[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 68 (Friday, May 26, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E986]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          IN SUPPORT OF THE STEM CELL RESEARCH ENHANCEMENT ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 25, 2006

  Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of 
expanding critical stem cell research and to urge the Senate to take 
action on the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act (S. 471).
  One year ago, on May 24, 2005, the House of Representatives passed 
the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act (H.R. 810) by a vote of 238-194. 
I voted for this legislation because it increases funding for stem cell 
research, offering hope and the possibility of a cure for millions of 
Americans suffering from chronic and terminal illness. H.R. 810 also 
provides for the implementation of ethical guidelines to govern this 
research.
  H.R. 810 would help to make significant advances toward finding a 
cure for currently incurable diseases such as juvenile diabetes, 
Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and spinal cord injuries. Furthermore, 
expanding this research would increase our understanding of the 
abnormal cell growth that occurs in cancer and birth defects, which 
would help create a safer and more efficient way of developing 
effective drugs.
  For millions of individuals and their families, stem cell research 
provides hope for a life without the stress and suffering that 
accompany these serious health-related conditions. Expanding funding 
for this science is an effective way to cultivate the remarkable 
potential of a technology which could increase our understanding of 
causes, improve the effectiveness of treatments, and advance our 
ability to find cures for a wide range of debilitating diseases and 
other conditions.
  Unfortunately, despite widespread, bi-partisan support for this 
legislation, including over 200 patient groups, universities, 
scientific societies, more than 75 national and local newspapers, and 
80 Nobel Laureates, the Senate has yet to bring it to the Floor for a 
vote. It is time for the Senate to act to expand stem cell research.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me today in recognizing the 
importance of continuing efforts to improve the quality of life for all 
Americans by implementing legislation to expand stem cell research.

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