Berkley Votes To Lift Ban On New Embyonic Stem Cell Research, Calls On President Bush Not To Veto Legislation That Will Save Lives

Press Release

BERKLEY VOTES TO LIFT BAN ON NEW EMBYONIC STEM CELL RESEARCH, CALLS ON PRESIDENT BUSH NOT TO VETO LEGISLATION THAT WILL SAVE LIVES

Citing the potential for medical breakthroughs that could bring new hope to patients and their families, Congresswoman Shelley Berkley (D-NV) today voted in favor of the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act. The bill expands federal funding of embryonic stem cell research by lifting current restrictions on the embryonic stem cell lines that can be used for federally-funded research.

"Stem cell research holds the promise of new medical breakthroughs that will save lives and we should be promoting exploration of this cutting edge technology, not limiting its use for political reasons," said Berkley. "Families all across Nevada and our nation strongly support embryonic stem cell research and they are joined by the American Medical Association, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and other respected organizations and faith-based groups. More than 100 million Americans who now suffer from Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, diabetes and other debilitating diseases and disorders could see new and better treatments and cures as a result of this legislation, but only if it is not blocked by the White House," Berkley said. "Congress has sent stem cell legislation to the President once, only to see it vetoed, but I hope that this time he will make the right choice and sign this important bill into law."

The bill 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.

The Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act has already been approved by the Senate and now goes directly to President Bush's desk for signature. The legislation is supported by more than 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.

Source