Delving even further in the legislation of research, a Parkinson s bill in the House, HR 3514, bans the use of fetal tissue from abortions, which would reverse an act from the NIH Reauthorization Bill of 1993, PL 103-43, allowing fetal tissue use. The Udall bill, which does not restrict funding for Parkinson s research using fetal tissue, is by far more popular in the House, but has been stalled in subcommittee for several months, due to the its tolerance of fetal tissue research. Reportedly, there are 229 supporters of the Udall Bill in the House. The Revitalization Act reportedly has 59 supporters, and one Committee watcher says the bill will be successful due to its grass roots organization, and bipartisan support base. A mouse model is helping to decode the mysteries of vertebrate bone formation.
Vertebrates constantly remodel and maintain bone mass within defined limits.
If proposed legislation regarding pet protection makes its way through the House and Senate, cardiovascular and orthopedic surgeons will discover themselves hard pressed to find the dogs they need to conduct research. On August 1, a US Congressional subcommittee heard arguments for and against two bills that seek to eliminate Class B or intermediate animal handlers. At the USDA, all of us have been troubled by allegations that some Class B dealers may be stealing animals outright, adopting them through free to a good home ads, or turning a blind eye to the animal s original source, stated Michael V. Dunn, a USDA representative. According to the Animal Welfare Act, class B dealers can obtain dogs only from pounds, auctions, or breeders. The USDA requires Class B dealers to keep extensive records on each dog.