FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 23, 2004
Contact: Josh Freed
(202) 225-4431

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representatives Mike Castle (R-DE) and Diana DeGette (D-CO) today introduced the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act, bipartisan legislation to expand federal support for stem cell research.

The Castle-DeGette legislation directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services in consultation with the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to fund research on embryonic stem cell lines derived after the August 9, 2001 policy established by the White House. The legislation builds on existing NIH embryonic stem cell guidelines and improves ethical considerations of the origin of lines eligible for federal funding for research. In accordance with federal law, the legislation ensures no federal funding shall be used to derive stem cells or destroy embryos.

“This is not about politics. It is about science, medicine and hope,” said Rep. DeGette. “By expanding federal support for stem cell research – putting the full weight of NIH behind this effort – government has an opportunity to help end the suffering of millions of people with chronic or terminal diseases.”
Patients of diseases potentially cured or treated by advances in stem cell research joined Reps. Castle and DeGette to discuss the personal importance of this research on their lives.

In addition, the Coalition for the Advancement of Medical Research, comprised of more than 85 nationally recognized organizations that represent at least 400 million patients and their family members, scientists, bioethicists, medical specialty organizations, foundations, and some of America's leading universities and scientific institutions, endorsed the bill. The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation, the Parkinson's Action Network and the Republican Main Street Partnership also officially endorsed the legislation.

The architects of the 206-signature, bipartisan letter to President Bush, Castle and DeGette continue to advocate for increasing stem cell research through meetings with Dr. Elias Zerhouni, Director of NIH, conferences with scientists and healthcare groups, and now with this legislation.

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