(Washington, D.C.)–Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI) today lauded passage by the House of Representatives of H.R. 810, the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act. The measure passed by a vote of 238 to 194. Langevin expressed hope that it will soon be considered by the Senate as well.

“There are a few moments in medical history when we can clearly identify a giant step forward in improving countless lives,” said Congressman Langevin. “We saw it with the discovery of antibiotics, and with the advent of organ transplants, and I believe that stem cell research will lead us to another of these great moments. Today, the House of Representatives took advantage of a historic opportunity to make a difference for millions of Americans, and I am proud to have been a part of it.”

Three years ago, the Bush Administration enacted restrictive regulations that allow federal funding for research solely on those stem cell lines derived prior to August 2001. Earlier this year, Langevin and Representatives Mike Castle (R-DE) and Diana DeGette (D-CO) introduced the bi-partisan Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act, which would direct the Department of Health and Human Services and the National Institutes of Health to fund research on stem cell lines derived after August 9, 2001. Under the bill, only those excess embryonic stem cells derived from in vitro fertilization and slated for destruction could be used for research, with government oversight to ensure ethical research procedures.

“This research offers the opportunity to discover cures and treatments for diseases like Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, ALS, diabetes, spinal cord injury, and many others,” continued Langevin. “It will take not only the talent of our scientists, but also the support of our government to realize its potential. We have a responsibility to ensure that this research proceeds, and that it does so with ethical safeguards and strict guidelines. By permitting research only on excess embryos created in the in vitro fertilization process, and by establishing a clear, voluntary consent process for donors, H.R. 810 meets this responsibility.”

During his Congressional tenure, Langevin has been a strong proponent of increasing government funding and expanding the number of stem cell lines available for research. He has written to the President on multiple occasions, urging him to reconsider current restrictions, testified before a Senate Committee in favor of stem cell research funding, appeared on NBC’s Meet the Press in August 2001 and spoke at the 2004 Democratic National Convention to argue for expanded research, as well as increased federal oversight to address ethical concerns.

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