March 28, 2001

Mr. Chairman, the subject of today’s hearing is enormously important.

Because of this significance, I am disappointed that we will not hear today from the premier voice in basic science, the National Institutes of Health (NIH). They are a valuable resource on the matters before us, even though NIH is barred from using federal funds for cloning humans.

I also urge caution as the Committee approaches this subject, because a clumsy, ideologically driven effort would chill or curtail some of the most important research being conducted in the life sciences. This research holds promise for so many who suffer from a number of diseases, including Parkinson’s, diabetes, cancer, and Alzheimer’s. I know that the biotechnology industry is concerned about this and I am glad they are here today.

Finally, Mr. Chairman, some may suggest that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) lacks both the authority and the resources to police a ban on cloning. If we want FDA to do more, I ask, how? What personnel and what facilities should now become subject to FDA jurisdiction? How often, and under what standards, should anyone with the theoretical ability to clone a human be inspected? And where is FDA going to find the resources to take additional steps to police a ban on cloning? I don’t see anything in the President’s budget that would allow FDA to enhance its efforts to stop the cloning of humans. Would existing programs, such as new drug approvals and food safety, be adversely affected? If we place more obligations upon FDA without providing additional resources, then we will be at fault.

I urge the Committee to address this topic thoughtfully, carefully, and responsibly.