[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 68 (Friday, May 26, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E994]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E994]]
        STATEMENT OF ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF PASSAGE OF H.R. 810

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                            HON. LANE EVANS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 25, 2006

  Mr. EVANS. Mr. Speaker, yesterday marked the 1 year anniversary of 
House passage of H.R. 810, the Stem Cell Enhancement Act. Hundreds of 
patients, their loved ones, and advocates were here to remind the other 
body that we are still waiting for this research to move forward. We 
have not forgotten.
  Every day scientists are breaking new ground in the study of stem 
cells and bringing new hope and possibility to finding cures for a 
variety of diseases. Parkinson's disease affects over 1 million 
Americans, and I am one of those patients. Parkinson's affects every 
day of my life.
  When I was first diagnosed with this dreadful disease, I was told I 
would have be able to effectively manage my symptoms for a number of 
years. Unfortunately, in recent months, the symptoms have become more 
bothersome, and I have announced plans to retire at the end of this 
Congress. The decision to retire was a very sad one for me because I 
believe strongly in serving people.
  But Parkinson's will not keep me down. I have been overwhelmed by the 
encouraging letters I have received from my constituents, colleagues 
and friends, veterans, and well-wishers from across the Nation. I am 
heartened by your calls and e-mails.
  I have said before that having Parkinson's has made me a better 
Congressman, and it's true. I know first hand what people go through 
when battling illness or injury. This is why it is so important to pass 
a bill that will allow us to perform research on more stem cell lines.
  It is past time to allow researchers and doctors access to study 
these important cells. Because embryonic stem cells are the only cells 
that have the ability to turn into any cell in the body, their 
potential should not be ignored. They hold not just the potential to 
provide direct treatments and cures for today's debilitating injuries 
and illnesses, but they hold the key to unlocking our understanding of 
how the body works at the most fundamental level.
  Mr. Speaker, I will say again: Parkinson's will not keep me down. But 
as I know first-hand, the millions of Americans and their families want 
research accelerated now. The other body may have not acted yet to pass 
the stem cell bill, but we have not forgotten. We are hopeful the other 
body will take this bill up in short order and in turn provide hope for 
these courageous people.

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