 |
 |
Congressman Gary Ackerman 5th District - New York Queens and Long Island ------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------- For Immediate Release Contact: Jordan Goldes June 9, 2004 (718) 423-2154 ACKERMAN INTRODUCES REAGAN STEM CELL BILL U.S. Rep. Gary Ackerman (D-Queens/L.I.) today introduced the Ronald Reagan Memorial Stem Cell Research Act of 2004 which would allow stem cell research and fund it with federal dollars. “I think an excellent way to honor Ronald Reagan would be to open up stem-cell research and permit it to be funded by the federal government.” Ackerman said. “Such research may help scientists find a cure or treatment for Alzheimer’s and other terrible diseases, which would spare millions from living the horrible nightmare the former President and his family were forced to endure.” Ackerman's legislation uses the stem cell research guidelines that the National Institutes of Health (NIH) created in August 2000. In addition, the bill provides an initial $87 million in federal funds for this critical research. The guidelines treat research in an ethical manner, prohibiting human cloning and the creation of embryos solely to destroy them for stem cells. Ackerman noted that Nancy Reagan has been among those pleading for federal restrictions on stem cell research to be relaxed and fully funded. In addition, prominent researchers indicate that research is the most promising aspect in finding a cure for Alzheimer’s as well as cures for several other deadly and disabling diseases that affect more than 100 million Americans. These include cancer, heart disease, diabetes, Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, juvenile diabetes, Lou Gehrig's disease (ALS) and others. “Let’s win one more for the Gipper” Ackerman added “and pass this legislation.” #### http://www.house.gov/ackerman/press/stemcell.htm ---------------------------------------------------------------------- To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto:[log in to unmask] In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn