Mr. Clay noted that important research in this new frontier of science is already underway in St. Louis. “In my own district, some of the most promising research on these diseases is underway at Washington University Medical Center. Besides the potential to help millions of people, the future economy of our region is based on building up the life sciences sector. Expanding this research is not only the right thing to do for millions of patients; it is the right thing to do for our economic future and has the potential to create thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in new economic activity. I urge President Bush to reconsider his threat to veto this bill.”

The Congressman also said that new treatments developed from embryonic stem cells have the potential to close some of the most urgent healthcare disparities that harm minority and low income patients. He said, “Minorities and low income Americans have always suffered from much higher rates of diabetes and cancer. These new treatments offer a way to close that gap.”

In Missouri, a statewide coalition of medical professionals, business groups, religious leaders and nonprofit groups have joined together to form the Missouri Coalition for Lifesaving Cures. Congressman Clay is a strong supporter of their efforts.

Congressman Clay also supported H.R. 2520, a bill that supports the collection and registration of cord blood, which is already being used in new therapies that help patients who suffer from blood-related diseases. One of the world’s largest cord blood depositories is located at Saint Louis University.