BIO keeps its agenda in check; CRADA talk without action

WASHINGTON - Conflicts between the new Congress' desire to help business, and a fierce dedication to budget reduction, as well as an agenda jam-packed with priority items from the "Contract With America," will strictly limit the biotechnology industry's ability to be heard, let alone get legislation enacted in the near future.

The short window of opportunity before campaigning for the next presidential election drowns out all but the most partisan issues - 10 to 12 months, according to Biotechnology Industry Organization President Carl Feldbaum - also limits the scope of legislation the industry can expect Congress to consider. ...