[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 3]
[House]
[Page 3200]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                            STEM CELL DEBATE

  (Mr. LANGEVIN asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute.)
  Mr. LANGEVIN. Mr. Speaker, in recent months, researchers have created 
apparent embryonic stem cells from reprogrammed adult skin cells. This 
is an exciting new breakthrough, known as induced pluripotent stem 
cells, or iPS, which is an important and incredible milestone. However, 
it should not halt our efforts towards embryonic stem research. The iPS 
method is still in its earliest stages, and there is widespread debate 
among the scientific community as to the safety and effectiveness of 
its practical application.
  Embryonic stem cell research remains the gold standard for potential 
therapeutic use. Further, it has laid the foundation of scientific 
knowledge that has made these recent discoveries possible. We should 
not abandon one area of research just because we have made progress in 
another. We must continue our investment, both public and private, into 
all areas of responsible stem cell research, whether that is adult stem 
cell research, embryonic stem cell research, or this new, exciting iPS 
method. It is the right thing to do. It offers great potential to 
offering cures for millions of people suffering from some of life's 
most challenging chronic conditions and diseases. The hope of millions 
of Americans depends on it.

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