Clay Hails Passage of Expanded Stem Cell Research

Congressman Wm. Lacy Clay today hailed the passage of HR 3, the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act, by a final vote of 253 - 174. The bill, which is a key element of the new Democratic Majority's first 100 Hours Legislative Agenda, was cosponsored by Mr. Clay.

"Today, Democrats and Republicans came together to vote for hope," said the Congressman. "We made a promise to the American people to take immediate action in support of stem cell research. The huge display of bipartisan support shows that Americans from all backgrounds, from all parts of the country, and from both parties believe this vital research should go forward. Almost every family has someone who suffers from a debilitating illness like diabetes, cancer, Parkinson's Disease, Altzheimers, heart disease or other chronic ailments. Expanding embryonic stem cell research is not only the right thing to do, it may help us close the healthcare disparities gap, which adversely effects African Americans, Latinos and other minorities."

Congressman Clay, whose district in St. Louis includes top research facilities at Washington University Medical Center and Saint Louis University Medical Center, has been an early and energetic advocate of expanding research on both embryonic stem cells and cord blood stem cells. "This research offers hope to millions of patients who are suffering from terrible illnesses. It's also vital to helping America maintain leadership in key scientific fields that lead to better healthcare and future economic development in the life sciences. I hope that the President will look at the huge bipartisan majority in favor of this bill and reconsider his threat to once again veto this promising legislation."

http://www.house.gov/apps/list/press/mo01_clay/stemcellclay.html