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Bethesda, MD - The Federation
of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB) would like
to thank the United States House of Representatives for passing
the Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act (AETA). We applaud House Judiciary
Chairman James Sensenbrenner for his leadership in ushering this
bill through yesterday's House vote. The AETA was passed through
unanimous consent in the Senate in September. This is a momentous
step in protecting biomedical researchers, their families, and business
associates from animal rights extremism.
"Congress has sent a clear message to those who would target
scientists and their families with campaigns of harassment, violence,
and vandalism," said FASEB President Leo Furcht. "Animal
models are crucial for our understanding and treatment of human
disease, and scientists deserve a safe research environment where
they can continue to improve the health of all people."
FASEB strongly believes that animal rights extremists have become
a serious impediment to the progress of biomedical research, as
well as to the safety of scientists themselves. "Taxpayers
dollars are being wasted through senseless acts of vandalism, animals
are being harmed through ill-conceived 'liberation' attempts, and
precious progress in medicine is being delayed as these groups continue
to grow more violent and far-reaching in their efforts," Furcht
wrote in a recent letter, urging the House to move the legislation
forward. FASEB reiterated its support in a letter sent yesterday
morning to all Representatives, asking for swift passage of the
AETA.
According to Furcht, "FASEB and the entire biomedical research
community are grateful to Congress for recognizing the threat posed
by this fringe element of the animal rights movement and acting
to protect our nation's invaluable medical research enterprise.
We hope that the President will follow their lead and sign the AETA
into law without delay."
FASEB is composed of 21 societies with more than 80,000 members,
making it the largest coalition of biomedical research associations
in the United States. FASEB's mission is to enhance the ability
of biomedical and life scientists to improve-through their research-the
health, well-being and productivity of all people. FASEB serves
the interests of these scientists in those areas related to public
policy, facilitates coalition activities among Member Societies
and disseminates information on biological research through scientific
conferences and publications.
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