Rep. Gillibrand Votes to Increase Funding For Medical Research
Rep. Gillibrand Votes to Increase Funding For Medical Research
Today Congresswoman Kirsten Gillibrand voted in favor of the Stem Cell Enhancement Act of 2007 [H.R. 3]. The bill passed by a final tally of 253 to 174. This bill will expand the federal embryonic stem cell policy, which could hold the cure to diseases such as Parkinson's, Juvenile Diabetes, Alzheimer's and spinal injuries.
Congresswoman Gillibrand praised the passage of the legislation, saying, "Everyone knows someone who could benefit from the promise of stem cell research and today Members of Congress, from both parties, joined together to put patients first by passing the Stem Cell Enhancement Act of 2007."
The legislation creates an ethical framework- under the guidance of the National Institute of Health (NIH) - that must be followed in conducting stem cell research. The bill's strict ethical guidelines stipulate that embryos can be used only if the donors give their written consent and receive no money or other inducement in exchange for the embryos.
In addition to saving lives, this research will help bring scientists and funding to New York. Currently California, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Illinois already have state initiatives funding stem cell research. New York institutions, like Albany Medical College and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), could benefit from more federal research opportunities.
Last year, the Senate and House passed an identical piece of legislation (H.R. 810). Despite bi-partisan support and more than 70% of Americans expressed approval of stem cell research, President Bush vetoed the bill.
Embryonic stem cell research is supported by more than 200 organizations including the American Medical Association, AARP, Association of American Medical Colleges, Parkinson's Action Network, American Diabetes Association, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, and Paralyzed Veterans of America. Religious groups as diverse as the United Church of Christ, the Union for Reform Judaism, the United Methodist Church, the Episcopal Church USA, and the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America all support this bill.
http://gillibrand.house.gov/pr011007_5.shtml