Washington, DC - Congressman John D. Dingell (D-MI15) made the following comments today on President Barack Obama’s decision to reverse stem cell restrictions put in place by President George W. Bush. The Bush restrictions forbid the use of federal funds on research of new stem cell lines.

“Today, it was my pleasure to be with President Obama as he lifted the restrictions left by the previous administration on stem cell research. This action brings hope to some of our citizens in the greatest despair – those suffering from ailments like Alzheimer's, diabetes, and multiple sclerosis. The President provided a moral compass for scientists, doctors, and all of those longing to do amazing things and realize their dreams of a better future. Perhaps, we’ve opened the door for the next great American innovation today.

“I commend President Obama and my good friend Congresswoman Diana DeGette for all of their courageous work on this issue. There are many reasons why this has become a complicated issue in our country, but they have been guided by their strong faith and their desire to improve the human condition of people suffering.”

“Our scientists at the University of Michigan are on the cusp of remarkable breakthroughs in the area of stem cell research. Much of this research has been done despite incredible restrictions at both the state and local levels hampering their work for many years. We often said ‘think of what could be done if we could get the handcuffs off these great scientists?’ Michigan voters in November started the process with the passage of Proposal 2 this past fall.  Today’s executive order will hopefully pave the way for additional federal resources to support the important work already being done in Michigan.”

Proposal 2, which Michigan voters passed 53 percent to 47 percent last November, allows the use of human embryos for research permitted under federal law and overturned a 1978 state law that prohibited researchers from deriving new stem cell lines. The stem cells come from embryos that were intended for fertility treatment purposes and typically are discarded. The Houston Chronicle described Michigan in 2005 as one of five states with the most severe laws regarding stem cell research.

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