Imagine waking up in a world where cell phones, smart devices, and wireless networks are integral to every aspect of daily life—education, healthcare, social interactions, commerce, and entertainment. In many ways, that world has already arrived. From the moment we rise in the morning and check messages on our phones, to the time we drift off to sleep with a tablet streaming a favorite show, our lives are awash in radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic fields. Wireless technology has become an indispensable fixture in modern society, connecting people and ideas with an immediacy unimaginable just a few decades ago.
Yet with such rapid technological advances, the question remains: have we kept pace with understanding how these invisible waves of radiation might affect our health over time? In the United States, pivotal federal law mandates ongoing research and regulation to protect the public from the adverse effects of all forms of electronic product radiation, including the non-ionizing radiation emitted by cell phones. However, recent developments reveal a striking disconnect between the requirements of this law and how government agencies have chosen to proceed—especially where crucial research on wireless radiation risks has been quietly halted.
In this article, we will thoroughly explore a high-stakes conflict within public health policy. On the one hand, we have a body of research (including a landmark program of rodent studies conducted by the National Toxicology Program, or NTP) indicating that exposure to radiofrequency radiation could pose more dangers than previously recognized—dangers that go beyond simple tissue heating. On the other hand, powerful regulatory and political forces appear to be defunding and sidelining continued investigation, despite a 1968 law (Public Law 90-602) explicitly mandating robust, ongoing research into health risks from electronic devices. Even more, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) relies on guidelines that were established in the late 20th century, focusing exclusively on thermal effects while ignoring decades of newer findings about possible DNA damage, cancer risk, and other health outcomes. Adding to the complexity, a 1996 statute prevents local communities from rejecting the placement of wireless facilities based on health concerns—even if those communities believe the federal guidelines are dangerously out of date.
By the end of this piece, you will see why the quiet cancellation of major wireless radiation studies is so significant—and how it contradicts the letter and spirit of federal law that was designed to protect public health. More importantly, this narrative will provide context on how we arrived at a regulatory stalemate in which meaningful action lags dangerously behind the latest science. We will examine the key findings of earlier government-funded research, trace their connection to longstanding legal mandates, and discuss what discontinuing such research implies for our collective future in an ever more connected world.
Below is an in-depth, section-by-section examination of how this conflict has unfolded, why it matters, and what it means for you, your children, and the broader global community.
The Significance of Wireless Radiation Research
Why Should We Care?
It might seem that the health effects of wireless radiation are an abstract or minor concern: we use cell phones daily without apparent harm, the majority of us have not experienced acute physical symptoms from standard Wi-Fi, and the very idea of “radiation” conjures images of nuclear power or X-rays—far more energetic forms of electromagnetic waves. However, the radiofrequency (RF) radiation used for wireless communication, while less energetic than ionizing radiation, is hardly inert. Over time, thousands of studies across the globe have examined how chronic, low-level exposures might influence living organisms. Some have found little effect, while others point to potential biological changes—affecting cells, DNA, even hormone regulation.
In society’s rush to adopt every new iteration of wireless technology—3G, 4G, 5G, and soon 6G—there is an underlying assumption that federal regulators are vigilantly ensuring its safety. After all, we trust agencies like the FDA (Food and Drug Administration), EPA (Environmental Protection Agency), and FCC to set appropriate limits for harmful exposures. When we learn that the research arms of these agencies have been systematically defunded, or that certain landmark studies have been halted without robust follow-up, serious questions arise. Are we ignoring important signals because they inconvenience powerful economic interests? And if so, are we risking potential harm to human health and even the environment, in direct violation of our own laws?
A Roadmap of Our Discussion
- Historical Background: We begin with a look at the major findings of research initiated by the NTP into the health impacts of cellphone radiation—a landmark set of experiments that challenged the longstanding assumption that if an RF field does not heat tissue, it must be safe.
- Public Law 90-602: We next explore this 1968 law and its core requirement for continuous federal research into the health effects of “electronic product radiation.” You will learn how the law was intended as a safeguard, ensuring that as technology evolves, science-based oversight evolves with it.
- Conflict Between Law and Reality: We then address how this law’s mandates have been largely neglected or overridden. We examine how regulators and industry have effectively shelved or defunded the very research that would fulfill these mandates.
