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Senate Declares January 2000 National Biotechnology Month

See Senate Resolution 200 below

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Nov. 23, 1999) -- The Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) applauds the U.S. Senate for its adoption of a resolution designating January 2000 National Biotechnology Month.

Sen. Rod Grams (R-Minn.) introduced the measure and it was passed by unanimous consent on the last day of the session Nov. 19.

"This is a fitting tribute to the dedicated scientists and business professionals in our industry who are at the center of an unprecedented effort to improve health care, our food and our environment," said BIO President Carl B. Feldbaum.

The resolution recognizes the enormous contributions of an industry that has created more than 80 new drugs and vaccines over the past two decades and is conducting late-stage clinical trials on another 350 advanced medicines. These biotech drugs target the most intractable and life-threatening illnesses, such as heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer's disease and AIDS.

The Senate resolution also highlights the benefits of agricultural biotechnology, which has boosted crop yields, given farmers additional tools to control pests, and enabled growers to employ environmentally friendly farming techniques.

BIO now looks forward to working with the Clinton administration on a presidential proclamation supporting National Biotechnology Month and encouraging states to adopt similar resolutions.

BIO represents more than 850 companies, academic institutions and biotech centers in 47 states and 26 nations. BIO members are involved in the research and development of health care, agricultural, industrial and environmental biotechnology products.


Senate Resolution 200

106th CONGRESS1st Session

S. RES. 200

Designating the month of January 2000 as `National Biotechnology Month'IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

Mr. GRAMS submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary

RESOLUTION

Designating the month of January 2000 as `National Biotechnology Month'.

Whereas biotechnology is increasingly important to the research and development of medical, agricultural, industrial, and environmental products;

Whereas biotechnology has been responsible for breakthroughs and achievements which have benefited people for centuries and, in the 20th century, has contributed to increasing the life span of Americans by 25 years through the development of vaccines, antibiotics, and other drugs;

Whereas biotechnology is central to research for cures to diseases such as cancer, diabetes, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, heart and lung disease, Alzheimer's disease, Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), and innumerable other medical ailments;

Whereas biotechnology contributes to crop yields and farm productivity and enhances the quality, value, and suitability of crops for food and other uses which are critical to America's agricultural system;

Whereas biotechnology promises environmental benefits including protection of water quality, conservation of topsoil, improvement of waste management techniques, and reduction of chemical pesticide usage;

Whereas biotechnology contributes to the success of the United States in international commerce and trade;

Whereas biotechnology will be an important catalyst for creating jobs in the 21st century; and

Whereas it is important for all Americans to understand the role biotechnology contributes to their quality of life: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Senate--

(1) designates the month of January of the year 2000 as `National Biotechnology Month'; and

(2) requests that the President issue a proclamation calling on the people of the United States to observe this month with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.