[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 7 (Friday, January 12, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E104-E105]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               STEM CELL RESEARCH ENHANCEMENT ACT OF 2007

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                               speech of

                           HON. SCOTT GARRETT

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, January 11, 2007

  Mr. GARRETT of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I find it no coincidence that 
as we were preparing to deliberate federal funding for human embryonic 
stem cell research, a study was released that announced a breakthrough 
in the form of amniotic-fluid stem cell research. These stem cells do 
not present any ethical controversy and have already shown more promise 
than embryonic stem cells.
  Federal funding already goes to research and development for 
embryonic stem cells. The NIH currently spends $40 million for such 
studies. It spends $600 million on stem cell research in general. In 
fact, nearly $3 billion has

[[Page E105]]

been spent on all stem cell research over the past six years.
  Much of this research, like the amniotic fluid stem cell research, is 
without the ethical dilemma, and has simply proven to be more 
effective.
  Researchers have expended years of time and energy trying to develop 
a single treatment or cure for any disease from embryonic stem cells to 
no avail; and actually finding adverse consequences like tumors at the 
implantation site. But adult stem cells have already provided us with 
treatment options for 72 diseases. Adult stem cells have shown a real 
return on the American people's investment.
  We have seen results from adult stem cells and should continue to 
support and subsidize progress in this field. And, as I mentioned a 
moment ago, there is a new option in the form of amniotic stem cells 
which has already shown great promise and even more success than 
embryonic stem cells.
  The face of this debate has already changed in the short time since 
it came before us last summer; and while this latest discovery provides 
hope, it should also act as a warning. A warning that we cannot make 
rash decisions which cost not only federal dollars, but also human 
lives.

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