House Resolution Designating National DNA Day

108th CONGRESS

1st Session

H. CON. RES. 110

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.

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

March 24, 2003

Ms. SLAUGHTER (for herself, Mr. TAUZIN, and Mr. DINGELL) submitted the following concurrent resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce

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.

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Printable PDF: H.Con.Res.110 - 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.