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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. GENE GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague on the Energy and Commerce Committee for yielding to me.

I want to associate myself with the remarks of my colleague from Illinois (Mr. Kirk). That's why I'm here today. We have another opportunity today, Mr. Speaker, to give real hope to millions of Americans suffering from incurable diseases.

These are our constituents, our family members and our friends who cannot afford to wait much longer while this administration stubbornly refuses to accept the people's will.

Poll after poll shows that between 60 and 70 percent of the American people support the expansion of embryonic stem cell research to discover more effective cures and treatment for the diseases that plague our times--juvenile diabetes, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, just to name a few.

Every religion in the world teaches us to do all we can to ease the burden of human suffering.

The administration's current stem cell policy flies in the face of that shared goal and shuts the door of hope to too many Americans awaiting a cure.

I know a majority of my colleagues agree with me, and I hope the President hears us loud and clear and will finally respond to the Congress's, and the American people's, desire for expanded embryonic stem cell research.

Last week I saw what happens in research at the University of Texas Health Sciences Center. The private research is in one lab, and the NIH research is in a separate lab, duplicating facilities. What a waste of our scientific dollars, whether it comes from the taxpayers or from the individual and foundations. What a waste to have to do this, duplicate two labs, to be able to do this research.

And, Mr. Speaker, we know people, not just my colleague from Rhode Island, but I know a young lady 26 years old who had her spinal cord severed. Her only hope is embryonic stem cell research, and I'm glad to hear our colleague from Rhode Island talk about his experience. And he gives hope to this young lady who has no hope right now, except hopefully she'll be able to move her fingers.

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