Boswell Briefing Column January 8, 2007

Column for the week of January 8, 2007

As we begin the 110th Congress, the newly sworn in Democratic House will vote on several vital pieces of legislation during the "First 100 Hour" agenda. This week we are expected to vote on the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act. I am proud to be an original cosponsor of this life saving bill.
The Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act would expand federal funding for embryonic stem cell research by increasing the number of embryonic stem cell lines eligible for use. Currently, only embryonic stem cell lines that were created before August 2001 are allowed to be used for research. Out of the 78 stem cell lines that were eligible for research only 22 are still available to researchers.
This measure imposes strict ethical guidelines, ensuring that only embryos that would otherwise be discarded by fertility clinics are used for stem cell research. The Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act will give hope to millions of Americans who daily face debilitating diseases and illnesses. I was deeply disappointed last July when the President vetoed this bill. I am hopeful that once again, this measure will easily pass the House and the Senate and when it is presented to the President, will be signed into law.
Stem cell research has the potential to find treatments and even cures for a wealth of diseases and disabilities including spinal cord injury, heart disease, diabetes, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, cancer, and osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. As an original cosponsor of this legislation during the 109th and 110th Congresses, I am hopeful that this measure will quickly pass the House and the Senate and we can begin to change the lives of those affected by these debilitating diseases.
During my time in Congress, I have continually worked with my colleagues to ensure adequate funding be given to research, treatment, and finding a cure to devastating diseases. I have consistently worked on the side of hope and science and I am optimistic that once this legislation is passed it will quickly begin to change lives. I believe we owe it to our loved ones to purse stem cell research and provide millions of Americans the chance at a healthy future.

http://boswell.house.gov/article.asp?id=611