Wednesday, July 19, 2006                                                                                         Printable Version (PDF)  

Washington, DC – Congresswoman Doris O. Matsui (CA-5) issued the following statement in response to President Bush’s decision to block scientific progress and veto of H.R. 810, which would permit federal support for viable and ethical embryonic stem cell research. 

“Embryonic stem cell research is a reality.  And for millions of Americans suffering from diseases like Diabetes, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s or even bone marrow failure, embryonic stem cell research offers the potential to cure and maybe even prevent these and other debilitating diseases.  It offers hope – the light that keeps us going through a dark and torturous tunnel. 

“I recognize these potential breakthroughs lie at the end of a long and difficult path, but we must take the first steps to begin down that path.

“The federal government has two options. We must decide whether or not to engage the global community by participating in the research and influencing the ethical debate.  Our other option is to simply remain on the sidelines, pretending that ethical solutions don’t exist.

“With the President Bush’s decision to veto H.R. 810, legislation that would permit federal support for ethical embryonic stem cell research, he has chosen the later option.  He is choosing to ignore the issue and allow others to lead.  Worse still, he is stifling the hopes of millions of Americans 

“America is the world leader in medical research and development.  We cannot cede this ground. I hope my colleagues will vote to override the President’s veto.  It is time to go in a new direction.”

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