Murphy Votes For Ethical Federal Stem Cell Research

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Calling the need for stem cell research “vital” and “potentially life saving,” Congressman Chris Murphy (D-Fifth District) spoke on the floor on January 11 in favor of HR 3, a bipartisan bill to promote ethical stem cell research.

As the chairman of the Public Health Committee in the Connecticut State Senate, Mr Murphy authored and passed Connecticut’s stem cell investment act, making the state one of three that publicly funds this vital research. But because of an executive order issued by President Bush in 2001, facilities in Connecticut that receive federal funding cannot use stem cell lines created after the executive order was issued, limiting the research opportunities and medical breakthroughs that can result from this research. 

“Our success in Connecticut was bittersweet, because we only acted because the federal government refused to act. I hope President Bush reconsiders his opposition to this vital measure, and if he does, Connecticut will be poised to be a national leader on stem cell research,” Mr Murphy said.

The bipartisan bill, authored by Rep Diana DeGette (D-Colo.) and Rep Michael Castle (R-Del.), increases the number of embryonic stem cell lines eligible to be used for federally funded research. The bill includes strict ethical guidelines, as it only authorizes the use of stem cell lines generated from embryos that would otherwise be discarded by fertility clinics. It also stipulates that embryos can be used only if the donors give their written consent and receive no money or other inducement in exchange for the embryos.

Mr Murphy was selected as one of the first speakers on the floor last Thursday morning, offering a speech that reflected on his experiences as the author of the stem cell initiative in Connecticut. 

“I will not soon forget the sense of hope that was contagious on the floor of the House of Representatives as we approved this incredibly important legislation,” said Rep Murphy.