The International Society for Stem Cell Research Salutes Members of Congress for Passing Bill H.R. 810

Northbrook, IL — In a landmark vote, the U.S. House passed bill H.R. 810, introduced by Reps. Michael Castle (R-DE) and Diana DeGette (D-CO), on Tuesday, May 24, to expand the limited federal financing of embryonic stem cell research, by a vote of 238 to 194. The vote fell short of the two-thirds majority needed to overturn a presidential veto – President Bush has threatened a veto if the bill is passed in the Senate. The House action is the first vote on embryonic stem cell research since August 2001, when Bush imposed strict limits on taxpayer funding for stem cell research by limiting studies to those stem cell lines that already existed.

An additional measure was approved by a vote of 431 to 1 to promote research of adult stem cells, which are drawn from bone marrow and blood, including umbilical cord blood, by creating cord blood and bone marrow banks. Bush argues adult stem cells have as much potential as embryonic, however scientists feel they have specific use for particular disorders.

Leonard I. Zon, M.D., president of the International Society for Stem Cell Research stated, “We are elated that members of the House have taken the concerns of the people and cast their votes in favor of embryonic stem cell research. Many thanks to Mr. Castle, Mrs. DeGette and all their backers for their leadership in building momentum to achieve bipartisan backing of this important research.” Zon added, “Stem cell research is not a partisan issue, this is about saving lives through trail-blazing research.”

The International Society for Stem Cell Research is an independent, nonprofit membership organization established to promote and foster the exchange and dissemination of information and ideas relating to stem cells, to encourage the general field of research involving stem cells and to promote professional and public education in all areas of stem cell research and application.

For more information, contact Heather Gagnon at 847-509-1944 or hgagnon@isscr.org.

Posted: May 27, 2005