[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 43 (Wednesday, March 11, 2009)]
[House]
[Pages H3148-H3149]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           STEM-CELL RESEARCH

  (Mr. ARCURI asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. ARCURI. Mr. Speaker, this week the President took a critical step 
to boost groundbreaking stem-cell research and restore scientific 
integrity across government. The President signed an executive order 
lifting the ban on Federal funding for promising embryonic system cell 
research. In doing so he affirmed the administration's support of 
finding cures for diseases like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, heart disease 
and diabetes that cause pain and suffering all over the world.
  Many thoughtful and decent people are conflicted about or are 
strongly opposed to this research. The President understands their 
concern and respects their point of view. That is why the 
administration will develop and rigorously enforce strict ethical 
guidelines with zero tolerance for misuse and abuse. This order does 
not open the door for cloning for human reproduction in any way. We are 
all opposed to

[[Page H3149]]

that. Rather, it unleashes and unharnesses the potential of what this 
country can accomplish to eliminate the ravages of these diseases and 
the effects they impose upon humanity.

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