Mike Levin: “I rise in support of the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act. The American people need and want a carefully crafted stem…”

“I rise in support of the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act. The American people need and want a carefully crafted stem cell research policy that allows us to seek scientific breakthroughs. We do not have such a policy today. The stem cell policy established by President Bush is severely restrictive and arbitrary. The National Institutes of Health has reported that of the 78 stem cell lines promised by President Bush, only 22 lines meet the President's criteria for use. A number of those lines have developed genetic mutations which will make research on them useless. The vast majority of the remaining usable lines are in other countries that have shown little interest in making them available to U.S. researchers. As a result, our researchers are falling behind their counterparts in other countries, and our citizens are watching their hopes for cures within their lifetimes slip away. What is at stake are potential cures for diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, diabetes and cancer. The Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act expands the number of stem cell lines that are available for federally funded research. The bill also implements strong ethical requirements on stem cell lines that would be eligible for federally funded research. This is an issue that can impact families across America, crossing all lines of income, political persuasion or religious affiliation.…”