- Outdated FCC Guidelines: This section discusses the FCC’s reliance on standards formulated in the 1980s and early 1990s—focusing mostly on thermal exposures, while large swaths of biological research (including the NTP’s own tumor findings) remain sidelined.
- Local Government Restrictions: Section 704 of the 1996 Telecommunications Act prevents local authorities from challenging the placement of wireless facilities on health grounds, effectively centralizing decisions under federal rules that themselves may be outdated.
- Consequences of Halting NTP Research: We outline the implications of no longer funding the one major federal program systematically studying wireless radiation. From potential public health risks to environmental concerns, the cost of ignorance is high.
- Paths Forward and Conclusion: Finally, we discuss how we might rectify this situation by insisting on compliance with existing legal mandates, updating exposure guidelines, reexamining preemptive federal laws, and restoring robust, independent research.
Let us now begin by spotlighting the large-scale studies conducted by the National Toxicology Program—studies that many experts regard as a watershed moment in understanding cellphone radiation risks.
NTP Wireless Radiation Studies: A Landmark Investigation
Genesis of the Research
The National Toxicology Program (NTP), part of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), undertook extensive rodent studies on RF wireless radiation specifically used in cell phones. This effort originated from a recognized gap in long-term data: while cell phones had become widespread, solid evidence regarding chronic, low-level radiation exposure was limited. The NTP’s work, with a budget near 25–30 million dollars, spanned multiple years and represented one of the most thorough federal explorations of the issue to date.
Core Findings
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Cancerous Tumors in Rats
Perhaps the most alarming result was the appearance of malignant tumors in male rats exposed to levels of cellphone radiation that were at or only modestly above the existing regulatory limits. Specifically, “clear evidence” emerged of malignant schwannomas in the heart (particularly in male rats). The study also identified “some evidence” of malignant brain tumors (gliomas) in male rats, and heightened incidence of adrenal gland tumors. Although female rats and mice did not demonstrate similarly conclusive cancer findings, these results nonetheless shook the long-accepted assumption that RF radiation is benign if it does not heat tissues. -
DNA Damage
Equally striking were discoveries of DNA damage in certain tissues of exposed rodents. The NTP documented significant increases in DNA strand breaks in male mice brain cells, female mice blood cells, and hippocampal cells in male rats—indicators that non-thermal levels of RF could potentially lead to genetic alterations. In the broader scope of cancer research, DNA strand breaks are noteworthy because when such damage goes unrepaired, the risk of tumor formation escalates. -
Exposure Levels
The NTP exposure levels ranged from the legal maximum for localized human exposure up to four times that limit. This detail matters because critics of earlier research often dismiss rodent studies if exposure levels are extraordinarily high. Here, however, the lowest level tested was approximately the FCC’s current maximum permitted level. Simply put, “real-world” exposures were indeed tested, and the results showed that even near the regulatory ceiling, biological changes (and in some cases, malignant changes) were documented. -
Implications for Non-Thermal Effects
Historically, it had long been believed that only thermal (heating) effects from RF posed a risk. Studies revealing possible DNA damage and tumor formation suggest there may be subtler biological mechanisms at play—mechanisms not accounted for when the FCC set its safety guidelines. The NTP findings paralleled other research, such as Italy’s Ramazzini Institute study on cell tower radiation, which reported increases in the same type of tumor (schwannomas) in animals.
Why NTP Discontinued Further Research
Despite the significance of these findings, the NTP announced in January 2024 that it would no longer pursue studies on cellphone or RF radiation—citing “technical challenges and lack of resources.” This came as a shock to many public health experts and advocacy groups who had anticipated follow-up research on the effects of 4G, 5G, and new frequencies beyond those used in older cell phone technology. By halting the program, the U.S. effectively loses one of the last major federal initiatives investigating RF risks comprehensively. Critics argue this contradicts the spirit—and letter—of federal legislation that explicitly requires continual research into electronic device radiation hazards.
Public Law 90-602: A Mandate for Ongoing Radiation Research
Historical Context and Purpose
Passed in 1968, Public Law 90-602 (formally known as the Radiation Control for Health and Safety Act) was enacted at a time when society was awakening to the idea that radiation hazards weren’t limited to nuclear fallout or medical X-rays. Consumer electronic products—from color TVs and microwave ovens to industrial equipment—were proliferating, raising concerns about both ionizing and non-ionizing radiation. Congress thus aimed to ensure that federal agencies would continuously investigate potential health hazards associated with these products. This law also mandated the creation and regular updating of safety standards.
