(Washington, D.C.)–Congressman Jim Langevin, a nationally recognized leader in the effort to increase access to and federal funding for stem cell research, today urged the House Leadership to make good on their word to allow a vote on the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act, legislation he has been pushing for the past three years that would significantly expand current stem cell research efforts. Langevin also demanded that the legislation be brought to the floor with its original language and not weakened prior to a full vote.

Three years ago, the Bush Administration enacted restrictive regulations that allow federal funding for research solely on those stem cell lines derived prior to August of 2001.

“For three years, we have been fighting to remove arbitrary restrictions on stem cell research and ease pain and suffering for millions of Americans,” said Congressman Jim Langevin. “Restricting the number of stem cell lines available to researchers and under-funding that research does a disservice to the millions suffering from Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, diabetes, cancer and even spinal cord injuries. It is time for the House leadership to allow all members a vote on this potentially life-saving research.”

Earlier this year, Langevin and Representatives Mike Castle (R-DE) and Diana DeGette (D-CO) introduced the bi-partisan Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act, which would direct the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to fund research on stem cell lines derived after August 9, 2001. Under the bill, only those excess embryonic stem cells derived from in vitro fertilization and slated for destruction could be used for research, with government oversight to ensure ethical research procedures.

“Expanding federal support for stem cell research would provide medical researchers, working under strict ethical guidelines, with additional resources to continue their efforts to unlock potential life-saving therapies,” added Langevin. “Stem cell research holds great potential for combating some of nature’s cruelest diseases, and we in Congress have an opportunity to advance this groundbreaking research under strict ethical guidelines."

During his Congressional tenure, Langevin has been a strong proponent of increasing government funding and expanding the number of stem cell lines available for research beyond the limits set by President Bush in 2001. He has written to the President on multiple occasions, urging him to reconsider current restrictions on stem cell research, testified before a Senate Committee in favor of funding for the research, appeared on NBC’s Meet the Press in August of 2001 and spoke at the 2004 Democratic National Convention to argue for expanded research, as well as increased federal oversight to address ethical concerns.

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