Langevin Not Discouraged by Stem Cell Veto

Statement

Langevin Not Discouraged by Stem Cell Veto

Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI) today vowed to keep fighting for stem cell research despite President Bush's decision to, once again, veto legislation that promotes valuable, lifesaving medical research.

The Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act would have authorized federal funds to be used for research on embryonic stem cell lines derived from embryos at in vitro fertilization clinics that would otherwise be discarded. Embryonic stem cells could ease the suffering of millions from devastating illnesses such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.

Langevin offered the following statement:

"This veto does not stop embryonic stem cell research, but it certainly slows it down at time when government-supported research in other countries is excelling. This research will now continue in the private sector with insufficient funding and a lack of government oversight, all while millions of people wait for cures to devastating diseases. Their hopes have been dimmed by the President's action today.

"I look forward to continuing the fight for embryonic stem cell research. If Congress chooses to sustain this veto it will only further delay the full potential of embryonic stem cells. People will continue to suffer and the United States will continue to fall behind and lose scientists to other nations in this cutting edge arena."

Source