FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 25, 2005
Contact: Josh Freed
(202) 225-4431
 
 WASHINGTON, DC – Working to seize the opportunity to change the federal embryonic stem cell policy in the wake of passage last night of H.R. 810, The Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act, Representatives Mike Castle (R-DE) and Diana DeGette (D-CO), authors of the legislation, today urged swift Senate approval.

Castle and DeGette joined Senators Arlen Specter and Tom Harkin, who have introduced the companion legislation to H.R. 810, and their key Senate supporters, Senators Orrin Hatch, Diane Feinstein, Gordon Smith and Ted Kennedy, at a press conference today to "pass the torch of hope" to the Senate.

"The time to change the federal embryonic stem cell policy is now.  With the overwhelming bipartisan vote last night in support of H.R. 810, today we are passing the torch to our Senate colleagues and urge the Senate to schedule a vote on this popular legislation as soon as possible.  Not one more day should be wasted in our attempt to find cures and treatments to help the millions of Americans who are suffering from our most chronic diseases.  We know that with the leadership of our Senate stalwarts, we can get this done," Castle said.

“Yesterday, a bipartisan majority of the House took an important step to helping extend or save the lives of millions of Americans by passing H.R. 810, the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act.  That vote made it clear that stem cell research has support that transcends political party and ideology.  This is a rare opportunity for Congress to do something that can actually save lives. We have already begun to work with our Democratic and Republican allies in the Senate to pass this proposal,” said Rep. DeGette. “The vast majority of Americans who support stem cell research are anxiously waiting for Congress to do the right thing and expand the federal policy now.”

H.R. 810/S. 471, The Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act would expand the number of embryonic stem cell lines eligible for federal research funding through the National Institutes of Health by removing the arbitrary August 9, 2001 date.

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