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The following is a message from Michael Claeys, Senior Policy Coordinator for the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. Any questions or comments can be referred directly to [log in to unmask] <mailto:[log in to unmask]> or (800) 850-4726.
Federal funding of research involving stem cells is legal and is scheduled to proceed with funds made available in the fiscal year 2001 federal budget. Recently adopted guidelines define the parameters under which federal funds may be used for research involving stem cells.
Grant applications for research projects involving stem cells must be submitted to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in compliance with the guidelines. Grant applications will be reviewed and funded according to merit and availability of funds. This process is expected to take until mid or late 2001. Despite this necessary delay, the bottom line is: BARRING ANY CHANGES, FEDERAL FUNDING FOR STEM CELL RESEARCH WILL PROCEED NEXT YEAR.
This is a positive and long-overdue development. As of this writing, there is no scheduled Congressional debate or consideration of any legislation that will change the current status. However, until the gavel drops on this session, there will opportunities for opponents of federal funding of stem cell research to offer amendments or other legislative vehicles to attempt to halt funding. THE FOX FOUNDATION IS CLOSELY MONITORING CONGRESS FOR ANY SUCH DEVELOPMENTS AND WILL IMMEDIATELY UPDATE THE PARKINSON’S COMMUNITY AND PROVIDE INSTRUCTIONS AS TO ACTION TO BE TAKEN.
S. 2015, authored by Senators Arlen Specter and Tom Harkin, would expand the NIH stem cell guidelines to increase the types of stem cell research able to receive federal funding. The fact that consideration of S. 2015 appears to have been postponed until next year DOES NOT CHANGE THE FACT THAT FEDERAL FUNDING FOR STEM CELL RESEARCH WILL PROCEED.
The upcoming elections could affect the use of federal funds for stem cell research, but it would require specific action by the Administration or Congress. The Fox Foundation will continue to monitor all related develops and will continue to play a role in future debates on stem cell research.
Answers to Linda Hermans’ questions:
1. Is the NIH still able to fund stem cell research under the current guidelines?
Answer: YES.
2. In what way could these guidelines be changed - is it possible for the next President or Congress impose a new ban on NIH funding?
Answer: The guidelines could be expanded, restricted or done away with. Congress or the President could attempt to alter the guidelines or ban funding, which would certainly set off a major battle. Outcome of that battle would be influenced by the makeup of Congress, the views of the next President and the views and involvement of the American people.
3. How will the postponement of S. 2015 affect current NIH funding?
Answer: Postponement of consideration of S. 2015 will have no effect on current NIH funding.
4. What can those supporting stem cell research do at this point?
Answer: Supporters of stem cell research should urge their Senators and Representatives to RESIST ANY ATTEMPTS TO LIMIT, CURTAIL OR FURTHER DELAY FEDERAL FUNDING OF STEM CELL RESEARCH.
Michael Claeys
Senior Policy Coordinator
Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research
840 3rd Street
Santa Rosa, CA 95404
(800) 850-4726 - voice
(707) 544-2363 - fax