Bipartisan Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Reauthorization Bill Heading to Floor Action

Statement

Vital legislation to reauthorize America's bone marrow and cord blood donor registry cleared a major hurdle today as the full Energy and Commerce Committee unanimously approved the measure just before adjourning for the August district work period.

Sponsored by Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) with lead co-sponsor Rep. Doris Matsui (D-CA), the Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Reauthorization Act of 2015,H.R. 2820, ensures that two collaborative programs that support treatment and therapies derived from adult stem cell lines will not expire at the end of the federal fiscal year.

First passed in 2005, the original legislation established a nationwide integrated bone marrow and cord blood stem cell transplantation program. Stem cells derived from cord blood and bone marrow have been used successfully to treat thousands of patients with such diseases as leukemia and sickle cell anemia, and genetic disorders. The enactment of H.R. 2820 will enable more people to receive similar treatments and go on with their lives.

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