(Warwick, R.I.)–Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI) today announced that he will be traveling to London, England, next week to learn more about that country’s investments in adult and embryonic stem cell research. This bipartisan congressional trip comes on the heels of the one-year anniversary of House passage of H.R. 810, the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act, which passed in May 2005 by a bipartisan vote of 238-194.

“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to travel abroad with my colleagues to learn about the great stem cell innovations underway in the United Kingdom,” said Langevin. “Unfortunately this trip will also serve as a reminder of how much the scientific community here in the United States is missing out on research and investment opportunities.”

Langevin is traveling with Congresswoman Diana DeGette (D-CO) and Congressman Michael Castle (R-DE) and will be meeting with various ministers and scientists as well as officials within government departments, regulatory agencies, non-governmental agencies and research institutes. The visit will include an assessment of the UK’s current policy on embryonic stem cell research and review some of the leading research on the subject as well as its current regulatory and research framework. There will also be an opportunity for participants to exchange ideas with UK legislators and experts on bioethics.

Since the House passage of H.R. 810 in May of 2005, Langevin has continuously urged that the Senate stand by its pledge to place a vote on the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act at the top of its 2006 agenda.

“It has been one year since this historic bipartisan achievement,” said Langevin. “Yet, Americans and others around the world have continued to suffer from devastating illnesses, while scientific progress has been limited due to restrictive policies at home. Other nations, with more progressive policies, have not let the opportunities slip by.”

To illustrate the importance of passing embryonic stem cell research, Langevin points to estimates that 342,000 Americans have died of lung disease over the last year. Also in the last year, researchers in the UK have coaxed embryonic stem cells to change into specialized lung cells, highlighting the potential for embryonic stem cells to be used in regenerative medicine. The UK research has moved forward while the Senate continues to delay consideration of H.R. 810, and the President has failed to offer support to the advancement of this science, which holds tremendous potential for not only lung disease, but Parkinson’s Disease, ALS and even spinal cord injuries.

“I remain optimistic that the Senate leadership will stand by the pledge made last year to move an embryonic stem cell bill forward,” continued Langevin. “The longer a vote is delayed, the longer full potential of embryonic stem cells will be delayed. While Congress fails to act, people will continue to suffer and the United States will continue to fall behind and lose scientists to other nations in this cutting edge arena.”

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