At Capitol Press Conference 8th District Congressman Defies Bush Veto and Pledges to Keep Fighting for Stem Cell Research

(Washington, D.C.) – Today, at a press conference with leaders from the House of Representatives, Pennsylvania Congressman Patrick Murphy (D-8th District) defied President Bush’s second stem cell veto and pledged to keep fighting for life saving research. The legislation Bush vetoed has received repeated bipartisan support in both the House and Senate. In January, the stem cell bill passed the House with 37 Republican votes and just two weeks ago, passed again by a margin of 247-176. Rep. Murphy is a leading proponent of ethical stem cell research and is one of the original cosponsors of the measure that passed in January. This important legislation will expand the current federal funding policy for embryonic stem cell research. It is similar to the bill that both houses of Congress passed last year, with strong, bipartisan majorities. Regrettably, President Bush used his first veto of his administration to reject that bill as well.

“With this veto today, President Bush defied the will and dashed the hopes of millions of American families,” said Congressman Patrick Murphy. “This issue transcends partisan politics – every family is one phone call away from needing the promise of stem cell research. I will not stop fighting until we have good news to deliver to the thousands of families across Pennsylvania who are waiting for hope and waiting for cures.”

The Stem Cell Bill

Stem cell research has wide bipartisan support and the support of nearly three-quarters of the American people. Passed out of the House on January 11, 2007 and the Senate on April 11, 2007, and again on June 7, 2007 in the House.

• This legislation would expand potentially life-saving stem cell research. The Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act would have authorized federal funds to be used for research on embryonic stem cells. It only authorizes funding for stem cell lines generated from embryos that would otherwise be discarded by fertility clinics.
• The bill also contains a provision that would direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct and support research on alternative human pluripotent stem cells.
• This bill gives hope to millions by greatly expanding the number of embryonic stem cell lines eligible to be used for federally-funded research. Stem cell research has the potential to cure diseases such as Parkinson’s, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, multiple sclerosis, ALS and cancer.

Embryonic Stem Cell Research. The bill authorizes the Health and Human Services Department (HHS) to conduct and support research involving human embryonic stem cells that meet certain criteria, regardless of the date on which the stem cells were derived from a human embryo. Specifically, the measure limits such research to stem cells that meet the following ethical requirements: (1) the stem cells were derived from human embryos donated from in vitro fertilization clinics for the purpose of fertility treatment and were in excess of the needs of the individuals seeking such treatment; (2) the embryos would never be implanted in a woman and would otherwise be discarded; and (3) such individuals donate the embryos with written informed consent and receive no financial or other inducements.

• Guidelines and Report on Embryonic Stem Cell Research. The bill directs HHS to: (1) issue final guidelines to carry out this Act within 60 days; and (2) submit annual reports on activities and research conducted under this Act.

Pluripotent Stem Cell Research. The bill also authorizes HHS to conduct and support research on pluripotent stem cell research — research on stem cells not derived from human embryos. The measure authorizes funding as may be necessary for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2010 for such research. The House-passed bill, HR 3, contained no comparable provision. Within 90 days of enactment, the Secretary, after consulting with the Director of NIH, would be required to (1) provide guidance concerning the next steps required for additional research, including the extent to which additional basic or animal research is required; (2) prioritize research that holds the greatest potential for near-term clinical benefit; and (3) take into account techniques outlined by the President's Council on Bioethics and any other appropriate techniques and research.

• Guidelines and Report on Pluripotent Stem Cell Research. The Secretary would be required to prepare and submit to the appropriate committees of Congress an annual report describing the activities and research conducted.

For Immediate Release, June 20, 2007
Contact: Adam Abrams, (202) 225-4276