[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 7 (Friday, January 12, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E88]
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. JUANITA MILLENDER-McDONALD

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, January 11, 2007

  Ms. MILLENDER-McDONALD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support 
of H.R. 3, the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2007, introduced 
by my esteemed colleagues, Representatives Diana DeGette and Michael 
Castle. As a longtime champion of stem cell research and an original 
cosponsor of this legislation, I cannot stress enough how important 
this bill is to the future of medical research and to the health and 
well-being of Americans and people worldwide. Embryonic stem cell 
research holds unique promise for the treatment of illnesses such as 
Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, muscular dystrophy and many 
other degenerative conditions. We Members of Congress have the 
responsibility to ensure that this promise is realized.
  The expansion of federally funded embryonic stem cell research is 
supported by a majority of Americans and by Members of Congress from 
across the political spectrum. Therefore, I was disheartened by 
President Bush's decision to use his first and only veto to strike down 
stem cell legislation passed last year. However, I have fresh hope that 
we will see the enactment of this legislation this year. I am confident 
that we will pass this bill overwhelmingly today and that the Senate 
will do its part to secure final passage. I am also optimistic that 
President Bush will respect the wishes of the American public and will 
refrain from vetoing this important legislation yet again.
  Countless lives could be saved with the passage of this legislation, 
and I therefore urge each one of you to vote with foresight, with 
optimism and with respect for life in favor of the Stem Cell Research 
and Enhancement Act of 2007.

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