Dianne Feinstein: “The National Health Council states, ``We urge careful consideration of the issue and a vote against cloture so a more…”

“The National Health Council states, ``We urge careful consideration of the issue and a vote against cloture so a more thorough debate can occur.'' I ask unanimous consent that be printed in the Record. There being no objection, the material was ordered to be printed in the Record, as follows: National Health Council, Washington, DC, February 9, 1998. Hon. Dianne Feinstein, U.S. Senate, Washington, DC. Dear Senator Feinstein: Early this week the Senate will decide whether to begin debate on legislation to ban the cloning of a human being. The National Health Council, which represents the Nation's leading patient organizations, agrees with the American public that the cloning of a human being should be prohibited. However, we urge careful consideration of the issue and a vote against cloture, so a more thorough debate can occur within the committees of jurisdiction before consideration by the full Senate. Current advances in medical research are, for the first time, holding true promise of curing some of the most well- known diseases: cancer, diabetes, and paralysis. In the past, scientific gains have provided patients with novel treatments, allowing us to manage disease more effectively. But cures have eluded us. Cloning, the duplication of scientific material, such as cells or genes, has allowed scientists to more efficiently study biological processes, and has led to many recent medical advances.…”