House of Representatives Once Again Approves Legislation to Expand Federal Embryonic Stem Cell Research Opportunities

January 11, 2007 – The House of Representatives approved the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act (H.R. 3) earlier today by a 253 to 174 vote. This legislation is identical to legislation passed in the last Congress by both the House and the Senate, but vetoed by President Bush.

H.R. 3 would expand the current federal policy on embryonic stem cell research by allowing federal funding on stem cell lines derived after August 9, 2001. H.R. 3 also establishes strict ethical guidelines for this field of research by requiring that federal funds not be used to derive stem cells or destroy embryos. The Senate is expected to take up identical embryonic stem cell legislation (S. 5) within the next two months; although President Bush has reiterated his intention to veto this legislation, congressional supporters of the bill remain hopeful that a compromise can be reached with the White House.

ASH has been actively involved in the stem cell legislative debate since the beginning. ASH was one of the first and few physician organizations that has been at the forefront of the debate over federal research funding of embryonic stem cells. The Society also is a member of the Coalition for the Advancement of Medical Research (CAMR), the nation’s most vocal proponent of the use of regenerative medicine to cure disease and alleviate suffering.

ASH's embryonic stem cell research advocacy campaign generated numerous e-mails from across the country to the House of Representatives. However, House passage of this bill was only the first step in making expanded federal funding of embryonic stem cell research a reality. The Society will continue to work with Senators Tom Harkin (D-IA) and Arlen Specter (R-PA), the primary Senate sponsors of the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act, to ensure approval of this legislation in the Senate. ASH is counting on its membership to continue demonstrating solid grassroots support of H.R. 3/S. 5 until it is signed into law. The Society will keep you informed about future opportunities to participate in embryonic stem cell research advocacy campaigns.

ASH's policy in support of all avenues of stem cell research is available online.

If you have questions, or need more information, please contact ASH Research Advocacy Manager Tracy Becker at (202) 776-0544.