Candidate Positions

Original source: http://www.house.gov/list/speech/ca52_hunter/stem_cell_110th.shtml

Hunter Votes to Protect Human Life

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Congressman Duncan Hunter (R-CA), voted against H.R. 3, the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act. The legislation, which passed the House by a vote of 253 – 174, promotes federal funding for human embryonic stem cell research.

“While I support stem cell research, I cannot make an exception for the destruction of human life,” said Congressman Hunter. “Rather than promoting ethical alternatives, this legislation utilizes taxpayer dollars for research methods using embryonic stem cells, which destroy human life for scientific purposes. Despite there being no limitations on privately funded embryonic stem cell research, this method has failed to deliver any significant results or effective treatments.

“We learned last week that yet another viable and ethical alternative to embryonic stem cell research exists through the use of amniotic non-embryonic stem cells. I will continue to only support efforts that promote these promising alternatives, which preserve and promote life, and provide the most sensible approach to discovering new treatments against life threatening diseases and conditions.”

In stating his strong opposition to H.R. 3 and embryonic stem cell research, Congressman Hunter cited his support for H.R. 322 (Bartlett-MD), the Alternative Pluripotent Stem Cell Therapies Enhancement Act. The legislation, which Hunter is a cosponsor, promotes the derivation of pluripotent stem cell lines from alternative sources that do not require the creation or destruction of human embryos for research purposes.

Original source: http://kucinich.house.gov/News/DocumentSingle.aspx?DocumentID=47366

Statement On The Veto Override Of The Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act

Washington, Jul 19, 2006 - Congressman Dennis J. Kucinich (D-OH) issued the following statement on the House vote to override the President’s veto of HR 810, The Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act:

“This debate is not about whether or not embryonic stem cell research should occur. The Administration is not stopping private embryonic stem cell research. It just opposes the expansion of public stem cell research. The Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act is the safest, most ethically and morally sound way to proceed with this potentially life-saving scientific advancement.

“The private sector is not restricted from such research. The legislation, vetoed today, would have expanded the number of frozen embryos to be used for stem cell research by the Federal Government. Federally sponsored research is subject to greater oversight and safeguards and higher ethical standards.

“Recent scientific breakthroughs have demonstrated that embryonic stem cell research has life saving potential. It could result in saving millions of lives. It could be the answer to the prayers of those who suffer from Parkinson’s, diabetes, cancer, heart disease, spinal cord injuries and other debilitating conditions.

“Embryonic stem cell research will continue with or without the federal government. This bill would have expanded federal research, which will be subject to greater oversight and safeguards.

“I disagree with the President’s decision to veto this important legislation and hope Congress will continue to work to advance this important, and life saving research.”

Original source: http://dodd.senate.gov/index.php?q=node/3274&pr=press/Speeches/107_01/0905.htm

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH, EDUCATION, LABOR, AND PENSIONS: HEARING ON STEM CELL RESEARCH
Statement of Senator Chris Dodd

September 5, 2001

“For months, we have heard from scientists, bioethicists, religious leaders, and fellow citizens. Their sentiments have often differed, but they have reflected our collective thought process. We have learned about the tremendous potential of stem cells to give new hope for therapies and possible cures for some of the most debilitating diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and diabetes. In fact, earlier this year, Israeli scientists coaxed some human embryonic stem cells into insulin-producing cells. While this is an early development, imagine what this could mean in the fight against juvenile diabetes. And, just this week, we read about University of Wisconsin researchers who have coaxed human embryonic stem cells into blood-making cells.

“At the same time, we have been challenged by the deeply held convictions of stem cell research opponents. Weighing the suffering caused by juvenile diabetes and the possibility of lessening that against what some believe to be nascent life, is a terribly complex issue. Ethically, morally, and legislatively. The debate is being held around our nation, and I am pleased to have the discussion brought here today.

“As of August 9th, under the President’s proposal, only research on stem cell lines already in existence may be funded with federal dollars. The President has said that taxpayer money should only be used in cases where the life or death decision has already been made. Again, I understand and respect the convictions of those who oppose federal funding for stem cell research on the basis that it destroys embryos, but I wonder if that decision has been any less determined in the case of the thousands of frozen embryos in fertility clinics due to otherwise be destroyed.

Original source: http://www.governor.state.nm.us/press.php?id=307

Governor Richardson Announces $35 Million in Stem Cell Research and Supercomputing Initiatives

October 31, 2006
Jon Goldstein 505.476.2248

ALBUQUERQUE —Governor Bill Richardson today joined Senator Jeff Bingaman in announcing major, multi-million dollar investments in stem cell research and supercomputing. The Governor’s plan will include a $10 million investment in stem cell research as well as $25 million in the supercomputing power needed to thoroughly study a variety of medical, scientific and social issues.

“Hope must prevail over controversy when people are suffering,” said Governor Richardson. “Today, states are the true innovative policy incubators in our nation. And this announcement shows that once again, states are taking the lead while there is an absence of leadership from the Bush Administration.”

