President Bush, Sign the Stem Cell Research Bill into Law!
June 7th, 2007 by Office of the SpeakerLast July, despite overwhelming support from the American people and a solid majority of the Congress, President Bush vetoed the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2006. Today, the Democratic-led House and Senate are giving the President another chance to sign this bill expanding scientists’ access to embryonic stem cell lines and opening the door to potential lifesaving cures for millions of Americans.
This afternoon, Speaker Pelosi signed the bill and sent it to the President:
72 percent of Americans support embryonic stem cell research. [Opinion Research Corporation, 2006]
Nancy Reagan, Former First Lady
“Science has presented us with a hope called stem cell research, which may provide our scientists with answers that have so long been beyond our grasp. I just don’t see how we can turn our backs on this - there are just so many diseases that can be cured, or at least helped. We have lost so much time already, and I just really can’t bear to lose any more.” [Remarks at Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, May 8, 2004]
Speaker Nancy Pelosi
“Because every family in America is just one diagnosis, one phone call, or one accident away from needing the benefits of embryonic stem cell research, we hope the President will reconsider his position. With this legislation, we have the opportunity to save lives, find cures, and give hope to those suffering. It is an opportunity that neither we, nor the President, should miss.” [Floor Statement, June 7, 2007]
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.)
“Embryonic stem-cell research provides us the hope of new cures and therapies…President Bush has made the wrong choice, putting politics ahead of safe, responsible science.” [Washington Times, May 21, 2005]
Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah)
“It’s the possible remedying of some of the worst diseases in our society…Stem cell research promotes life. It’s the most pro-life position you could take.” [Salt Lake Tribune, June 6, 2007]
Rep. Diana DeGette (D-Colo.)
“For many, stem cell research is the most promising source of potential treatments and cures…Unfortunately, because of the stubbornness of one man, President Bush, these people continue to suffer and wait.” [Washington Post, June 7, 2007]
Dr. William Frist, Former Senate Majority Leader (R-Tenn.) and Heart Surgeon
“I strongly believe, as do countless other scientists, clinicians, and doctors, that embryonic stem cells uniquely hold specific promise for some therapies and potential cures that adult stem cells cannot provide.” [Congressional Record, July 18, 2006]
Dr. Elias A. Zerhouni, Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH)
“From my standpoint, it is clear today that American science will be better-served, and the nation will be better-served, if we let our scientists have access to more stem cell lines.” [Los Angeles Times, March 20, 2007]
Dr. Story Landis, Director of the NIH’s National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
“Science works best when scientists can pursue all avenues of research. If the cure for Parkinson’s disease or juvenile diabetes lay behind one of four doors, wouldn’t you want the option to open all four doors at once instead of one door?” [Washington Post, January 20, 2007]
Michael J. Fox, Actor & Founder of Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research
“If the potential of stem cell research is realized, it would mean an end to the suffering of millions of people – a rescue, a cure…Stem cells could lead to breakthroughs in developing treatments and cures for almost any terminal or catastrophic disease you can think of. This is one of the reasons that support for this work has galvanized a coalition of advocates from just about every patient community in the nation. If stem cell research succeeds, there isn’t a person in the country who won’t benefit, or know somebody who will.” [Lucky Man, memoir, 2002]
Rabbi David Saperstein, Director of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism
“Only by expanding the current number of stem cell lines available for federally-funded research will we provide hope to those in need and fulfill our obligation as faithful Americans to work to heal the sick.” [July 19, 2006]
Presbyterian Church, Office of the General Assembly
“With careful regulation, we affirm the use of human stem cell tissue for research that may result in the restoring of health to those suffering from serious illness. We affirm our support for stem cell research, recognizing that this research moves to a new and challenging frontier. We recognize the need for continuing, informed public dialogue and equitable sharing of information of the results of stem cell research. It is only with such public dialogue and information sharing that our diverse society can build a foundation for responsible movement toward this frontier that offers enormous hope and challenge.” [2001]
Maureen Shea, Director, Government Relations, Episcopal Church and Dr. Cynthia Cohen, Georgetown University
“As stewards of creation, we are called to help mend and renew the world in many ways. The Episcopal Church celebrates medical research as this research expands our knowledge of God’s creation and empowers us to bring potential healing to those who suffer from disease or disability.” [Joint Letter to the House of Representatives, March 25, 2005]