U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison Signs Stem Cell Support Letter to President Bush

May 14, 2004

Beckie McCleery (512) 585-3329

Judy Haley (713) 464-8707

U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison Signs Stem Cell Support Letter to President Bush TAMR Applauds this Bold Step to Cure Degenerative Diseases

Once again, U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison has taken a bold position of leadership for the state of Texas. Last week, 206 members of the U.S. House of Representatives, including conservative pro-life Republican leaders, sent President Bush a bi-partisan letter asking him to expand his policy on stem cell research. This week, the Senate began to weigh in with a similar bi- partisan letter, and one of the first Republicans to sign on was Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison of Texas.

Long known for her support of biomedical research, Senator Hutchison recently formed the Texas Academy for Science, Engineering, and Medicine, bringing together preeminent leaders to push Texas further to the forefront in these fields. Now she has taken her support a step further by signing the Specter-Harkin letter, which will be sent from the Senate to President Bush. Senator Hutchison’s signature sends a signal to the science and medical community across Texas that the time has come to advance stem cell research, a new frontier of medicine. To our elected officials, at both federal and state levels, her signature also clarifies that stem cell research is supported by conservative, pro-life Republicans.

“Growing numbers of citizens and elected officials are recognizing that the stem cell lines made available under the President’s current policy are far fewer than expected. And, because the cells were grown on mouse feeder lines, they are contaminated with mouse viruses and proteins, making them unsuitable for human therapy. These problems will have a direct impact on how quickly cure therapies can be developed for diabetes, Parkinson’s, MS, and other degenerative diseases,” said Judith Haley, Vice President of Texans for Advancement of Medical Research (TAMR).

“Stem cell research is not a Republican or Democrat, conservative or liberal, pro-life or pro-choice issue,” said Beckie McCleery, TAMR President. “It crosses all lines of thought and belief. With their public support, members of Congress are clearly articulating a desire to advance stem cell research to cure the most devastating diseases of our time. We are very grateful to Senator Hutchison for stepping out and taking a lead on this issue.”

TAMR is composed of leading scientists, physicians, ethicists, health groups, and individuals who support biomedical research for the purpose of curing diseases and alleviating suffering. TAMR was created last legislative session in response to the threat to stem cell research in Texas. TAMR is helping to build a bi-partisan coalition within the Texas legislature that supports all types of stem cell research for regenerative medicine.