A Concurrent Resolution supporting stem cell research has been introduced
by Rep. Carolyn Maloney of NY. see text below.
Unlike a bill, a resolution does not become law, if passed - but it
expresses the sense of the Congress, and it sends a message to the
President. So far there are only 3 sponsors. Those of us who support the
research should write to our representatives and ask them to co-sponsor
H.Con.Res. 17. Rep Maloney also heads the Congressional Working Group on
Parkinson's Disease, and is a strong supporter of the Parkinson's
community.
Also does anyone know what is happening with Sen. Specter's stem cell
research bill, which was to be reintroduced early this year?
Linda
From THOMAS:
107th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. CON. RES. 17
Expressing the sense of the Congress supporting Federal funding of
pluripotent stem cell research.
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
January 30, 2001
Mrs. MALONEY of New York (for herself and Mrs. MORELLA) submitted the
following concurrent resolution; which was referred to the Committee on
Energy and Commerce
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
Expressing the sense of the Congress supporting Federal funding of
pluripotent stem cell research.
Whereas Federal funds are crucial for researchers to proceed with stem
cell research and technologies;
Whereas pluripotent stem cell research does not undermine the current ban
on Federal funding of human embryo research because pluripotent stem
cells are not embryos and cannot become embryos;
Whereas pluripotent stem cells are presursors of specialized cells which
are destroyed or damaged in many incurable diseases and disabilities;
Whereas the ability to use pluripotent stem cells to generate specialized
cells, such as the dopamine-producing cells that are degenerated in
Parkinson's disease or the insulin-producing cells that are impaired in
diabetes, allows doctors to learn to generate the specialized cells that
are destroyed or damaged in other diseases and disabilities;
Whereas pluripotent stem cell research could lead to vastly improved
treatments or cures for Alzheimer's disease, anemia, AIDS, arthritis,
blindness, brain injury, birth defects, cancer, deafness, diabetes, heart
disease, kidney disease, liver disease, lung disease, Lou Gehrig's
disease, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, Parkinson's disease,
severe burns, sickle cell anemia, spinal cord
injury, and stroke, and could also lead to improved success of organ
transplantation; and
Whereas Federal funding through the National Institutes of Health ensures
that sensitive research will be conducted in accordance with the highest
scientific and ethical standards: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring),
That the Congress supports Federal funding of pluripotent stem cell
research.
Co sponsors
Rep Morella, Constance A. - 1/30/2001
Rep Slaughter, Louise McIntosh - 2/6/2001
