in the 
arena of medical research, I would urge Congress to re-examine this 
issue in a way that protects public health while continuing to make 
much needed medical advancements possible. In the meantime, I would 
also urge my colleagues in the Senate to thoroughly examine this issue 
during any consideration of H.R. 1254 or a similar legislative 
proposal.

                          ____________________