(Washington, DC) - U.S. Representative Jason Altmire (PA-4) vowed to keep fighting for potentially life-saving stem cell research despite President Bush's decision today to veto the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2007. The legislation would have increased federal funding for stem cell research that could save or improve the lives of millions of Americans.
"I am disappointed that President Bush has once again let partisan ideology get in the way of sound science," said Congressman Altmire. "Embryonic stem cell research has the potential to improve the lives and living conditions of millions of Americans living with debilitating medical conditions like Parkinson's, diabetes, Lou Gehrig's Disease and spinal cord injury. His veto unnecessarily delays progress in finding new treatments and cures for these diseases."
The Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act would have authorized federal funds for research on embryonic stem cell lines generated from embryos that would otherwise be discarded by fertility clinics. The bipartisan legislation was supported by 72 percent of the American public, including key Republicans such as Sen. John McCain, former First Lady Nancy Reagan, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, and former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani. Leading scientists, biomedical researchers, patient advocacy groups, and health organizations and many faith-based groups also backed the legislation. Organizations supporting the bill include:
American Medical Association
AARP
Association of American Medical Colleges
Parkinson's Action Network
American Diabetes Association
Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation
Paralyzed Veterans of America.
"In the weeks and months ahead, I will continue to do everything I can to bring hope to the millions of Americans who suffer from debilitating medical conditions today and the millions more who will tomorrow," added Congressman Altmire.
