Citing Painful Connection To Alzheimers, Senator Urges Stem Cell Research

Press Release

CITING PAINFUL CONNECTION TO ALZHEIMERS, SENATOR URGES STEM CELL RESEARCH

U.S. Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) today urged his colleagues to support the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2007 (S.5). Menendez called upon President Bush, who has vetoed similar legislation in the past, to respect the wishes and hopes of those suffering from debilitating diseases and sign this bill into law.

"It is time for the President to start listening to the American people and to the scientists, not just special interests," Menendez said. "It's time for him to sign this important piece of legislation into law and open the door to the hope and promise of embryonic stem cell research."

Menendez also cited his personal experiences with a mother suffering from Alzheimer's disease as a catalyst for his dedication to this research.

"My mother is suffering from Alzheimer's disease and when I look at her empty gaze and her shriveled body, I cannot help but wonder, if we had started embryonic stem cell research years ago, would she still be suffering?," Menendez asked on the Senate floor. "I don't want my children to be asking the same type of questions. We cannot wait any longer."

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