Davis Statement on House Passage of Stem Cell Legislation

May 26, 2005

Washington, D.C. Congressman Tom Davis (R-VA-11th) issued the following statement on House passage today of H.R. 810, the "Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act," which was approved by a vote of 238 to 194.

"I originally had concerns regarding stem cell research, and I felt that President Bush s policy to allow federally funded research on 78 embryonic stem cells lines already in existence was a sound compromise. But we now know that only 22 of these stem cell lines are actually available for distribution and study.

"These stem cell lines were developed with methods that are now outdated and are contaminated with animal molecules. Scientists question the safety of transplanting these cells into humans. However, technology has advanced significantly since 2001 and embryonic stem cell lines can now be developed without contamination.

"Today, I believe there are compelling reasons to expand the current policy regarding federal funding of embryonic stem cell research. That is why I am an original cosponsor of H.R. 810, and why I support its passage.

"The first of the reasons is, of course, the potential of embryonic stem cell research to lead to cures of dread diseases. Diseases like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and juvenile diabetes.

"I emphasize the word potential, because that is what current exists the potential, the promise, the hope of cures. Not the certainty.

"There have been advances that give us reason to be hopeful. The published scientific literature does show progress in treating spinal cord damage in animals; therapy for multiple sclerosis in animals; preventing heart disease in those with congenital heart defects; and we have seen further evidence of the pleuripotency of embryonic stem cells (their ability to evolve into any form of cell).

"These hints of cures give us perhaps the strongest argument for robust federal involvement in embryonic stem cell research. This is not only to bring our hopes to fruition, but to also ensure the necessary ethical guidelines are adhered to.

"In the recent referendum in California, there is a legitimate concern that public expectations were set too high. Slogans such as 'cures for California' and 'save lives with stem cells' may well have left the impression that miraculous cures are in the offing.

"I wish that were true. However, in order to ascertain the true value or danger, for that matter of stems cells, rigorous, extensive research must take place. And it must take place in an environment of scientific excellence not a mad dash to validate preconceptions regarding embryonic stem cells.

"In the absence of the federal government, the states are taking the lead. California is at the forefront of establishing a robust embryonic stem research program. New Jersey has followed suit, and seven other states are in the process of doing so.

"We do not want our stem cell research policies left to the vagaries of state electoral politics. The federal government in general and the National Institutes of Health in particular, must be involved. The less the NIH is involved, with its time-tested methods and procedures, the less we are assured good ethical guidelines and scientific methods will be followed.

"Instead, we will have more and more individual states attempting to set up regulatory schemes, something they may not be well equipped to do.

"Opponents of expanded stem cell research argue it is the product of a utilitarian world-view. It is a zero-sum game, if you will in which life is taken from one to give life to another. I believe the structures established by H.R. 810 negate that argument.

"Under this bill, federal research will proceed using those embryos not used in fertility clinics embryos voluntarily given that would otherwise be destroyed.

"That is, embryos that held the promise of life, but are certain not to fulfill that promise. What we are doing is extending the potential of life where there otherwise would be none.

"There are a great many difficult questions that attend this debate. But I believe expanded federal funding of embryonic research is the right course to take. Passage of H.R. 810 marks an important step in making the United States a leader in all facets of the stem cell issue -- both scientifically and ethically."