The ISSCR Applauds U.S. House of Representatives for Its Support of S. 5

On Thursday, June 7, 2007, the U.S. House of Representatives voted in support of the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2007 (S. 5)., 247 to 176. The bill had passed the Senate in April, 2007. This legislation will now also appear before President Bush for signing into law or if not approved, a second veto.

If signed into law, the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act would allow stem cell scientists to receive U.S. federal funding to study the many valuable human embryonic stem cell lines currently excluded from this support (those created after August 9, 2001).

Previous attempts to expand federal funding for human embryonic stem cell research, the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2005 (H.R. 810), was passed by the House and Senate in mid-2005 and 2006, respectively, however, was rapidly vetoed by President Bush.

Despite strong public and bipartisan congress support of this legislation, in public statements, President Bush has made it clear he plans to use a second veto to strike down this bill. To overturn the veto, a two-thirds majority, or super-majority vote must follow in both the House of Representatives and the Senate.

Continued expression of public support of this bill is critical to encourage President Bush to reconsider his position. Please join us in making your voice heard. Call the White House, urging President Bush to sign S. 5, the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act, into law. The number for the White House opinion line is 202-456-1111. This number is only open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST. You may also call the White House Switchboard at 202-456-1414.

Adult and embryonic stem cells are complementary subjects of research, as are the generation of alternative methods to generate such lines. Pursuing these angles side by side offers the greatest potential to rapidly generate new therapies.

Posted: June 8, 2007