Jim Kolbe: “I do rise today in strong support of H.R. 810. Over the past two decades, three-quarters of the scientists who have won…”

“I do rise today in strong support of H.R. 810. Over the past two decades, three-quarters of the scientists who have won the Nobel Prize in medicine have studied or taught in the United States. And this is not a coincidence. Our Nation has created an environment that values innovation and discovery, especially in biological sciences. H.R. 810 will help America continue to lead in this crucial field. Of course, there is more at stake in this debate than America's global standing. Stem cell research holds extraordinary potential to save lives and alleviate human suffering. I had a father who suffered from Parkinson's, a mother who passed away with Alzheimer's. And I am all the more convinced that we must pursue this research vigorously, because I believe it does have potential to yield results. I would argue that H.R. 810 is worthy of our support not just for what it allows but for what it restricts. The bill requires that embryos be in excess of clinical need. It does not permit financial compensation for those embryos, and it requires the donor's written, informed consent. This legislation appeals to hope, but it insists on caution as well. H.R. 810 is as thoughtful as it is ambitious. For that reason I urge my colleagues to support it. Mr. DeLAY. Mr. Speaker, I only have one more speaker before I close. So I yield, Mr. Speaker, 3\1/2\ minutes to the distinguished gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Hyde), who has been fighting for the culture of life his entire career.…”