Statement from Rep. Jim Davis on Stem Cell Legislation

 

WASHINGTON , DC – Today, Congressman Jim Davis voted to override President George Bush’s veto of H.R. 810, the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act, which expands federal funding for embryonic stem cell research.  The vote, which required a two-thirds majority to pass, failed 235 to 193.  Rep. Davis, a cosponsor of the bill, released the following statement:

 

“Millions of Americans struggle everyday with the debilitating effects of diseases like Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and diabetes, for which science has found no cure.  By vetoing the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act, President Bush has dealt a serious blow to these brave Americans, their families and all those searching for cures to devastating diseases. 

 

“I voted to override the President’s veto because he is wrong to put politics before sound science and the prospect of a cure for countless Americans.  I was greatly disappointed that President Bush ignored the pleas of patients, our nation’s leading scientists and health organizations, as well as leaders such as former First Lady Nancy Reagan and Senator Orrin Hatch.”