RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING THE IMPORTANCE OF EFFECTIVE RADIOPROTECTANT DRUG -- (Extensions of Remarks - March 16, 2005)
SPEECH OF
HON. SUSAN A. DAVIS
OF CALIFORNIA
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
TUESDAY, MARCH 15, 2005
Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to bring attention to a pressing national need. The resolution I present here is a recognition of our responsibility to protect the American people from the horrors of radiation exposure as best we can.
In this era of terrorism, the ultimate fear has always been the detonation of either a nuclear or radiological device in an American city by terrorists. Even a low-yield nuclear device is capable of causing large-scale damage.
After a blast occurs the radiation that follows is also an enormous concern.
We cannot counter the effects of a thermonuclear explosion. However, science is developing countermeasures to the medical effects of radiation exposure. These whole-body drugs, known as radioprotectants, represent a great step forward in protecting American citizens from the horrors of terrorism in the nuclear age.
This resolution expresses the sense of Congress that these drugs, if proven safe and effective, should be purchased and stockpiled by the federal government at the earliest possible opportunity under Project Bioshield.
This resolution recognizes the potential these drugs stand for, and is the first step toward appropriating the first effective medical countermeasures to radiation sickness. I strongly urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this resolution as part of our responsibility to safeguard American lives.
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