Berkley Votes to Expand Life-Saving Stem Cell Research

Berkley Votes to Expand Life-Saving Stem Cell Research

Congresswoman Shelley Berkley (D-NV) today voted in favor of legislation to significantly expand federal funding for life-saving stem cell research. The bill is part of the "100 Hours" agenda put forward by House Democrats and enjoys broad bipartisan support in Congress and from millions of Americans who support the quest for new scientific breakthroughs based on embryonic stem-cell research.

"A vote in favor of this legislation is a vote to extend hope to millions of American families whose loved ones are battling cancer, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, diabetes, spinal cord injuries and other debilitating diseases. We must protect and enhance our ability to continue stem-cell research that could one day lead to new life-saving treatments, and this legislation does just that," said Berkley.

The Berkley-backed bill approved today, H.R. 3, has the support of more than 500 organizations, including the American Medical Association, AARP, American Diabetes Association, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, and Paralyzed Veterans of America. The legislation would expand the federal funding of embryonic stem cell research by lifting the restrictions on the embryonic stem cell lines which can be used for federally-funded research - restrictions that were imposed by President Bush in 2001. Originally passed the U.S. House of Representatives in May of 2005 and the U.S. Senate in July 2006, the legislation was eventually vetoed by President Bush. The bill now moves to the Senate where it is expected to pass. President Bush has indicated he will again issue a veto on this bill. In response, Berkley has pledged to vote to override any future Presidential veto.

"I opposed President Bush's veto on this issue last year and I will not let politics stop research that could directly benefit families in Las Vegas and all across our nation who are praying each day for a medical miracle," said Berkley.

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 stem-cell research bill also creates an ethical framework that must be followed in conducting this research under the guidance of the National Institutes of Health.

"This bill is specifically tailored to address ethical concerns and enables the medical community to continue utilizing embryonic stem cells for research into new treatments and possible breakthrough cures. I am appalled by the lies and half-truths that have been used in an attempt to scare Americans about embryonic stem-cell research and how it is conducted. Science must not be held hostage for political gain and this bipartisan legislation will ensure that stem cell researchers can continue their efforts to benefit all humankind," Berkley said.

http://berkley.house.gov/legis/otr/press_releases/2007/pr_2007_0111.html