[20141124]IN10184_联邦暂停潜在危险的流感研究.pdf

CRS InsightsA Federal Pause in Potentially Risky Influenza ResearchDana A. Shea, Specialist in Science and Technology Policy (dsheacrs.loc.gov, 7-6844)November 24, 2014 (IN10184)OverviewOver several decades, Congress has enacted legislation to fund research into the origins andmechanisms of the causes and transmission of disease with the intent to spur the development oftreatments and to improve public health. It has also enacted legislation in order to improve the securityof biological pathogens. A recently implemented federal research moratorium has highlighted concernsabout the general appropriateness of this research and the sufficiency of these biosecurity efforts.Policymakers focused on the intersection of public health and scientific research may question whethera moratorium appropriately balances federal interests in developing disease countermeasures withconcerns over the potential of altered pathogens escaping research laboratories.On October 17, 2014, the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) and theDepartment of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced a government moratorium on certainresearch projects involving influenza, Middle East respiratory