| AAU Letter Supporting
Frist-Kennedy Bioterrorism Bill
November 28, 2001 The Honorable Bill Frist Dear Senator Frist, The Association of American Universities commends your efforts, along with those of Senator Kennedy and your other co-sponsors, to strengthen federal law protecting the public from the threat of bio-terrorism. We support your legislation S. 1715 to this end. Research involving hazardous pathogens and toxic agents is carried out at several of our member universities. As you well know, this research is a crucial component of efforts to protect the public from terrorism and disease, through the development of vaccines, diagnostics and cures. For this reason, we have maintained an active interest in pending legislation in this area. We have appreciated the efforts made by you, Senator Kennedy, and your respective staffs to solicit the views of the research community on this legislation. We look forward to continued dialogue with you and Senator Kennedy to clarify questions that this legislation raises as it proceeds towards Senate passage and eventual enactment. Thank you for your leadership on this timely and urgent topic. Cordially, Nils Hasselmo RT/GL/law cc: Co-sponsors of S. 1715 |