Comment from Name Withheld

[200.202(e), 200.220] To Whom it May Concern: I am a professor who studies the immune system and its role in cancer and autoimmunity. I am writing in my personal capacity to oppose the proposed revisions to sections 200.202(e) and 200.220 that would restrict international scientific collaboration and isolate American scientists. We work with collaborators in England, Switzerland, and Australia. These are large joint projects where we each provide unique expertise and insight. No money changes hands, no dollars are spent in foreign countries, but we share ideas and insight. These collaborations have led us to advance our understanding of how the immune system works and how new therapies for cancer can be developed. Hindering collaborations only serves to reduce the likelihood of scientific advances. Moreover, it gives a major advance to other countries who don't do this - why would we give up our competitive edge?