Thank you for responding, Rep. Wilson, but I've got skin in this game as do
millions of other living, suffering people.
Embryonic stem cell research will take place.
The real question is when and where.
Why cede leadership in this field to countries that may have already
done "research" everyone agrees is objectionable? I'm referring to reports
that in Russia live infants, not aborted fetuses, have been killed for
their
tissue.
There is already a brain drain of our scientists to places like Singapore,
Sweden, and the UK. Patients are even going to China for treatments.
If you are going to restrict stem cell research to non-embryonic stem cells,
you better produce something real soon or you will be seen as anti-science
and irrelevant, as well as uncompassionate.
Rayilyn Brown, Parkinson's disease 11 years
Surprise AZ
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----- Original Message -----
From: "Rep. Joe Wilson" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Thursday, January 18, 2007 12:27 PM
Subject: Responding to your message
January 18, 2007
Ms. Rayilyn L. Brown
18507 North Windfall Drive
Surprise, Arizona 85374
Dear Ms. Brown,
Thank you for your recent correspondence regarding embryonic
stem cell research. I appreciate your taking the time to write.
Stem cells can be derived from adult cells, umbilical cords
discarded after birth of a child, embryonic lines already in existence, and
human placenta. As of August 9, 2001, President Bush authorized
federal funding on embryonic stem cell lines already in existence, but
stated he would not expand the policy, because doing so would create an
incentive for destroying embryos. I agree with this position.
This issue was brought to both the Senate and House floors
during the 109th Congress. H.R. 810 was introduced by Representative
Michael Castle (DE) on February 15, 2005. This legislation passed the
House on May 24, 2005 with a vote of 238-194. On July 18, 2006, it
passed the Senate with a vote of 63-37. President George W. Bush
vetoed H.R. 810 on July 19, 2006. Two thirds of the House must vote in
favor to override a presidential veto, subsequently the House failed to
override the veto with a vote of 235-193.
During the 110th Congress, Representative Diana DeGette (CO -
1) introduced H.R. 3, the "Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of
2007" on January 5, 2007. This legislation passed the House on January
11, 2007, with a vote of 253-174. I voted against this legislation. H.R.3
has been sent to the Senate, where I expect a vote in the coming days.
Please be assured that I will keep your views in mind should any further
legislation related to embryonic stem cell research come before me on
the House floor.
It is an honor to represent the people of the Second
Congressional District of South Carolina, and I value your input.
If I may be of further assistance to you, please do not hesitate to
contact me.
Very Truly Yours,
Joe Wilson
Member of Congress
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