Rand Paul: “the issue of government funding of embryonic stem cell research is one of the most divisive issues facing the country.…”

“the issue of government funding of embryonic stem cell research is one of the most divisive issues facing the country. While I sympathize with those who see embryonic stem cell research as providing a path to a cure for the dreadful diseases that have stricken so many Americans, I strongly object to forcing those Americans who believe embryonic stem cell research is immoral to subsidize such research with their tax dollars. The main question that should concern Congress today is does the United States Government have the constitutional authority to fund any form of stem cell research. The clear answer to that question is no. A proper constitutional position would reject federal funding for stem cell research, while allowing the individual states and private citizens to decide whether to permit, ban, or fund this research. Therefore, I will vote against H.R. 810. Unfortunately, many opponents of embryonic stem cell research are disregarding the Constitution by supporting H.R. 2520, an ``acceptable'' alternative that funds umbilical-cord stem cell research. While this approach is much less objectionable than funding embryonic stem cell research, it is still unconstitutional. Therefore, I must also oppose H.R. 2520. Federal funding of medical research guarantees the politicization of decisions about what types of research for what diseases will be funded.…”