Mark Kirk: “I rise in support of this stem cell research bill because, in my judgment, we should support several key principles…”

“I rise in support of this stem cell research bill because, in my judgment, we should support several key principles: number one, that America should always lead with regard to medical research; number two, that doctors and scientists should guide medical cures; and number three, that hope for patients facing cancer or diabetes or Alzheimer's should be our top priority. American leadership, doctors in charge, new hope for patients, oh, and bipartisan cooperation to make each of these ideals a reality, that's why we should support this bill. In my home State of Illinois, our researchers and doctors are forging ahead like Dr. John Kessler, one of the leading researchers in the field of embryonic stem cell research at Northwestern University, who said ``stem cell biology promises to revolutionize the practice of medicine.'' I've also met with Dr. Daniel Peterson, an associate professor of neuroscience at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science in north Chicago, working on a project where stem cells are used for structural brain repair, a critical treatment for soldiers suffering from post-traumatic stress that offers new hope for veterans. Or even a reference to today's Chicago Tribune, which talked about Dr. Richard Burt of Northwestern University and his work on stem cell research which could offer a cure for Type I diabetes.”