Governor Rell Urges Senate Approval For Stem Cell Research Funding

HARTFORD — Governor M. Jodi Rell this week urged the US Senate to join the House of Representatives in supporting the expansion of federal funding for stem cell research, the field of science that may lead to cures for cancer, diabetes, and other life-threatening illnesses.

In a letter to Majority Leader Bill Frist and Minority Leader Harry Reid, Governor Rell said Senate approval of the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act would “help advance the cause of medical research in finding new treatments and cures for debilitating and often fatal diseases afflicting millions of people.”

The Senate began debate today on the legislation, which would expand the number of stem cell lines eligible for scientific research funding. The House passed the measure last year.

“I am proud that Connecticut’s entire Congressional delegation supports the expansion of federal assistance for stem cell research,” Governor Rell wrote. “I urge the Senate to join the House in voting to lift the current limits on scientific research funding. There are great breakthroughs ahead, and the health of millions of Americans are depending on our collective wisdom today.”

The Governor noted that Connecticut has already taken innovative steps to expand vital stem cell research.

“In 2005, I proposed establishment of a special dedicated fund to encourage stem cell research through university research and biotechnological investment,” the Governor wrote. “Our legislature passed the initiative known as An Act Permitting Stem Cell Research and Banning the Cloning of Human Beings, establishing a ten-year, $100 million fund to support stem cell research in Connecticut. The efforts of Connecticut and other states, however, cannot match the tremendous potential of the federal government to seize on the promise of stem cell research.

 “The nation as a whole has an historic opportunity to move forward with scientific research to eradicate life-threatening diseases, along with the untold pain and suffering they cause,” the Governor said in her letter to Senators Frist and Reid.

“With the Senate joining the House in moving this crucial legislation forward, I am hopeful that President Bush will reconsider his position and join in supporting the promise of medical breakthroughs against diabetes, cancer, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases, and other life-threatening illnesses,” Governor Rell wrote.