The Governor’s $10 million stem cell plan includes:
 $2 million to establish a nationally-recognized training program in Stem Cell Research for medical students, graduate students, residents, fellows, physicians, and scientists.

 $4 million to recruit nationally recognized scientists. Funding is needed to support the initial recruitment costs plus provide start-up funds to buy necessary equipment and supplies, and to train and develop staff.

 $4 million in capital to establish state-of-the-art research facilities for Adult and Embryonic Stem Cell Research. Federal guidelines currently prohibit work with embryonic stem cells in space that has been constructed with federal funds. This capital outlay will be used to build a state-funded area devoted to embryonic stem cell research.

This funding will be used over the next three years to develop stem cell research and regenerative medicine at the University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center. This new multidisciplinary effort will help address diseases and conditions that greatly affect New Mexicans, including:

o Cancer - utilizing stem cells to treat leukemia by replenishing mature blood cells that are destroyed as patients undergo chemotherapy.

Original source: http://obama.senate.gov/speech/060717-statement_of_support_for_stem_cell_research/index.html

Statement of Support for Stem Cell Research
Monday, July 17, 2006

Remarks as Prepared for Delivery

Mr. President, a few weeks ago I was visited by two of my constituents– Mary Schneider and her son Ryan.

When Ryan was just two years old, his parents and doctors noted severe delays in his motor and speech development, and he was diagnosed with cerebral palsy. His parents were devastated, as the prognosis for many children with cerebral palsy is quite grim, and given the severity of Ryan’s condition, his doctors didn’t have much hope for his improvement.

Yet, his parents had hope. Because when Ryan was born, his parents had saved his cord blood, a viable but limited source of stem cells. They found a doctor at Duke University who was willing to perform an experimental infusion with these cells to see if they might improve his condition.

They did. In fact, they seem to have cured him.

Within months of the infusion, Ryan was able to speak, use his arms, and eat normally, just like any other child - a miracle his family had once only dreamed of.

Ryan’s story exemplifies the power and the promise of stem cells to treat and cure the millions of Americans who are suffering from catastrophic, debilitating and life-threatening diseases and health conditions.

Each year, 100,000 Americans will develop Alzheimer’s disease. Over 1 million adults will be diagnosed with diabetes this year, which can lead to complications such as blindness, damaged nerves and loss of kidney function. And there are far too many individuals with spinal cord injuries who are struggling to maintain mobility and independence.

For most of our history, medicine has offered little hope of recovery to individuals affected by these and other devastating illnesses and injuries.

Original source: http://clinton.senate.gov/news/statements/details.cfm?id=258779

Remarks by Senator Clinton on the Senate Floor Calling for Passage of Stem Cell Legislation

I welcome this vote on such an important piece of legislation, the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act.

As we have heard eloquently from my colleagues on both sides of the aisle, stem cell research holds the promise of new cures and treatments for countless diseases and millions of Americans with chronic and curable conditions. The wide range of applications for stem cells may lead to unparalleled achievements on behalf of research concerning Alzheimer’s disease, as my friend and colleague, Senator Mikulski just so passionately described, with respect to her own family and her own experience; to spinal cord injuries like my dear friend, Christopher Reeve; to diabetes and other conditions.

For example, in my state of New York, research at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center has shown real promise for use in bone, cartilage and muscle replacement therapies. At Columbia University researchers have shown that stem cells can develop into neurons, special nervous system cells, that would allow us to actually treat vision loss. Other scientists at Columbia University and at the University of Rochester Medical Center are working to cultivate stem cells into spinal cells that control motor function as possible treatments for ALS, otherwise known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. And researchers from Rockefeller University, also in New York City, have explored ways in which stem cells can be used to develop dopamine-producing cells which could help Americans living with Parkinson’s disease who experience a decline in these types of important cells.

A broad consensus in New York and across our country has brought us to this debate and vote. There has been an upsurge of demand. It has crossed every line we can imagine, certainly partisan lines, ethnic, racial, geographic lines, people in every corner of our nation demanding that we in Washington open the doors to this promising science. It is long overdue, but finally we are at this point.

Original source: http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/gop-hopefuls-getting-more-time-to-weigh-stem-cell-vote-2005-10-25.html

Sen. Sam Brownback (R-Kan.), another possible presidential contender, is a longtime critic of the House approach.

“The vote in the House to allow taxpayer-funded destruction of young human lives is deeply troubling,” Brownback said. “We all have a duty to protect the innocent, and this vote represents a failure to recognize the scientific fact that stem-cell research that destroys embryos kills young human children.”

Original source: http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/gop-hopefuls-getting-more-time-to-weigh-stem-cell-vote-2005-10-25.html

Like Frist, John McCain, the Republican senator with the highest national profile, has reversed his position on the issue and now supports an expansion of the research.

“It’s a very complex scientific issue,” McCain (Ariz.) told NBC’s Tim Russert earlier this year. “But for us to throw away opportunities to cure diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s and many others I think would be a mistake.”