Political Quotes

“Mr. Chairman, this provides a GAO study of the issue. This amendment is being presented jointly with Rep. Wu. We all agree that the cloning technology we are aware of today should not be used for human reproductive purposes. Yet, we all know that the nuclear cell transfer process that this bill bans in this country will continue in other countries in order that the promising developments in stem-cell research can continue. It is possible that this process can develop to the point that it could be used to prevent or cure many dreaded childhood or adult-onset diseases such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, diabetes, cancer, heart disease, spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, severe burns, or other diseases, disorders, or conditions. These developments are proceeding at a very rapid pace. This amendment would ensure that Congress is informed of developments in the technology and their potential for medical advances. It would advise us of any need for technical changes to the bill which would keep its prohibition on reproductive cloning effective and narrowly drawn, while allowing any beneficial uses of the technology consistent with the prohibition. Furthermore, this is an area where public attitudes and ethical views are often confused and uncertain, and a GAO study would be helpful in summarizing and clarifying them before Congress chooses to revisit this issue.”