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House of Representatives to Vote on Expanding the President�s Stem Cell Policy by the Memorial Day Recess -- Perhaps as Early as Next Week
We�re pulling out all the stops. We�ve been working for almost four years to get a vote in the Congress. And this is our chance. The House Republican leadership has agreed to allow a floor vote on The Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act, H.R. 810.
The Stem Cell Research Enhancemement Act, H.R. 810, is a bi-partisan bill sponsored by Representatives Mike Castle (R-DE) and Diana DeGette (D-CO) that will expand Federal research funding to the use of embryonic stem cells derived after August 9, 2001.
What does this bill do? Fundamentally, it removes the arbitrary date of August 9, 2001 from the current federal funding regulations. The bill would allow embryonic stem cell lines derived from unused, donated embryos from in-vitro fertilization that would otherwise be discarded to be eligible for federal funding. All of the current regulations and oversight put in place by President Bush would remain intact.
With both Democrats and Republicans working to support this bill, we already have 198 co-sponsors, and have additional verbal pledges from Members to vote for the bill. We need 218 votes to win.
We have every reason to think the floor vote will be extremely close. With your help, we can win this vote. Contact your Member of Congress and urge a YES vote on Castle-DeGette, H.R. 810.
This bill may be brought to the House of Representatives for a vote as early as next week.
When President Bush announced his stem cell policy in August 2001, we did not foresee that the 78 lines available for research at that time would not be sufficient. Tell your Representative the challenges with the current policy are the following:
� While it originally appeared that 78 embryonic stem cell lines would be available for research under the federal policy, now, almost four years after August 9, 2001, only 22-23 lines are available to researchers.
� All of those lines are contaminated with mouse feeder cells, making their therapeutic use for humans uncertain.
� Scientists are reporting that it is increasingly difficult to attract new scientists to this area of research because of concerns that funding restrictions will keep this research from being successful.
� This promising field of research is moving overseas. We have already seen researchers move to countries such as the United Kingdom, Singapore, Israel, Sweden, and Australia, which have more supportive policies.
Talking Points on H.R 810:
** Note: When you call, ask for the health aide, and if the aide is not there, leave a detailed voicemail for him/her and request a return call. Try to avoid leaving a message with the front desk.
� As a constituent, I am calling to urge Representative _______ to vote YES on H.R. 810, the �Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2005� introduced by Representatives Castle and DeGette.
� This bill would expand the current federal policy on embryonic stem cell research to allow for federal funding on stem cell lines that meet clear ethical guidelines, which is needed for scientists to explore the full promise of this research.
� Explain your personal connection to this legislation.
� Embryonic stem cells have the potential to be used to treat and better understand a multitude of diseases and injuries.
� I strongly urge Representative ______ to vote YES H.R. 810 to move this important field of research forward.
Please call, write, or visit your representative and urge them to vote YES on H.R. 810, The Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act - expanding the federal embryonic stem cell policy and offering hope to over 128 million Americans.
This is our best opportunity to enhance President Bush�s restrictive policy. Now is the time to be active and apply pressure! The opposition to this is well-organized and very vocal. It is extremely important that the House of Representatives hear loud and clear from the majority � supporters of embryonic stem cell research.
Once again, your efforts will be crucial to the success of this vote. There is no time to waste. Take Action Now, and encourage your Members of Congress to vote YES on H.R.810.
The Christopher Reeve Action Network
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Christopher Reeve imagined living in a world where politics would never get in the way of hope!
He supported embryonic stem cell research and SCNT, not for his own benefit, but for the millions of Americans who could live better lives through the advancement of research.
Have Questions?
Click here for more information on stem cell and SCNT research.
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