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Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2007

Floor Speech

Date: June 7, 2007
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: Stem Cell Research


STEM CELL RESEARCH ENHANCEMENT ACT OF 2007 -- (House of Representatives - June 07, 2007)

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Mr. MURPHY of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act.

Two years ago, as Congresswoman DeGette noted, I was honored to write and pass one of the Nation's first stem cell investment acts, Connecticut's $100 million investment in stem cell research. But I decided to seek a seat in this body because our action in Connecticut was ultimately hamstrung by inaction here in Washington, despite public cries for our Federal Government to invest in stem cell research. We could not, in large part not because of the will of this House but because of the will of the President.

What should not be in doubt here today is the promise that this legislation holds. Although new discoveries occur every day, including just yesterday expanding the potential of stem cell research, make no mistake, political lines drawn by this political body about what kind of research will be allowed and will not be allowed will frustrate science and postpone cures. That's why every major medical, science and scientific professional association, as well as major research universities and institutions and affected patient advocacy organizations support the passage of this bill.

Senator Orrin Hatch from Utah, who has always been a faithful ally of the pro-life community, said that being pro-life is more than just caring for the unborns. It's about caring for the living as well. I couldn't agree more, when we talk about the sanctity of human life, and we all believe that human life is sacred.

We too often neglect the things that we can do to protect and extend the lives of our friends and loved ones who suffer from terminal and debilitating diseases. This bill, perhaps more than anything, is about extending and preserving life. That's a value that we all share.

One hundred million Americans are affected by some kind of life-threatening disease. Somewhere in this vast universe, a cure for their disease exists. I know it. We all know it. Let's stop putting up man-made barriers to finding that cure, a cure for our loved ones.

I stand in strong support of this bill. I commend Ms. DeGette for her long-awaited advocacy for this issue.

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