Dean Commends Democrats For Passage Of Stem Cell Bill

After years of having President Bush play politics with the issue, last night Senate Democrats passed the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2007, which increases federal funding for stem cell research and expands the number of stem cell lines available for federally-funded research. Earlier this year, House Democrats voted to expand this critical research, which would help give hope to 100 million Americans affected by debilitating or life-threatening diseases and their families.

“Democratic leaders in both houses of Congress have now kept their promise to the American people by passing important legislation that removes President Bush’s restrictions on funding for stem cell research,” said Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean. “The ethical issues surrounding medical research are some of the most challenging of our time, but we must have the courage and compassion to move forward with critical research that can help save lives. By threatening to veto this critical bill, President Bush is once again opting for political posturing ahead of sound science and the desires of the American people. The time has come for the Bush Republicans to put partisanship aside and join Democrats in standing with the huge majority of American families who support sound science and want to do everything we can to offer hope to those who suffer from debilitating ailments like multiple sclerosis, diabetes, spinal cord injuries, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.”