Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act.

I have been so proud to be part of the bipartisan effort to advance federally funded stem cell research and commend the tireless work of the bill’s cosponsors, Diana DeGette and Mike Castle.

It is evident that we will pass this bill today, but we know that hurdles will remain before the measure is signed into law.

All along the way, opponents of embryonic stem cell research have been spreading mistruths about what embryonic stem cell research entails and what its promises are.

For starters, I am shocked by how many times I have heard some of my colleagues claim that this research involves creation of life for the purpose of destroying it.

I would like to reiterate yet again that this bill explicitly states that only embryos created by in vitro fertilization, that would otherwise be discarded, may be used for this type of research.

By allowing researches to make use of embryonic stem cells, slated to be thrown out, we are giving purpose to these embryos.

In fact, through research, we will be able to give life to millions who suffer from illnesses that may be cured.

We’ve also repeatedly heard the argument that adult or amniotic fluid stem cell research alone will be enough.

But this is not the case and the world’s leading scientists concur that all stem cell research should be conducted together in order to maximize benefits.

Our President himself has stated his desire to put the United States at the forefront of science and innovation.

Getting him to sign this bill is one way to make that happen.

A vote against HR 3 would be setting us back even further and would let other countries get much farther ahead of us in the effort to cure the world’s most chronic diseases.

I urge my colleagues to vote enthusiastically in favor of HR 3.

Pictured above: (center) Congresswoman Capps meets with Central Coast firefighters to discuss emergency preparedness.