[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 12]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 17115]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




 INTRODUCTION OF THE COMPREHENSIVE COMPARATIVE STUDY OF VACCINATED AND 
                  UNVACCINATED POPULATIONS ACT OF 2007

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 22, 2007

  Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Madam Speaker, today I am reintroducing 
very important bipartisan legislation that I hope will resolve the 
question of whether or not there is a link between the increased 
incidence of autism and the use of thimerosal in vaccines. Many parents 
have raised concerns about the effect that thimerosal, which is made of 
mercury--a known neurotoxin that is widely used as a preservative in 
vaccines--may have had on a child's chances of developing autism and 
other neurological disorders. The study mandated by this new 
legislation would try to help resolve this controversy once and for 
all. While vaccines have been instrumental in reducing the incidence of 
many once-common diseases, we owe it to parents and children to study 
and resolve the question of the possible link between thimerosal in 
vaccines and autism. What is ultimately needed to resolve this issue 
one way or the other is a comprehensive national study comparing 
outcomes between vaccinated and unvaccinated children. As the most 
scientifically advanced country in the world, we should be jumping at 
the chance to conduct a comprehensive national study and ensure 
absolute trust in our Nation's vaccine program. Parents deserve 
answers, and children deserve no less than absolute certainty and 
safety, which is why I am pleased to reintroduce this legislation 
today.

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