The essence of Public Law 90-602 lies in its proactive approach:
- Continuous Research: Federal agencies are directed to support and conduct studies on the biological effects of electronic product radiation.
- Updated Standards: Whenever new scientific evidence suggests that current exposure limits are inadequate, regulators must revise those standards.
- Accountability for Manufacturers: The law compels manufacturers to meet federal performance standards designed to protect the public from unnecessary exposure.
Intended Longevity of Protections
The architects of Public Law 90-602 recognized that technology would only become more prevalent over time, and with it, various forms of electromagnetic emissions. By establishing a perpetual mandate, the law sought to ensure that scientific vigilance would keep pace with innovation. In other words, the law was created to prevent exactly the scenario we see unfolding now: major expansions in technology unaccompanied by updated and thorough health investigations.
Yet, when we fast-forward to the present, we discover a profound mismatch: the statute remains on the books, but the federal government has largely ceased the continuous research it calls for. Even more concerning, policy decisions—such as those influencing the EPA’s and NTP’s RF research—directly conflict with the spirit of the law.
The Conflict: Canceling Research vs. Fulfilling Legal Requirements
A History of Defunding
The first major blow to federal RF research came in the mid-1990s. In 1996, the year the Telecommunications Act was passed, Congress effectively ended the EPA’s program for non-ionizing radiation research. This abrupt move left no major agency systematically examining the effects of RF on biology or health. Although the EPA had once been poised to set exposure guidelines for electromagnetic fields, those efforts vanished amid budget cuts. Many observers attribute this outcome to successful lobbying by the rapidly expanding telecommunications industry, determined to avoid scientific findings that might hinder its growth.
NTP as the Last Bastion
For a time, the National Toxicology Program was one of the few places in the federal apparatus still committed to investigating potential wireless radiation hazards. Indeed, it had been the FDA that originally asked the NTP to evaluate cellphone radiation risks. But once the NTP’s studies unveiled troubling results, the FDA stepped back and maintained that the “totality of evidence” did not implicate cellphone use in harmful effects for humans. In early 2024, the NTP publicly stated it would not be proceeding with any further research on newer wireless technologies, effectively closing the chapter on large-scale federal investigations into RF hazards. Critics contend that this is precisely the kind of official retreat that Public Law 90-602 was designed to prevent.
Undermining the Spirit of Public Law 90-602
From one angle, we have a decades-old legal framework that obligates the government to investigate, identify, and address any potential risks from electronic device radiation. From another angle, we see systematic defunding and quiet cessation of the few remaining research efforts. The dissonance is remarkable:
- Legal Mandate: Law says: “Continue to study non-ionizing radiation, update safety standards as new science emerges.”
- Reality: Government ends funding for such studies (EPA in the 1990s, NTP in the 2020s), leaving no agency with the resources or directive to continue.
As a result, the U.S. has effectively relinquished its commitment to evidence-based updates on exposure limits. People might assume that if something dangerous lurked in their cell phone signals, the government would have uncovered it and acted. But that assumption crumbles once you realize the relevant research has either been stopped or never even begun.
FCC Wireless Radiation Guidelines: The Problem of Outdated Standards
Origin of the Guidelines
In 1996, the FCC adopted its current RF exposure guidelines based on recommendations from entities like the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) and the NCRP (National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements). At the time, the scientific consensus was that the main risk from radiofrequency energy was excessive heating of tissue. Accordingly, the regulations set limits that avoid significant thermal effects. The assumption: If RF radiation doesn’t warm tissues beyond a certain threshold, it is safe.
Decades-Old Basis
The guidelines are rooted in studies from the 1980s (some data even trace to 1970s research). This means the scientific foundation is well over 30 years old. It doesn’t address chronic, low-level exposure, synergy with other environmental pollutants, or potential non-thermal biological effects discovered in subsequent decades. In 2019, the FCC revisited its guidelines only to reaffirm them without revision. Critically, the Commission relied on the FDA’s stance that no new data definitively disproved the status quo safety assumptions. However, they largely glossed over the emerging body of research—including the NTP findings—suggesting that non-thermal effects could be important.
