Political Quotes

“I ask the Democratic leader to stay on the floor just so we can discuss some of these issues. And I apologize for not being here. I was in my office, and so I don't know exactly what issues he talked about. But I am fascinated by the comments on stem cells and would love to talk further about stem cells in terms of both the power and the potential for stem cells to cure, something I have spent a lot of time with and know something about. But if the implication was made that for some reason the issues surrounding life, surrounding cures, surrounding healing are any less important to this side than the other side of the aisle, I think it is disingenuous to say. I say to the Democratic leader, on stem cells--he knows I am a great advocate for the potential and promise for embryonic stem cells, the practical application; where I have run a transplant center, where tens of thousands of people have benefited from the procedures of adult stem cells, mainly bone marrow transplants--I hope he does not question my commitment to healing, to addressing that this year. He knows it was the other side of the aisle that refused the unanimous consent request last year in July where we would take up four different stem cell bills. And, again, I was not on the floor, but I would ask the Democratic leader what point he was trying to make in terms of stem cells?”