(Warwick, R.I.) Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI) today announced he will be traveling to California during the February recess next week to meet with stem cell research experts at the University of California, Irvine, and homeland security experts at the Port of Long Beach and the Joint Regional Intelligence Center in Los Angeles.

“This trip is a wonderful opportunity for me to learn firsthand about two important issues currently facing our nation,” said Langevin. “I look forward to touring one of the nation’s premier stem cell research facilities, followed by meetings with officials at one of the nation’s largest commercial ports.”

Langevin plans to meet with scientists from the Sue and Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center and the Reeve-Irvine Research Center on Tuesday, February 20.

“This will be my first trip to the UC, Irvine campus, and I look forward learning about the most recent developments in stem cell research,” said Langevin, a sponsor of H.R. 3, the DeGette-Castle-Langevin Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2007. “I have long said this research will change the face of medicine and with this visit I will be able to see that change in action.”

On Wednesday, February 21, he will travel to the Joint Regional Intelligence Center in Los Angeles, followed by the Port of Long Beach on Thursday, February 22.

“I understand that port security is a matter of national security, and to that end, I look forward to meeting with the Long Beach Port officials in an effort to better understand their daily operations and needs,” continued Langevin, Chairman of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Emerging Threats, Cybersecurity and Science and Technology. “Nearly all of the foreign imports that enter this country come through our seaports, and we must know who is handling cargo and what goods are being shipped. I am committed to making sure that our ports are equipped with the best technology to detect potential threats.”

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