Based on its importance to science and medical possibilities, the President should reconsider his position and sign this bill which has life-saving potential and broad support. In his 10 year fight to beat cancer, my husband Paul benefited from new and experimental treatments. I?ve seen firsthand how innovative research can hold the promise for new preventions and therapies. The medical community should not be restricted from utilizing these potential cures to save lives or ease pain and suffering.
Unlike the President, Governor Deval Patrick has shown real leadership on advancing stem cell research, recently introducing a plan to make Massachusetts a global leader in life sciences. In the absence of national ingenuity, states like Massachusetts have had to come forward to take the initiative.
The debate about whether to expand stem cell research should be about potential medical breakthroughs and not about politics. I look forward to discussing this issue on Saturday at the Fifth District Congressional Candidate Forum on health care in Hudson. Advancing and supporting stem cell research must be a key part of any healthcare discussion.
One component of the Governor?s plan is to bridge gaps in National Institute of Health (NIH) federal funding to “ensure the state?s ability to support life science progress from the idea stage through the production stage.” The NIH is the largest federal supporter of research and development at US colleges and universities. In Congress, I will work to substantially increase NIH funding which not only advances new discoveries, but also continues the strong federal support of vital research programs in Massachusetts; research which will be essential to meeting our ongoing health care demands.
UMass Lowell, and two Andover companies I met with at the BIO 2007 conference in Boston earlier this month, Formatech Inc. and Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, among others in the Fifth District, are making hopeful advances in life sciences research and developing innovative technologies. But, they are limited in funding and capital by the Bush Administration?s restrictive policies, making it even more difficult for our researchers and institutions to compete. The Democratic Congress made passage of this bill one of their first priorities because they, along with an overwhelming majority of the American people, recognize the potential of stem cell research, and the many advantages of this worthy investment.
Comprehensive embryonic stem cell research is supported by more than 200 organizations and individuals, including: American Diabetes Association, American Medical Association, AARP, Association of American Medical Colleges, Christopher Reeve Foundation, The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Pediatric Aids Foundation, American Medical Association, National MS Society, Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson Research, Former First Lady Nancy Reagan, American Association for Cancer Research, and Paralyzed Veterans of America.
The Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act increases the number of lines of stem cells that are eligible to be used in federally-funded research. The bill authorizes Health and Human Services to support research involving embryonic stem cells meeting certain criteria, regardless of the date on which the stem cells were derived from an embryo. (Current policy allows federal funds to be used for research only on those stem cell lines that existed when President Bush issued an executive order on August 9, 2001 ? few of which are now useful for research.) This bill only authorizes the use of stem cell lines generated from embryos that would otherwise be discarded by fertility clinics. And, the bill includes stronger ethical guidelines than the President?s current policy.
I hope to see you at the debate on Saturday and look forward to discussing this and other health care issues fundamental to the people of the Fifth Congressional District.
Anyone else think it’s funny how little attention Niki’s posts get? My favorite is this one where, of the eight comments, three are from Niki, three are hammering her for GLBT issues, one questions her for living out of district, and one is from a supporter.
Hey, a bunch of us asked her some pretty straightforward questions about glbt issues, and we got zero attention. And does she ever respond to Charley’s posts about her positions? I guess her staff emails him privately sometimes, but she’s acting all imperial, expecting to coast in without giving us any attention, so…
but I agree with John. This post tells us nothing that we didn’t know or assume. I guarantee you that all of the Dem candidates (other than Miceli, who has no chance) support stem cell research. If Ms. Tsongas wants to woo us (and it seems that she does) then she needs to use this forum to distinguish herself.
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Otherwise, crickets.
Her post could have been shortened to: “I support stem cell research and government funding for its advancement.”
Niki should show more”skin”. I want to hear from her. We’ve heard who is supporting her and we know her views on the issues. Now let’s see her distinguish herself from the rest. This is a very intelligent, strong personable woman. She will do well for this district. We just need her to show us what she’s made of. Now’s the time to start a more visible campaign. More public appearances. I’ve received about 50 calls from Barry Feingold but not one from Niki Tsongas…what’s that all about…………