Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2007 -Part II-

Floor Speech

STEM CELL RESEARCH ENHANCEMENT ACT OF 2007

* Ms. DELAURO. Madam Speaker, no single action this Congress could take would have a more profound, more life-affirming impact than allocating federal funds for biomedical scientists to conduct research with human embryonic stem cells. Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, brain and spinal cord disorders, diabetes, cancer--at least 58 diseases could potentially be cured through stem cell research. Diseases that touch every family here in America and throughout the world.

* And Mr. Speaker, I stand here as someone who understands the promise of biomedical research all too well. Having been diagnosed with ovarian cancer by chance on an unrelated doctor's visit two decades ago, I know first-hand how this research can change lives--it saved mine. It can quite literally mean the difference between life and death. Between hope and despair.

* To be clear, I think it is safe to say that every Member of this body is excited about the recent news regarding the scientific potential in amniotic stem cells. One can only imagine the medical breakthroughs this research has in store for us.

* But scientists tell us it is no replacement for embryonic research--just as the limited number of stem cell lines President Bush made available in 2001 were not a replacement for full federal funding of this research. Indeed, this finding simply reminds us how critical it is that we pursue any and every kind of research that can contribute to our understanding of these diseases--so long as we can ensure it is performed with the utmost dignity and ethical responsibility. That is what ``expanding stem cell research' is all about.

* And for sure, this legislation does just that--permitting peer-reviewed federal funds to only be used with public oversight and by only allowing research on embryos that were originally created for fertility treatment purposes and that are in excess of clinical need and will otherwise be destroyed.

* I believe the real moral issue here is whether the United States Congress is going to stand in the way of science and preclude the scientists from doing lifesaving, ethical research. We do not live in the Dark Ages--and nor should our public policy. With this vote, this Congress has an opportunity to show the world we are a country that believes science has the power to advance life.

* Mr. Speaker, I believe we are such a country. The world has always looked to America as a beacon of hope precisely because of our capacity to use our abundant resources to promote the best ideas in the world. Let's continue that tradition. Let's lead the way--let's support this bill.

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