Anniversary of H.R. 810, Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act

ANNIVERSARY OF H.R. 810, STEM CELL RESEARCH ENHANCEMENT ACT -- (House of Representatives - May 23, 2006)

Ms. DeGETTE. Mr. Speaker, nearly 1 year ago today, we witnessed a truly historic event on the floor of this House: Members of Congress from both sides of the aisle joining together to put patients first by passing H.R. 810, the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act.

Two months later we were further encouraged when the majority leader of the other body announced his support for our bill. At that point, it appeared that the hopes of so many patients and caregivers would finally be realized as this critically important research would obtain the funding necessary to reach its true potential. Unfortunately, Mr. Speaker, that is the last we heard of this bill; 364 days after passage of the bill in the House, the other body remains silent. They have proceeded to work on numerous other bills, including the designation of 46 post offices, but they have refused to put patients first.

In the meantime, in the last year, 1.5 million people have been diagnosed with diabetes; 55,000 were diagnosed with Parkinson's; and 8,700 with multiple sclerosis.

It is time for the other body to put patients first and pass H.R. 810.

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