[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 96 (Thursday, July 20, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1472]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   STEM CELL RESEARCH ENHANCEMENT ACT OF 2005--VETO MESSAGE FROM THE 
          PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES (H. DOC. NO. 109-127)

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                       HON. CAROLYN C. KILPATRICK

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 19, 2006

  Ms. KILPATRICK of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support the 
veto override of H.R. 810, the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act. This 
bipartisan legislation would expand Federal funding for embryonic stem 
cell research.
  The House approved this bill last year and it won U.S. Senate 
approval yesterday. However, despite the measure passing both Chambers 
of Congress, the President has vetoed the legislation, the first of his 
presidency. I am disappointed the President chose this bill to be his 
first veto.
  The American Medical Association and 92 other organizations, 
including scientists and researchers support H.R. 810. Federal funding 
would enable further research to examine many new lines of stem cells--
increasing the potential for cures. Each year 8,000 to 10,000 embryos 
created for in-vitro fertilization are destroyed. H.R. 810 would allow 
federally funded research of stem cells, which scientists believe can 
yield cures for diseases and injuries, to be harvested from surplus 
frozen embryos that are stored at fertility clinics and slated for 
destruction.
  Human embryonic stem cells are prized because they can replicate 
themselves and become almost any type of human tissue. We all know 
someone who can benefit from the research. Science should prevail over 
politics.
  President Bush's veto is standing in the way of hope and progress in 
curing many diseases such as diabetes, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's 
disease, Lou Gehrig's disease, some cancers, and spinal cord injuries. 
This veto has ignored our country's healthcare needs and has slowed the 
potential to eradicate life threatening and chronic diseases.
  The President did not make the right choice. This critical life-
saving bill is greatly needed. I urge my colleagues to support the veto 
override and reaffirm Congress' support of life-saving medical 
research.




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