Secret Drug Research ???

Secret Drug Research ???

On Page A4, Dec. 3 edition of the N&R was this small headline: "Lawmakers propose secret drug agency to develop vaccines"
The acticle stated:
"The Proposed Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Agency would be exempt from long-standing open records and meetings laws that apply to most government departments, according to legislation approved Oct. 18 by the
Senate Health Committee "

Didn't we try that approach in the early and mid 20th Century? Secret medical testing on mental patients, prison inmates, military personnel, and even some orphans was done on a routine basis. I hope this bill doesn't mean more of that.

The article contained a quote by Richard Burr, R-NC suggesting that the federal government should provide incentives and protections necessary to bring more and better drugs and vaccines to market faster. According to a
Press Release on Mr. Burr's website, the legislation was introduced by him.

If link above is not working. Try this: http://burr.senate.gov/index.cfm?FuseAction=PressReleases.Detail&PressRelease_id=122&Type=PressRelease&Month=10&Year=2005

I need more information on this.
What do you think?