Louise Slaughter: “Madam Speaker, the story of humanity is defined by extraordinary achievements that centuries later are looked upon as…”

“Madam Speaker, the story of humanity is defined by extraordinary achievements that centuries later are looked upon as having impacted the course of human history. Five years ago, we saw one of these distinguishing achievements: the mapping out of the human genome, a discovery that pries open the door of possibility and presents an opportunity to advance the human race. This breakthrough in the field of genetics joins the ranks of momentous discoveries that have changed the face of medicine and science for centuries to come, like the discovery of the polio vaccine so many years ago. Last week, Senator Kennedy on the Senate floor noted that the mapping of the human genome 'may well affect the 21st century as profoundly as how the invention of the computer or the splitting of the atom affected the 20th century.' However, Madam Speaker, such discoveries and achievements do not automatically lead to these extraordinary breakthroughs. In order for us to fully reap the benefits, we must ensure that our social policy keeps pace with the advancement of our science.”