Press Release

Cummings Decries President Bush's Stem Cell Veto

According to scientists, embryonic stem cells can become virtually any human tissue and renew and replicate themselves indefinitely, possibly offering a cure for conditions such as Alzheimer's and Multiple Sclerosis.

If President Bush had signed this bill into law, it would have lifted  restrictions that prohibit the use of embryonic stem cell lines in federally-funded research - restrictions that were imposed by the President in 2001.  Most of the stem cell lines authorized for federally-funded research under the President's policy are now no longer useful for research.  The bill only authorizes federal research funds for stem cell lines generated from embryos that would otherwise be discarded by fertility clinics. 

The bill also creates an ethical framework that must be followed in conducting this research under the guidance of the National Institutes of Health.

Congressman Cummings released the following statement:

"Today, I joined filmmaker Michael Moore to discuss the release of his latest film, 'SiCKO,' and how our broken health care system hinders hope for 46 million Americans who do not have access to necessary health care.

"In an unfortunate coincidence, while this press conference was going on, President Bush vetoed the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act, which would offer hope to millions of Americans with devastating medical conditions or injuries.

"I am disappointed that President Bush refused to sign into law a bipartisan bill that would have guaranteed that the highest ethical standards would be applied to stem cell research.

"Just like diseases such as smallpox and polio have been eradicated or controlled by the invention of vaccines, stem cell research provides the possibility for more medical cures to be explored.

"When it comes to the health of our citizens, we must put partisanship aside and tear down the walls to medical well-being."

###