BUSH VETOES RESEARCH BILL AS NEW JERSEY ADVANCES FUNDS FOR STEM-CELLS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 20, 2007

CONTACTS:
Afshin Mohamadi (Menendez) 202-224-4744


BUSH VETOES RESEARCH BILL AS NEW JERSEY ADVANCES FUNDS FOR STEM-CELLS
Senator Menendez blasts administration, praises state

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ), a staunch supporter of stem cell research, today blasted President Bush for again vetoing legislation for federal support of embryonic stem cell research. Bush vetoed the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act just a day after New Jersey awarded $10 million in stem-cell research grants aimed at avoiding federal restrictions on embryonic stem-cell work.

“Once again, President Bush has used his veto power to advance ideology, ignore the overwhelming public sentiment and play politics with people’s lives. Once again, he has used the stroke of his pen to dash the hopes of millions suffering from debilitating diseases.

“The president continues to choose the certainty of suffering over the possibility of science. That will not stop me or my colleagues in Congress who believe in the hope this research offers from pushing to override the veto.

“I am proud that New Jersey has its priorities intact. The funds approved yesterday by our state will do what the president refuses. States like New Jersey can reignite the flame of hope that the president has sought to extinguish with his actions.”

The Senate, which passed the current bill 63-34, will have the first opportunity at overriding the veto.

Previous Menendez statements on stem cell research:

Floor Statement on Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2007, April 10 2007 http://menendez.senate.gov/newsroom/record.cfm?id=272168&&

CITING PAINFUL CONNECTION TO ALZHEIMERS, SENATOR URGES STEM CELL RESEARCH, April 10, 2007 http://menendez.senate.gov/newsroom/record.cfm?id=272160

SEN. MENENDEZ, A LEADING PROPONENT OF STEM CELL RESEARCH, APPLAUDS PASSAGE OF BILL, April 11, 2007 http://menendez.senate.gov/newsroom/record.cfm?id=272223

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