The Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act - 2005 (H.R. 810)

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Office of Congresswoman Diana DeGette
600 Grant St., Suite 202 , Denver, Colorado 80203
1527 Longworth House Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20515-0601

Momentum to Expand Stem Cell Research Continues to Build: 200 Cosponsors, Over 200 Groups back Castle-DeGette

WASHINGTON, DC –U.S. Representatives Mike Castle (R-DE) and Diana DeGette (D-CO) announced that they have 200 co-sponsors and the support of over 200 patient, scientist and medical research groups for their proposal to expand federal support for stem cell research, (H.R. 810, the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act).

“This is the latest sign that momentum in Congress and across the nation continues to build for the federal government to expand its involvement in stem cell research, including imposing strict ethical controls,” said Rep. DeGette. “I began working on this issue even before President Bush created the current stem cell policy in 2001. We are now close to reaching the culmination of four hard years of work and education. Over this period, the more Members learned about stem cells, the more they were willing to support this promising area of science. The fact that the plan Rep. Castle and I authored has 200 bipartisan co-sponsors and the backing of over 200 groups shows that the truth is on our side – and that all of our outreach efforts are paying dividends.”

"The more people learn about embryonic stem cell research, the more they realize the potential to fight disease and improve the lives of the 110 millions of Americans who are suffering, and therefore the more supportive they become. That is why the momentum continues to grow every day -- with each new cosponsor or group endorsement -- we are making great progress to help all families touched by diseases like cancer, diabetes, Parkinson's, ALS and Alzheimers. If I had not been part of this movement, I would never believe how far we have come and how supportive the American public is. This truly is a heart and conscience issue and one I am pleased we will be able to debate openly on the floor of the House of Representatives," said Rep. Castle.

The Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act was introduced earlier this year to expand the current federal policy. It has 200 cosponsors, including 24 Republicans. Last year, Reps. Castle and DeGette sponsored H.R. 4682 the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act in the 108th Congress and authored the bipartisan letter urging President Bush to expand his stem cell policy, garnering 206 signatures in the House and 58 signatures in the U.S. Senate.

For more information, visit: http://www.house.gov/castle/Castle%20DeGette%20ESCR.html.

For the full co-sponsor list, visit: http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d109:HR00810:@@@P.

Bill:

The Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act - 2005

http://www.house.gov/castle/Castle-DeGette-Specter-Harkin.pdf


Summary:

This bill expands the number of stem cell lines that are eligible for federally funded research, thereby accelerating scientific progress toward cures and treatments for a wide range of diseases and debilitating health conditions.

Under the current federal policy on human embryonic stem cell research, only those stem cell lines derived before August 9, 2001, are eligible for federally funded research. This bill lifts that restriction. Stem cell lines shall be eligible for federally funded research regardless of the date on which they were derived.

The bill also institutes stronger ethical requirements on stem cell lines that are eligible for federally funded research.

SECTION BY SECTION

Section 1 Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2005

Section 2 Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research

Secretary shall conduct and support research on stem cells that have been derived from embryos if the following requirements are met:

Embryos used to derive stem cells were originally created for fertility treatment purposes and are in excess of clinical need;
The individuals seeking fertility treatments for whom the embryos were created have determined that the embryos will not be implanted in a woman and will otherwise be discarded; and
The individuals for whom the embryos were created have provided written consent for embryo donation.

For further info: http://www.house.gov/castle/Castle%20DeGette%20ESCR.html