[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 11 (Friday, January 19, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E154]
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. ADAM B. SCHIFF

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, January 11, 2007

  Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 3, the Stem 
Cell Research Advancement Act of 2007.
  In California, we have devoted State funds, nearly $300 million a 
year, to pursuing research on embryonic stem cells, and it has helped 
make California a destination for researchers on the cutting edge of 
biotechnology. But the promise of stem cell therapies will not benefit 
just the people of California, but all Americans, and indeed the entire 
world. Shutting the National Institute of Health out of this research 
is misguided, and turns our back on the many millions who may benefit 
from the cures it may provide.
  More than five years after the Administration instituted restrictions 
on Federal funding of embryonic stem cell research, the promise of this 
potential line of treatment is greater than ever.
  There are those who suggest that research on adult stem cells is 
equally promising and has produced new therapies--and I welcome further 
research in that area. But we, as legislators, should not prejudge 
which avenues are most promising. We should leave the science to the 
scientists.
  Embryonic stem cells have the potential to transform the way we treat 
diseases that afflict millions of Americans. There is not a person in 
America who doesn't know someone who suffers from diabetes or 
Alzheimer's or cancer or heart disease, and embryonic stem cell 
research hold tremendous promise for the treatment of each of those, 
along with many other potential therapies.
  Medical and biological ethics are a serious issue and we can have 
differences of opinion, but I believe that a commitment to lifesaving 
medical research that holds the potential to cure diseases like 
diabetes and Alzheimer's is consistent with a commitment to the 
sanctity of human life.
  Last year, I voted to override the President's veto of this important 
legislation. I hope the President will reconsider his opposition, and 
it will not be necessary to vote on an override again.

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