Rep. Randy Forbes (R-VA04) continues to lead on controversial issues facing Americans. Last week, he re-introduced his “New Manhattan Project”, which will compel our energy independence within 20 years; today, he introduced a rational, bi-partisan stem-cell research bill.
I won’t do it justice by writing a summary, so here’s the release:
Washington, D.C. – Congressman J. Randy Forbes (VA-04), along with Congressman Daniel Lipinski (IL-03), today announced that they have reintroduced the Patients First Act, H.R. 877, in the 111th Congress. The bill would intensify research and human clinical trials using stem cells that are ethically obtained and that show evidence of providing near-term clinical benefit for human patients. Additionally, the legislation would promote the creation of pluripotent stem cell lines without the creation, destruction, or discarding of human embryos.
“Even just in recent weeks, we have seen the debate over stem cell research become increasingly more divisive. However, when human lives are at stake, divisiveness is not a luxury we can afford. Advancing scientific development and protecting life do not have to be opposing forces. The Patients First Act allows us to put the political debate aside, unlock the potential in adult stem cell research, and focus on the common goal on both sides of the stem cell debate – curing and treating patients,” said Forbes.
“The Patients First Act offers hope for millions of Americans,” said Lipinski. “This bill bridges the political divide by focusing our energies on the common goal of finding cures for diseases like diabetes, and it does so without having to choose between advancing medicine and contentious life issues. As someone who has lived with juvenile diabetes for almost twenty years, I am proud to once again help introduce this important legislation.”
Today, considerable progress has been made in adult stem cell research, including the successful use of stem cells derived from human skin cells, wisdom teeth, and umbilical cord blood. These cells have been used to successfully treat patients who had suffered from Type 1 Diabetes, Leukemia and other forms of cancer, Parkinson’s Disease, Alzheimer’s, and heart diseases, while maintaining ethical standards.
The Patients First Act would specifically:
Promote the creation of pluripotent stem cell lines without the creation, destruction and discarding of, or risk of injury to human embryos;
Intensify stem cell research that may result in an improved understanding of, or treatment for, diseases and other adverse health conditions;
Promote research and human clinical trials using stem cells that are ethically obtained and show evidence of providing clinical benefit for human patients; and,
Direct the National Institutes of Health to prioritize stem cell research that has the greatest potential for near-term clinical benefits, by directing both basic and clinical research towards what is currently showing benefits in treating patients now.The Patients First Act was originally introduced in the 110th Congress as H.R. 2807. The bill currently has 13 cosponsors and has been referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce where it awaits further action.
