108TH CONGRESS
1ST SESSION
H. CON. RES. 110
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
Whereas April 25, 2003, will be the 50th anniversary of the
publication of the description of the double-helix struc-
ture 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 sig-
nificant scientific discoveries of the twentieth century;
•HCON 110 EH
Whereas their discovery launched a field of inquiry that ex-
plained how DNA carries biological information in the ge-
netic 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 found-
ing 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 pro-
vided free of charge to the public as soon as it is avail-
able;
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 exem-
plary model for social responsibility in scientific research,
by devoting significant resources to studying the ethical,
legal, and social implications of the project;
•HCON 110 EH
Whereas, in April 2003, the National Human Genome Re-
search 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 un-
derstanding 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 ge-
nome as one of the most significant scientific accom-
plishments of the past one hundred years;
(2) honors the 50th anniversary of the out-
standing accomplishment of describing the structure
of DNA, the essential completion of the sequencing
of the human genome in April 2003, and the devel-
opment a plan for the future of genomics;
(3) supports the goals and ideals of Human Ge-
nome Month and DNA Day; and
(4) encourages schools, museums, cultural orga-
nizations, and other educational institutions in the
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United States to recognize Human Genome Month
and DNA Day with appropriate programs and ac-
tivities centered on human genomics, using informa-
tion and materials provided through the National
Human Genome Research Institute and other
sources.
Passed the House of Representatives June 11, 2003.
Attest:
Clerk.