Dianne Feinstein: “the Biotechnology Industry Association analyzes both the Bond-Frist bill and the Feinstein-Kennedy bill, which is a…”

“the Biotechnology Industry Association analyzes both the Bond-Frist bill and the Feinstein-Kennedy bill, which is a second bill that addresses cloning. This interesting analysis, representing the entire biotechnology industry of the United States, makes a very important point, that whatever we do here impacts on human research in a multitude of different areas, and most particularly it affects cancer research. Mr. President, I will comment on this paper and also comment on a number of other items. The American Association for Cancer Research's letter to Senator Connie Mack urges that there be a 45-day delay in enacting any legislation until definitions and implications of legislation can be determined in a more reasonable and thoughtful manner and in an open and public process. They are calling for reason, they are calling for thoughtful deliberation, they are calling for a public process. Who can deny that on a very complicated subject? The Whitehead Institute--and specifically Gerald R. Fink, a Director of the American Cancer Society, Professor of Genetics--in his letter talks about the limited ability to develop cell-based strategies, which will take place if the Bond-Frist bill is ramrodded through this body. The American Society for Reproductive Medicine has written a letter urging this body to vote no on the Bond-Frist legislation.”