2021 Court Ruling
A pivotal moment arrived in August 2021 when the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit found that the FCC’s decision to retain the 1996 limits was “arbitrary and capricious.” The court admonished the FCC for not adequately considering evidence about impacts on reproductive health, neurological issues, and especially on children. While the court did not proclaim the guidelines themselves unsafe, it required the FCC to provide a more rigorous explanation of how they remain protective in light of modern research.
Yet, even after this ruling, the FCC has not meaningfully updated its standards, nor has it launched a robust new wave of research. Without major studies like those conducted by the NTP, regulators have little fresh data to inform any revision. Consequently, the official threshold for “safe” RF exposure remains frozen in a 1996 worldview.
Section 704 of the Telecommunications Act: Muzzling Local Communities
What Section 704 Entails
Enacted as part of the Telecommunications Act of 1996, Section 704 substantially restricts the ability of state and local governments to regulate the placement of wireless infrastructure based on “environmental” concerns—broadly interpreted by courts to include human health effects. The rationale behind Section 704 was to streamline the roll-out of wireless networks across the nation, preventing local authorities from stalling telecommunications projects over differing health standards or concerns.
Impact on Community Autonomy
In practice, Section 704 means that if a telecom company seeks to build a cell tower and can demonstrate compliance with FCC exposure limits (the same limits criticized as outdated), then local bodies cannot reject or significantly delay the permit on health grounds. This effectively prohibits towns and cities from enacting stricter safety measures or responding to citizen complaints regarding potential health impacts. Even if a school board, for instance, has concerns about placing powerful transmitters near classrooms, Section 704 greatly constrains its authority to say no.
A Disconnect from Reality
Because the FCC’s exposure standards remain static—and possibly inadequate—Section 704 forces local communities to abide by guidelines that do not reflect the latest science. As such, even if new evidence suggests certain populations (like children) are more vulnerable or that exposures accumulate in ways never considered in the mid-1990s, local authorities have virtually no latitude to adopt more protective measures. Critics see this as a direct conflict with the concept of public health federalism, where communities have the right to safeguard citizens if the federal stance falls behind the scientific curve.
Regulatory and Industry Pressures: Why the NTP Program Was Halted
Industry Influence
The telecommunications industry is among the most powerful in Washington, rivaling sectors like Big Pharma and energy in its lobbying. Records from the 1990s show that telecom lobbying played a crucial role in defunding the EPA’s RF research program. Over the decades, industry stakeholders have repeatedly pushed the narrative that non-ionizing radiation, at levels below those that cause heating, poses minimal risk—a stance that conveniently aligns with older FCC guidelines.
In recent years, as the NTP revealed DNA damage and tumor findings, industry-funded groups published counter-studies or questioned the methods used. While it is normal for scientific results to undergo debate and scrutiny, many advocates argue that telecom interests use their extensive resources to sow uncertainty, akin to historical tactics employed by the tobacco industry.
Lack of Unified Agency Support
The FDA, which originally nominated RF radiation for study, was lukewarm about the NTP’s findings once they emerged. Public statements suggested the FDA believed real-world relevance was questionable and that there was no need to update consumer guidance. The FCC relied on the FDA’s assurances in reaffirming the 1996 exposure limits. Meanwhile, the EPA has not had a budget or team to investigate RF effects since the mid-1990s. With these agencies (which could champion further inquiry) displaying little enthusiasm, the NTP’s program found itself with limited high-level support, leaving it vulnerable to budgetary cuts.
Political and Budgetary Dynamics
Budgetary decisions within the federal government often come down to which programs have robust champions. If a federal research initiative is politically unpopular or is actively challenged by influential industries, it becomes easy for legislators to chip away at its funding. By citing “technical challenges and lack of resources,” the NTP signaled that building 5G-compatible exposure chambers, or continuing large-scale rodent studies on next-generation wireless signals, was no longer a priority receiving the requisite funding. Advocates worry that the real story is one of subtle political pressure rather than an organic, unavoidable resource shortage.
