Dan Coats: “I rise in support of S. 1601, a bill that would end the cloning of human beings. I urge my colleagues to support and…”

“I rise in support of S. 1601, a bill that would end the cloning of human beings. I urge my colleagues to support and cosponsor this legislation. Many opponents of the bill will label its supporters as anti-technology, anti-science--seeking to return to the dark days of ages past. Such opponents have conveniently seized on a notion that to ban this emerging technological procedure is to despise all science and progress. Nothing could be further from the truth. Just 80 days ago, two of the primary sponsors of this bill--Senators Frist and Gregg--and I completed three years of intense work on the FDA Modernization Act, whose sole purpose was to advance the health of patients by supporting and promoting the extraordinary, life-saving work of high-technology biotech companies and drug firms. It is too convenient--indeed, it is dishonest--for opponents to charge supporters of this cloning bill with being anti-science, anti-patient. Indeed, we who believe human life to be one of the greatest gifts from our Creator, do not fear the development of science and technology that protects and improves that life.”