Political Quotes

“cloning for the purpose of reproduction is wrong, and I am confident my colleagues agree. I am supporting a proposal, offered as an amendment to H.R. 534, which clearly outlaws human reproductive cloning while not closing the door on future advancements in scientific research which have the potential to find cures for degenerative and life threatening diseases. This research is critical to advancing therapies and cures for diseases such as Parkinson's, Alzheimer's and diabetes, as well as conditions resulting from spinal and head injuries. Most egregious, the underlying bill will halt important research on cures for these diseases, which kill over 3,000 Americans each year. The bill goes so far as to even bar the importation of overseas medical treatments developed using cell cloning techniques. Just because this type of scientific research does not fit the ultra-conservative views of some members of this body is no reason to withhold potentially life-saving treatments from millions of Americans suffering from debilitating and life threatening diseases. These citizens and their families deserve better. This bill is a misplaced application of religious doctrine, imposing a narrowly held view of science and law on America. We can and should provide guidelines that prevent reckless experimentation on the development of humans and prohibit cloning for purposes of human reproduction, but Congress should not overreach in this area.”