Posted by Robin Harrison on January 09, 1998 at 09:55:24:
Happy New Year, ya'll-
I've not been well lately, amongst other things, but I have been following the discussion here and I will be attending the xeno meeting January 21st & 22nd.
It seems as if there might be some confusion about who and which agencies have say in what. There are many layers to this picture and it seems logical that you would want to direct your comments to those who have direct jurisdication and/or influence over the execution of your requests. As I see it, you all need to decide precisely what it is you wish to advocate for and direct your advocacy efforts to the individuals and agencies with a direct voice in that venue.
I see at least several distinctly separate issues/needs from having read the various opinions expressed here:
1) Funding for cure research (islet research in particular?)- funding requests are best directed to Congress. The president may have some or considerable influence depending on what the issue is, but no actual Congressional vote.
2) A change in focus regarding the diabetes research that is being conducted and/or how funding is spent- Congress would be lobbied for direct allocations of funding to islet research (or whatever one thinks needs funding). My guess is that suggestions and criticisms of how funding is spent should be copied to Congress; Secretary Shalala (the Cabinet member in charge of DHHS); the NIH Head, Varmus; and the NIDDK head, Gordon.
3) Continued cure research using xenotransplantation (and allowing public use of any diabetes cure which might be developed using xeno technology)- comments and suggestions would likely be best addressed to the FDA & CBER heads with a copy to DHHS administrator Shalala.
If what I'm saying makes perfect sense, then you can stop right here. If not, it might help to review the outline I've prepared in the subsequent message.
*Disclaimer- I do not claim any special expertise or education in government, so if anyone spots a glaring error and/or ommission in what I'm saying, speak up!