evidence: Department of Health and Human Services reluctance to accept that all forms of mercury are toxic and that children have likely been harmed from the FDA's negligence in assuring the safety of thimerosal and in not monitoring the increased exposure to mercury through vaccines. [...] ``You know, I still go back to the fact--I still want to talk about the duck test. Mr. Egan, [FDA] I will address this to you. You know, it was shown in the last panel that autistic symptoms emerge after vaccination. It was shown that vaccines contain toxic doses of mercury. It was shown that autism and mercury poisoning, the physiological comparison is striking. There is altered neurotransmitter activity, abnormal brain neuronal organization, immune system disturbance, EEG abnormalities. It goes on and on and on, the comparisons. That is why I say, I back up what the Chairman and the ranking member are all asking you, that we cannot wait until 2001 to have this pulled off. [...] A growing number of researchers and medical professionals believe that there may be a link between the mercury preservative used in vaccines and autism spectrum disorders and other neurodevelopmental disorders. Few, if any, would make such a statement categorically until more research is done. However, judging by testimony received by the