 |
 |
LANGEVIN INVITES MICHAEL J. FOX TO STATE OF THE UNION WARWICK, R.I. - Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI) today announced that he has invited Michael J. Fox to the President's State of the Union address. The State of the Union is scheduled for Tuesday, January 23, in Washington, D.C. "I have always tried to invite guests to the State of the Union that will help raise greater awareness about important issues facing our nation today," said Langevin. "In 2005, the late Dana Reeve attended as my guest to highlight the importance of pushing embryonic stem cell research forward. I am sure Michael will help to further Chris and Dana's legacy and underscore for the President just how serious I am about pursuing the promise of stem cell research." Last week the Democratic leadership passed as part of their 100 Hours legislative agenda H.R. 3 Degette-Castle-Langevin Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act. Since August 9, 2001, when the Bush Administration enacted restrictive regulations that allow federal funding for research solely on those stem cell lines derived prior to August 2001, Langevin has been an outspoken advocate for expanding the federal government's role and involvement in stem cell research. "Congressman Langevin is a tireless champion for the advancement of medical research, and I am honored to join him next week at the State of the Union," said Michael J. Fox. "Jim has been a leader in the recent passage of the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act. I have often said diseases and disorders are a non-partisan issue that requires a bi-partisan solution. Jim Langevin is part of that solution." Under H.R. 3, only those excess embryonic stem cells derived from in vitro fertilization and slated for destruction could be used for research, with government oversight to ensure ethical research procedures. "This legislation has strong, bipartisan support in both chambers of Congress. It enjoys the support of up to 70 percent of Americans," continued Langevin. "There is no doubt in my mind that stem cell research is poised to change the face of medicine." H.R. 3 passed the House on January 11 by a vote of 253-174, and the legislation will now move to the Senate. -30- _______________________________________________ CAMR.friends mailing list [log in to unmask] http://www.freehood.net/mailman/listinfo/camr.friends ---------------------------------------------------------------------- To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto:[log in to unmask] In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn