Langevin Continues Push For Stem Cell Research

Langevin continues push for stem cell research

Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI) today voted to lift the federal ban on embryonic stem cell research. This stem cell legislation is part of the Democratic 100 Hours legislative agenda, which also includes allowing Medicare to negotiate lower prescription drug prices and cutting interest rates on student loans, among other important measures.

Since August 9, 2001, when the Bush Administration enacted restrictive regulations that allow federal funding for research solely on those stem cell lines derived prior to August 2001, Langevin has been an outspoken advocate for expanding the federal government's role and involvement in stem cell research.

Langevin today offered the following statement on H.R. 3 - Degette-Castle-Langevin Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act:

"America has waited a long time for the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act. I am proud to support H.R. 3 and to be a part of a Congress that has made this a top priority.

"This legislation has strong, bipartisan support in both chambers of Congress. It enjoys the support of up to 70 percent of Americans. And most importantly - it offers hope and the promise of a cure to the millions of people who are living with the constant challenges and burdens of chronic diseases and disability.

"When I was injured in an accidental shooting almost 26 years ago, I was told that I would never walk again. The promise of embryonic stem cell research was, at that time, unheard of.

"While I always held out hope that I would one day walk again, it was not until the tremendous potential and advances in the field of stem cell research that I truly understood how a cure might work.

"I am the first to admit that my understanding of stem cell research has involved ongoing education, thought and prayer. As a pro-life Member of Congress, I have not taken my decision to support this legislation lightly.

"Over the years, I had the good fortune to learn about stem cell research from some of America's renowned scientists, pro-life leaders like Senator Orrin Hatch, and a dear friend who is certainly on my mind today - Christopher Reeve.

"I have come to support embryonic stem cell research, because I see how it can be done ethically. And I believe that being pro-life means fighting for legislation that will eliminate pain and suffering and help people enjoy longer, healthier lives. My support for embryonic stem cell research is entirely consistent with a pro-life position.

"My education on this issue has filled me with tremendous hope, not only that stem cell research might one day lead to a cure for spinal cord injuries, but that one day, a child with diabetes will no longer face a lifetime of painful shots and tests. I truly believe that one day, families will no longer watch in agony as a loved one with Parkinson's or Alzheimer's gradually declines. I am thrilled to be able to share this hope with millions of others.

"We live in exciting times. Today, newly spinal cord injured patients - many of them teenagers, as I was - are told about developing treatments and scientific progress. They face the world with many of the same challenges I faced in 1980 - but they also face the world with the hope and real promise of a cure.

"There is no doubt in my mind that stem cell research is poised to change the face of medicine."

(H.R. 3 passed the House on January 11 by a vote of 253-174.)

http://www.house.gov/list/press/ri02_langevin/prstemcell11107.html