[Congressional Bills 108th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Con. Res. 110 Referred in Senate (RFS)]
1st Session
H. CON. RES. 110
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
June 12, 2003
Received and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary
_______________________________________________________________________
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
Recognizing the sequencing of the human genome as one of the most
significant scientific accomplishments of the past one hundred years
and expressing support for the goals and ideals of Human Genome Month
and DNA Day.
Whereas April 25, 2003, will be the 50th anniversary of the publication of the
description of the double-helix structure of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)
in Nature magazine by James D. Watson and Francis H.C. Crick, which is
considered by many scientists to be one of the most significant
scientific discoveries of the twentieth century;
Whereas their discovery launched a field of inquiry that explained how DNA
carries biological information in the genetic code and how this
information is duplicated and passed from generation to generation,
forming the stream of life that connects us all to our ancestors and to
our descendants;
Whereas this field of inquiry in turn was crucial to the founding and continued
growth of the field of biotechnology, which has led to historic
scientific and economic advances for the world, advances in which the
people of the United States have played a leading role and from which
they have realized significant benefits;
Whereas, in April 2003, the international Human Genome Project will achieve
essential completion of the finished reference sequence of the human
genome, which carries all the biological information needed to construct
the human form;
Whereas the Human Genome Project will be completed ahead of schedule and under
budget;
Whereas all data from the Human Genome Project is provided free of charge to the
public as soon as it is available;
Whereas the sequencing of the human genome has already fostered biomedical
research discoveries that have led to improvements in human health;
Whereas the Human Genome Project has provided an exemplary model for social
responsibility in scientific research, by devoting significant resources
to studying the ethical, legal, and social implications of the project;
Whereas, in April 2003, the National Human Genome Research Institute of the
National Institutes of Health will publish a new plan for genomic
research;
Whereas this new plan will establish priorities for the future of genomic
research, predict future developments in understanding heredity, and
serve as a guide in applying this knowledge to improve human health; and
Whereas the National Human Genome Research Institute has designated April 2003
as ``Human Genome Month'' in celebration of the completion of the
sequencing of the human genome and 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: Now, therefore,
be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring),
That Congress--
(1) recognizes the sequencing of the human genome as one of
the most significant scientific accomplishments of the past one
hundred years;
(2) honors the 50th anniversary of the outstanding
accomplishment of describing the structure of DNA, the
essential completion of the sequencing of the human genome in
April 2003, and the development a plan for the future of
genomics;
(3) supports the goals and ideals of Human Genome Month and
DNA Day; and
(4) encourages schools, museums, cultural organizations,
and other educational institutions in the United States to
recognize Human Genome Month and DNA Day with appropriate
programs and activities centered on human genomics, using
information and materials provided through the National Human
Genome Research Institute and other sources.
Passed the House of Representatives June 11, 2003.
Attest:
JEFF TRANDAHL,
Clerk.