Consequences of Halting Wireless Radiation Research
1. Frozen Safety Standards
Without ongoing studies, existing guidelines remain effectively locked in the past, ignoring modern evidence that indicates potential harm at lower or non-thermal levels of exposure. The public continues to rely on “officially” acceptable exposure limits that might not be adequate for long-term health.
2. Unanswered Questions
Cell phone use and wireless device dependence now often start in early childhood. Our kids routinely hold RF-emitting devices close to their developing brains and bodies. There is no large-scale, current federal study exploring whether this unique scenario has ramifications like neurodevelopmental issues or elevated cancer risk over decades. NTP had planned future work, but that is now shelved, leaving a vacuum of knowledge.
3. Vulnerable Populations Overlooked
The elderly, pregnant women, individuals with implanted medical devices, and people who are electrically sensitive may be at higher risk from continuous RF exposure. Federal studies could have generated insights to protect such vulnerable groups. In the absence of active research, we cannot refine exposure guidelines to account for these populations.
4. Environmental Hazards
Wildlife, from birds to insects, also encounter the unprecedented density of wireless radiation in modern environments. Preliminary research suggests potential disruption of navigation in birds and bees, possible interference with animal reproductive processes, and plant growth effects. If the federal government is not investigating these possibilities, significant ecological harm may go undetected until it is severe.
5. Public Distrust
When vital research is halted shortly after yielding concerning results, it can breed public suspicion of a cover-up or undue industry influence. This erosion of trust in regulatory agencies may carry over to other domains of public health, diminishing faith in scientific advisories or government guidelines.
6. Stunted Technological Innovation
Ironically, continuous research into RF health effects could inspire safer designs—engineering breakthroughs that maintain connectivity while minimizing biological impact. If we fail to investigate the mechanisms of harm, we also fail to conceive potential solutions. Halting inquiry fosters technological complacency rather than encouraging creative progress.
Real-World Examples and Potential Case Studies
International Precautionary Approaches
Not every country has mirrored the U.S. stance. Nations like France have adopted more conservative guidelines—especially for children—often citing the possibility of non-thermal effects. India has introduced stricter exposure limits for cell tower emissions than those in the United States. In these places, precaution has led to certain policy changes, such as mandating hands-free kits, restricting advertisements that depict children using cell phones, or limiting tower power output in densely populated areas.
Local Communities Seeking Alternatives
Some municipalities in the U.S. have tried to introduce “small cell” zoning rules or place moratoria on new wireless infrastructure until health concerns are resolved. Often, they have been met with legal challenges from telecom companies citing Section 704’s preemption. Real-life case studies show passionate parent groups petitioning local boards to keep powerful antennas away from school grounds, only to be told by attorneys that referencing health is legally off-limits under the TCA. These conflicts reveal the real human dimension of the policy vacuum created by outdated federal standards and the muzzling effect of federal preemption.
Workplace Exposures
Another understudied area is the health of workers who spend extended periods near high-powered wireless equipment, such as communications technicians or antenna installers. Anecdotal reports of symptoms like headaches, dizziness, or memory difficulties sometimes surface in these industries, but comprehensive studies are scarce. NTP could have investigated occupational exposures in a controlled manner, but with that door now closed, we have less clarity on whether guidelines meant to protect the average consumer also protect these professionals.
Charting a Path Forward
1. Reinvigorate Public Law 90-602
The simplest solution might also be the most obvious: enforce the law as written. Public Law 90-602 explicitly requires continuous research into electromagnetic radiation from electronic devices. There is no need for Congress to pass a new statute to mandate what already exists in law. Rather, we need agencies to request and allocate funding, hire appropriate teams, and investigate emerging wireless technologies in line with the law’s text.
2. Update FCC Exposure Guidelines
Given the legal pushback from the 2021 Court of Appeals decision, the FCC could be compelled to revisit its guidelines. However, any effective revision must draw upon comprehensive scientific data. Restoring or expanding an NTP-style research program would provide the FCC with the robust, up-to-date science needed to set more protective limits. Such revisions could incorporate margins of safety for children, pregnant individuals, and others who might be more susceptible.
3. Reform or Repeal Section 704 of the TCA
Amending Section 704 to allow limited local regulation on health grounds—or at least to permit health concerns to be discussed in zoning hearings—would restore some measure of democratic debate. This does not mean each town must enact different standards, but it ensures that communities facing intense public unease can address those concerns openly, especially if federal guidelines remain outdated.
