DeLauro Applauds Passage of Legislation Expanding Embryonic Stem Cell Research, Urges President to Sign Legislation
Press Release
DeLauro Applauds Passage of Legislation Expanding Embryonic Stem Cell Research, Urges President to Sign Legislation
Congresswoman Rosa L. DeLauro (Conn.-3) issued the following statement on the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act, which would significantly expand scientists' access to embryonic stem cell lines.
"Embryonic stem cell research offers the potential to find new and better treatments and cures for the more the 100 million people in this country who suffer from cancer, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, diabetes and other debilitating diseases and disorders. As an ovarian cancer survivor, I know first-hand how medical research can change lives. It can mean the difference between life and death, between hope and despair.
"This country has always been a beacon of hope to the world because of our capacity to combine the best ideas in the world with abundant resources. Let's continue that tradition. Let's lead the way."
The legislation has passed both the House and the Senate and will now be sent directly to the President's desk for his signature.
Supported by over 500 organizations, including the American Medical Association, AARP, Association of American Medical Colleges, and Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, as well as many faith-based groups, this legislation would expand the federal funding of embryonic stem cell research by lifting the restrictions on the embryonic stem cell lines that can be used for federally-funded research - restrictions that were imposed by President Bush in 2001. Most of the stem cell lines authorized for federally-funded research under the President's policy are now no longer useful for research. However, the bill only authorizes federal research funds for stem cell lines generated from embryos that would otherwise be discarded by fertility clinics. The bill also creates an ethical framework that must be followed in conducting this research under the guidance of the National Institutes of Health.
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