-Calls on federal government to join efforts in stem cell research-

Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Lynn Woolsey (D-Petaluma) took to the House floor this afternoon to urge her colleagues to support S. 5, the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2007.  The bill passed the House with a strong bipartisan vote of 247 to 176, and will be sent to the President for his signature.  Woolsey’s remarks are below:

“Madame Speaker, I rise today in support of this bill and all of the promise that comes with funding embryonic stem cell research.  Millions of Americans suffer from diseases for which we might actually find a treatment.  Millions more watch family and friends suffer while we deny them a chance for a cure.

“How can we tell a parent watching his or her child suffer from cancer that we aren’t doing everything possible to save him or her?

“How can we tell a child that we won’t try to put a halt to the ravages of the Parkinson’s disease from which his or her father is suffering?

“How can we tell a teenager that there’s a chance we could repair a damaged spinal cord so they can walk again, but we aren’t going to pursue it?

“How can we tell someone with a family member with Alzheimer’s disease that we won’t try everything possible to fight it?

“In our own district, the Buck Institute for Aging has been doing lifesaving research with embryonic stem cells and just recently received a grant from the state of California to continue this great work.  Private research facilities and states are on the forefront of research, but the Federal Government must join them.

“It is our obligation to the people of this country to support research that could prevent suffering and save countless lives.  Federal funding for research on stem cells is vital to making real progress as quickly as possible to find real cures.  I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this bill that will certainly have long-lasting effects in improving the health and well being of millions of Americans.”