Orrin Hatch: “although at one time it appeared that as many as 78 stem cell lines might qualify under the President's policy, as many…”

“although at one time it appeared that as many as 78 stem cell lines might qualify under the President's policy, as many had feared, the number of lines that might be practically accessed today is no more than around a dozen at best. Moreover, all of these cell lines were grown with so-called mouse feeder cells so could never pass muster with the FDA for use to make products for humans. Thus for the President's initial goals to be accomplished, new embryonic stem cell lines must be made available. It has been over a year since he House has taken its historic action of passing H.R. 810 by a bipartisan 235-to-189 vote. I commend the leadership of Representatives Mike Castle and Diana DeGette for moving the bill through the House. I must pay special respects to Senator Arlen Specter and Senator Tom Harkin for their dogged determination in conducting a series of some 15 oversight hearings on the issue of stem cell research since this breakthrough science was first reported in 1998. In fact, it was the work of the Specter-Harkin Labor-HHS Appropriations Subcommittee that developed the factual basis and legal analysis that resulted in the legislation that became H.R. 810. At long last, today the Senate will finally vote on this important legislation. I hope that it will pass and if it does, I will strenuously urge President to reconsider his position and sign this bill into law. Mr. President, I yield the floor. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Oregon.”