August 3, 2023 – Washington Co., WI – State Representative Ty Bodden (R-Stockbridge) released the following statement regarding co-authoring the gain of function legislation that was introduced:
“I would like to thank Rep. Behnke and Senator Jacque for leading the charge on this gain of function bill. I am proud to be the assembly co-author on this legislation. This legislation prohibits institutions of higher education in this state from conducting gain of function research on potential pandemic pathogens. There is a dangerous lack of oversight at the University of Wisconsin-Madison regarding gain of function research, so this is another step towards righting the wrongs of the past, which is something my office will continue to strive to do.”
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Gain of function research involves modifying the genetic makeup of viruses, including coronaviruses like SARS-CoV-2 (the virus responsible for COVID-19), to give them new abilities or characteristics.
Rep. Bodden continued, “The risks that come with these experiments are dangerous and mistakes could lead to catastrophe.”