4. Foster Transparent Science
Governmental and independent scientific bodies need to communicate findings clearly, without undue industry spin. This might involve publicly accessible repositories of studies, open data platforms that citizens and researchers can easily examine, and peer-reviewed publications that highlight both confirming and disconfirming evidence. When science is visibly transparent, public trust grows.
5. Spur Innovation in “Safe Tech”
Finally, thorough investigations into RF exposure risks can drive the tech industry to create devices and networks less likely to cause harm. Options might include systems that reduce power when close to the user’s body, improved antenna designs that minimize leakage, or alternative frequency bands with milder biological effects. In the past, environmental and safety challenges have led to groundbreaking innovation in sectors ranging from automotive safety to green energy. RF technology should be no different.
Conclusion
From the vantage point of 1968, when Public Law 90-602 was enacted, the technological revolution we now live with might have seemed far-fetched. Yet the law’s framers had the foresight to recognize that electronic devices—emitting various forms of radiation—would require constant scrutiny as they evolved and multiplied. The statute’s mandate was not a suggestion; it was a firm directive that the federal government must continuously study and regulate these emissions to protect public health.
Tragically, half a century later, we find ourselves in a precarious state: major federal research programs have been systematically defunded, statutory obligations are overlooked, and the lion’s share of regulatory authority is locked in with an agency (the FCC) relying on guidance shaped by decades-old assumptions about thermal harm. Meanwhile, local communities, which might otherwise push for greater caution, are blocked by a federal law (Section 704) that demands deference to outdated standards. This status quo benefits the rapid deployment of wireless infrastructure but leaves legitimate health concerns unheard and understudied.
The cancellation of the NTP’s wireless research underscores the urgency of the situation. That research was not some idle scientific exercise; it found real signals—cancerous tumors in male rats, DNA damage in rodents exposed at levels near or at federal limits—suggesting potential risks that cannot simply be dismissed. Rather than expand upon these findings, further studies were halted, effectively leaving critical questions unanswered. This is not how public health policy is meant to function, especially in a nation guided by laws that explicitly require ongoing vigilance.
Corrective steps are possible. Reinstating well-funded, independent research on RF radiation can illuminate the path toward updated guidelines and, in turn, foster safer technology. Policymakers might revisit Section 704, balancing legitimate national interests in a robust communications infrastructure with the fundamental rights of local communities to safeguard health. Ultimately, ensuring transparency and scientific rigor will be the best defense against a future where we discover too late the consequences of ignoring early warning signs.
In an era defined by connectivity, no one suggests we abandon wireless technology. Rather, the goal is to ensure that growth in telecommunications is matched by equally robust public health protections—and that the laws already in place to protect citizens are respected and followed. If there is a central takeaway from this entire conflict, it is that ignoring science in the face of economic or political expediency can be a costly mistake. By heeding the lessons of the NTP’s findings and honoring the spirit of Public Law 90-602, we stand a better chance of balancing innovative progress with the health and safety of current and future generations.
Final Thoughts and Call to Action
- Stay Informed: Seek out credible sources on RF radiation research. If you own multiple wireless devices, you can make small changes—like using speakerphone or earbuds—to reduce head and body exposure.
- Engage Politically: Contact local and federal representatives, voicing your concerns about the lack of current, well-funded research. If enough citizens demand action, agencies may revive or expand investigative programs.
- Push for Transparency: Encourage technology manufacturers to design devices with built-in safety considerations. Demand that corporations and regulators publish clear, user-friendly data on radiation emissions.
- Support Independent Science: Nonprofit research institutes, academic labs, and advocacy organizations often step in where government efforts lag. Consider lending them financial or social support.
- Stay Curious: Above all, remember that science is an evolving journey. A technology deemed safe today might prove otherwise tomorrow if new data surfaces. Keep an open mind, and maintain a critical but balanced perspective.
No technology that saturates nearly every waking moment of our lives should evade thorough and ongoing examination. The impetus for such scrutiny is not panic—it is prudence. The hallmarks of good governance and scientific integrity demand nothing less. By confronting the tension between the country’s official obligations and current reality, we can strive toward policies that truly serve the best interests of the public—and reinvigorate the kind of research that Public Law 90-602 always intended to protect.
