Durbin Calls on Republican Leader Frist to Begin Senate Debate on Embryonic Stem Cell Research Bill
DURBIN CALLS ON REPUBLICAN LEADER FRIST TO BEGIN SENATE DEBATE ON EMBRYONIC STEM CELL RESEARCH BILL
- In light of promising medical breakthroughs that could help millions of Americans suffering from Parkinson's, diabetes, Alzheimer's and other diseases, U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today called on Republican Leader Bill Frist (R-TN) to begin Senate debate soon on the House-passed embryonic stem cell research bill.
Durbin issued the plea during a floor speech celebrating the 40th anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court's landmark Griswold v. Connecticut decision that struck down the law making it a crime to use or prescribe contraceptives or even to give advice about birth control.
"I encourage Senator Frist to stand with the majority of Americans to support this life-saving research. No matter how strong the religious feelings of its opponents, this critical issue deservers a full Senate debate," Durbin said. "I am urging Senator Frist, a medical doctor, to bring to the floor the House-passed embryonic stem cell research bill as quickly as possible."
H.R. 810, the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act, will expand the number of embryonic stem cell lines eligible for federal research funding through the National Institutes of Health by removing the arbitrary August 9, 2001 date and impose strict ethical controls on the research. The bill passed the House 238-194 on May 24, 2005, with 50 Republicans supporting the measure.
"Many Democrats and Republicans in the Senate agree that stem cell research is about sound science, strong ethical guidelines, and the possibility of saving the lives of millions of Americans," Durbin said. "Unfortunately, some see this debate as totally political. It's time for the Senate to fully support responsible stem cell research and for President Bush to drop his veto threat and acknowledge scientific reality."
Durbin added, "Like the majority of Americans, I am hopeful that embryonic stem cell research holds the cure to diseases afflicting our family and friends. That's why we must put our differences aside and pass this legislation as quickly as possible."
http://durbin.senate.gov/record.cfm?id=238643&&