Like many of you, I have long felt that the federal government should do more to support stem cell research.  While there has been broad bipartisan support for certain subsets of this research, I have been deeply disappointed by the resistance to embryonic stem cell research under the Bush Administration and the sometimes blatant disregard for the scientific promise this research holds.

It is widely believed within the scientific community that embryonic stem cells have the potential to be used to treat and even cure a range of devastating diseases that affect millions of Americans each year.  The Institute of Medicine has stated that the study of embryonic stem cells "will be required to most efficiently advance the scientific and therapeutic potential of regenerative medicine."  The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has also concluded that more research must be done before we can fully understand the medical potential of embryonic stem cells.

Any effort to advance the state of care for diseases such as Parkinson's, cancer, Alzheimer's, multiple sclerosis, heart disease, and diabetes deserves the strong and unwavering support of the federal government.  To that end, last year, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2005 (H.R. 810), which would have expanded the federal government's role in conducting and supporting embryonic stem cell research.  I voted for the bill. 

The U.S. Senate also recently passed H.R. 810, and the bill went to President George W. Bush for signature.  Regrettably, when presented with the bill, President Bush chose to issue his first veto since coming into office five and a half years ago.  President Bush has now closed the door on important scientific advances that could potentially lead to cures for some of the world's most devastating diseases.  I supported the effort to override President Bush's veto, although, unfortunately, that effort failed.

As we move forward, I will continue to press the Bush Administration to put science first in the debate over embryonic stem cell research.  I hope that, some day soon, the federal government will be able to give embryonic stem cell research the support it deserves.

(Editor's note: Contact your congressman to make your voice heard on this and other topics. http://www.house.gov/)

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