WASHINGTON –
Sen. Benjamin L. Cardin (D-MD) today proudly voted for the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2007 [S. 5], which will permit federal funding on new stem cell lines and help our nation's scientists develop treatments for medical conditions that affect more than 100 million Americans. The Senate passed the bill this evening, 63-34.

Sen. Cardin spoke on the Senate floor in support of the legislation yesterday and issued the following statement after today's vote:

“Millions of Americans are suffering from chronic diseases and we have a moral responsibility to help them. Embryonic stem cell research holds the potential to unlock the mysteries to so many debilitating diseases. We must expand this life-saving research immediately. It would be nothing short of a tragedy if we allow President Bush's flawed 2001 policy to continue blocking research that can help millions.

“Maryland is home to some of the world's leading medical research institutions, such as NIH and Johns Hopkins University. I am proud of the embryonic research doctors in Maryland who are bringing us closer than ever to finding treatments for chronic diseases. We need to make sure these world-renowned doctors have the resources they need to move forward, not tie their hands. If we don't provide our institutions with funding, many doctors will choose to conduct their research overseas. I believe America should be leading the world in medical research, not following it.

“Today the Senate gave hope to millions of Americans who are suffering from chronic diseases like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and Juvenile Diabetes. Now President Bush must sign this bill into law so embryonic stem cell research can move forward and lives can be saved.”