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Washington, DC -- On Tuesday, U.S. Rep. Klein sent a letter to President Bush, urging him to sign the Stem Cell Enhancement Act into law. President Bush has signaled he will veto this bill, which would be the second time he has vetoed a stem cell funding bill passed by the majority of the House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate, and supported by a strong majority of the American people.
Below is the text of Klein’s letter to the President (please note: a PDF of letter on official letterhead is also attached:
June 12, 2007
George W. Bush
President of the United States of America
1600 Pennsylvania Ave.
Washington, DC
Dear President Bush:
I write to you today concerning one of the most important issues facing our country. As you are well aware, embryonic stem cell research represents one of the most promising frontiers in medicine. This research offers hope to millions of people suffering from incurable diseases such as Parkinson’s, Lou Gehrig’s Disease, cancer and diabetes, because human embryonic stem cells -- unlike adult stem cells -- are able to develop into almost any cell in the human body.
But hope will not spring eternal without the federal government’s strong commitment to stem cell research. Congress has done its part by passing S. 5, the “Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2007.” This bill would greatly expand federal funding for embryonic stem cell research while adding critical ethical safeguards. For example, stem cells donated for research must be derived from human embryos donated from in vitro fertilization clinics for the purpose of fertility treatment. And where in excess of the needs of the individuals seeking such treatment, the embryos would be otherwise discarded and not implanted in a woman.
Mr. President, we were here once before. In 2006, the 109th Congress passed a similar measure with the “Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act,” but you exercised your Presidential authority to veto the legislation—the first of your administration—and you have announced your intention of vetoing S. 5 when it comes before you. On behalf of the seniors, children, and families living throughout the 22nd Congressional District of Florida and other Americans throughout the country who look to the promise of stem cells to cure their diseases, I implore you to change your mind and sign this bill into law.
I too share your impassioned belief that all life is sacred. That is why I have made it my personal mission to advance the cause of stem cell research both as a member of the Florida State Senate for the past ten years and now as a Member of Congress. A large part of my passion is driven by people like Adam Susser, a young boy from Boca Raton. Adam was asphyxiated at birth and as a result, is cortically blind with quadriplegic cerebral palsy. My mission is also driven by Matthew Romer, a young boy in South Florida who died from a fatal genetic disease, despite both parents being told they did not carry the gene. The promises of stem cell research mean that children like Adam could be cured and live a more normal life, and children like Matthew who are born with a rare illness could be cured and live.
And for the thousands of seniors living throughout South Florida, many of whom are afflicted with Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson’s disease, and so many other serious ailments, the stem cell battle is critically important. Every day that passes without our scientists and researchers having all of the tools at their disposal is another day of suffering.
The Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2007 would be a major step forward towards fulfilling that promise, and I respectfully urge you to sign it into law.
Thank you for the concern and deliberation you’ve shown on this issue, and I look forward to working with your administration on this and other issues in the future.
Sincerely,
Ron Klein
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