Duckworth Slams Roskam for Attempts to Block Stem Cell Research
DUCKWORTH SLAMS ROSKAM FOR ATTEMPTS TO BLOCK STEM CELL RESEARCH
His signature on letter this week to Gov. Blagojevich is latest evidence of his opposition to science and ties to the Far Right
Tammy Duckworth said today that State Sen. Pete Roskam's opposition to stem cell research as evidenced by his legislative record and a letter to Governor Blagojevich he signed this week-- shows that he "puts ideology ahead of helping millions of people in Illinois."
"Peter Roskam is clearly out-of-step with the people of the Sixth District, who embrace the potential of scientific research to treat or cure terrible diseases," she said.
This week, Roskam signed a letter to Gov. Blagojevich, authored by Republican gubernatorial candidate Bill Brady, opposing the use of any state funds for stem-cell research. In the Illinois Senate, Roskam is a leader in the fight against stem cell research. In 2004, he spoke and voted against a policy statement in support of privately-funded stem-cell research (Chicago Tribune, 11/24/04).
"Now, Peter Roskam wants to go to Congress and rubber-stamp the Bush Administration's ban on federal funding for stem-cell research," Duckworth said. "Instead of offering hope for millions of Americans, including thousands in the Sixth District, Roskam would line up with the ideologues who want to stop this promising research in its tracks."
Duckworth said that, if elected, she would support legislation to overturn current restrictions imposed by the Bush Administration in 2001. Those restrictions limit research to stem cell lines create prior to August 2001. Many scientists have complained that such lines have been compromised or are of limited use.
According to scientists, stem cell research holds out hope for advances to treat or cure Parkinson's Disease, heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer's Disease, autism, sickle cell anemia, brain and spinal cord injuries, and other conditions.
"Families in the 6th Districtincluding people whose loved-ones suffer from serious illnesses-- need a leader who will stand up for their concerns, rather than stand in the way of advances that offer the hope of treatment or cure," Duckworth said.
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