María Elvira Salazar: “I rise today to discuss the question currently before the Senate regarding whether to allow Federal funding for…”

“I rise today to discuss the question currently before the Senate regarding whether to allow Federal funding for embryonic stem cell research. It is clear from the last 2 days of debate in the Senate that people on both sides of this issue have very strong feelings about their positions, and rightly so. This is an extremely important issue that raises a whole host of questions to which there are no easy answers. On one hand, we must consider the fundamental question of how to treat potential human life. On the other, we must consider the vast potential of a scientific field that could greatly improve millions of actual human lives and save millions more. When the stakes are this high, we are obligated to have an honest, open, and thorough debate. In keeping with the gravity of these questions and the potential ramifications of how we answer them, I believe that both the Government and the scientific community should address them responsibly. Like millions of other American families, my family has been touched by the ache of loss brought about by Alzheimer's disease. My father died of complications only a few years ago. At the end of his life, I wanted nothing more than to be able to help ease his suffering. Now, as I reflect on that difficult time, I think of the families that are currently enduring the same pain mine did, and I want to help them.…”