[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 94 (Tuesday, July 18, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1447]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           STEM CELL RESEARCH

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOSEPH CROWLEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 18, 2006

  Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of Federally funded, 
ethical stem cell research. H.R. 810 passed by the House and passed the 
Senate on July 18, 2006 accomplishes this goal.
  This important legislation would lift the ban on which stem cell 
lines can be researched using Federal dollars. It provides sound rules 
and regulations to govern the research of stem cells, such as 
preventing human cloning for embryos or the deliberate destruction of 
embryos, while also providing doctors and scientists the ability to 
perform more research to find new cures for degenerative diseases such 
as Alzheimer's, spinal chord injuries, and diabetes.
  Many of my colleagues on the Republican side of the aisle believe 
this legislation will open the door to rouge doctors to perform cloning 
procedures, or will allow for the use of Federal funds to actually 
destroy the embryos. Let me be crystal clear, this legislation will NOT 
allow Federal funds to be used in the destruction of embryos, nor will 
this legislation allow these funds to be used in cloning.
  We, as a country, excel in so much; let us push forward on important 
research rather then regressing. With embryonic stem cell research we 
could potentially save the lives of an estimated 100 million Americans.
  While this bill has overwhelming support from our country's leading 
scientists, biomedical researchers, patient advocacy groups, and health 
organizations, along with many religious leaders. President Bush has 
emphatically stated he will veto this legislation; the first veto thus 
far of his 6-year administration.
  I cannot, on my conscience stand face to face with an individual 
suffering from a degenerative disease, and tell them that an embryo 
that will be discarded is more important then saving their lives.
  President Bush, I ask you to reconsider your stance on H.R. 810, the 
stem cell research bill. Leave a lasting legacy on your Presidency, 
this country and the entire world. Sign this important legislation into 
law. I support this legislation and stand with my colleagues in the 
House and the Senate.