[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 6 (Thursday, January 11, 2007)]
[House]
[Page H349]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        FINDING CURES FOR DEBILITATING AND DEVASTATING DISEASES

  (Mr. COSTA asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 3, a bill 
that I consider a pivotal step toward the fight against devastating and 
debilitating diseases.
  The narrow view of stem cell research espoused by the administration 
places unrealistic limitations on the medical research capabilities of 
this Nation. The administration's position on this critical issue 
leaves patients across the country without the hope that they can be 
cured of the effects of medical conditions, including but not limited 
to Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases, as well as spinal cord 
injuries.
  Every person who has had to watch a mother, a brother, a friend, a 
family member, knows of this terrible, terrible, difficult problem. I 
know. I have had that experience.
  These conditions may be curable through stem cell research, but it 
will only be possible if Congress asks for full-fledged research to 
take place. We owe it to the afflicted and their families to put forth 
the best efforts to find cures for these debilitating medical 
conditions.
  I urge the House to put political posturing aside and give hope to 
patients and families by passing this important measure today.

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