From the Office of Utah Congressman Jim Matheson

MATHESON NEWS
Second Congressional District

For Further Information
Alyson Heyrend: (801) 455-5593 (cell)
www.house.gov/matheson

June 07, 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Matheson Supports Bipartisan Stem Cell Research Bill

Washington, D.C.-Congressman Jim Matheson today voted for a bipartisan bill that would expand federal funding of stem cell research within narrow limits and under strict ethical guidelines. The bill-S 5-was approved by the Senate in April by a vote of 63-34.

"This research holds tremendous promise for curing terrible diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and diabetes that cause so much heartbreak and suffering for thousands of Utah families," said Matheson.  "I believe that such potentially ground-breaking research should be ethically conducted in an open and transparent environment, with government oversight and accountability," said Matheson.  "Families are clinging to the hope that this research will proceed and that those they love will see some benefit."

Matheson noted that since August 2001, when federal policy limited stem cell research, many Utahns in the scientific and medical community, as well as those suffering from those diseases and others have called for changes.  He said he shares their belief that expanded federal funding offers the best hope for advancing the science in a morally responsible way.

Last July, Matheson joined a bipartisan majority in the House to vote to override President Bush's veto of stem cell research legislation, but the effort fell short of the two-thirds needed.

The legislation now goes to the president's desk.

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Alyson Heyrend
Communications Director
240 East Morris Ave. #235
South Salt Lake, UT 84115
(801) 486-1236 (phone)
(801) 455-5593 (cell)
(801) 486-1417 (fax)