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Bioscience Briefing

For info about biomedical funding, animal research and other bioscience issues, click here.

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Resource Book Now Available

Click here for more info on The APS Resource Book for the Design of Animal Exercise Protocols.

APS Science Policy Update

December 13, 2006

In this issue:

• Legislative updates
• FASEB’s new evolution resources
   

Last minute legislation in 109^th Congress

In the final hours of the legislative session, Congress passed a number of bills that are of relevance to the scientific community, most notably NIH reauthorization. Members of Congress also finalized a bill on bioterrorism and confirmed a new FDA commissioner, but failed to complete funding bills for FY 2007. For a rundown of what went on, see:
http://www.the-scientist.com/news/home/37513/

Also of note in the 109^th Congress was passage of the Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act, which provides additional legal protection for researchers who work with animal models.
http://www.the-aps.org/pa/resources/archives/highlights/AETAhouse.htm

Funding outlook for the next Congress

As the democrats take control of the next Congress, incoming Appropriations chairs Rep. David Obey (D-WI) and Senator Robert Byrd (D-WV) signaled that rather than deal with unfinished appropriations bill for FY 2007, they intend to pass a year-long continuing resolution that will fund government programs at current levels until FY 2008. Representative Obey and Senator Byrd also indicate that they plan to ban earmarks until lobbying reform is enacted. For more information:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/12/11/AR2006121101305.html

New Evolution Resources

FASEB is featuring a new website dedicated to the teaching of evolution. Go to http://www.evolution.faseb.org/ to find a variety of resources including talking points and sample letters to the editor. Given the significant challenges to the teaching of evolution in public schools around the country, FASEB and many of its member societies have taken a strong stand in support of evolution in education. APS also has resources located at
http://www.the-aps.org/pa/policy/bioissues/evolutionTeach.htm.

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