DeGette Statement on Dismissal of Stem Cell Research Lawsuit

WASHINGTON– Today, U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette (CO-1), Congress'sleading voice on ethical embryonic stem cell (ESC) research issued thefollowing statement in response to U.S. District Judge Royce Lamberth'sdecision to dismiss the Sherley v. Sebelius lawsuit challenging federal fundingof ESC research.

"Today is a good day for millions of Americans lookingto the promise of ethical embryonic stem cell research to treat or even curetheir disease. As the Appeals Court ruled in April, a decade's worth of workand literature has established the acceptability of federal funding forembryonic stem cell research. I applaud Judge Lamberth's decision to dismissthe case, relying upon the Appeals Court ruling that recognized the life-savingpotential of this research.

"I am extremely pleased that with this decision,scores of researchers across the country have the stability and continuity toconduct their critical research. However, the lawsuit's impact over thepast year demonstrated once again how political gamesmanship can suddenlyinterrupt the path of stem cell discovery. The potential and promise of ethicalembryonic stem cell research is too important for too many patients across ournation to leave it vulnerable to the whims of Washington and extreme agendas.Therefore, I promise to continue to work tirelessly to pass legislationcodifying these federal guidelines, and once and for all remove uncertainty forresearchers and the patients who await their life-saving discoveries."

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