Washington, DC - Congressman Wm. Lacy Clay blasted President George W. Bush’s veto of a bill that would have expanded federal support for embryonic stem cell research.  The bill, which passed both the U.S. House and Senate with bi-partisan majorities, would have increased federal resources available to help U.S. research facilities that are working to unlock cures for chronic diseases that affect millions of patients. 

“A bipartisan majority of this Congress voted to give hope to millions of Americans who suffer from chronic diseases.  Today, the President turned his back on those citizens and sacrificed that hope on the altar of partisan politics,” said Clay.  “In Missouri, almost one million people are suffering from diseases like diabetes, cancer, Parkinson’s Disease, Alzheimer’s and spinal cord injuries.  The President, and those Republicans who still support him, have turned their backs on these patients for partisan gain.  Ending human suffering is bigger than winning an election.  It is a shame that the President did not understand that moral value.”

Earlier today on the House floor, Mr. Clay said, “Minorities and lower income Americans suffer from higher rates of chronic diseases. Embryonic stem cell research could unlock the secrets to closing the healthcare disparities gap.  And expanding federal support for stem cell research is also vital to helping America maintain our leadership in medicine and the life sciences.”  Congressman Clay co-sponsored legislation to expand federal support for embryonic stem cell research and he vowed to continue those efforts.  He commented, “The American people support this research because they know that someone they love will be helped.”