In the first veto of his entire tenure, the President struck down H.R. 810, the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act, which passed the House in May 2005 by a bipartisan vote of 238-194 and the Senate yesterday, also by a bipartisan vote of 63-37. The House failed to override the President’s veto by a vote of 235-193. A two-thirds majority was needed to override the veto.

“This vote does not stop embryonic stem cell research, but it certainly slows it down at time when government-supported research in other countries is excelling,” said Langevin. “This research will now continue in the private sector with insufficient funding and a lack of government oversight, all while millions of people wait for cures to devastating diseases.  Their hopes have been dimmed by  today events.”

Since the House passage of H.R. 810 in May of 2005, Langevin has continuously urged the Senate leadership to call a vote on the bill and has met with top domestic policy advisors at the White House in an effort to gain broader support for embryonic stem cell research.

“The President choosing stem cells as his first veto flies in the face of what the majority of Americans want,” said Langevin. “They want this groundbreaking research to continue and to start producing solid, safe results… results that might improve, lengthen and even save the lives of friends and loved ones.”

To illustrate the importance of passing embryonic stem cell research, Langevin points to estimates that 342,000 Americans have died of lung disease over the last year. Also in the last year, researchers in the UK have coaxed embryonic stem cells to change into specialized lung cells, highlighting the potential for embryonic stem cells to be used in regenerative medicine. The UK research has moved forward while this research, which holds tremendous potential for not only lung disease, but Parkinson’s Disease, ALS and even spinal cord injuries, has been delayed in the U.S.

“I look forward continuing the fight for embryonic stem cell research,” continued Langevin. “Sustaining this veto further delays the full potential of embryonic stem cells.  People will continue to suffer and the United States will continue to fall behind and lose scientists to other nations in this cutting edge arena.”

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