Peter for Stem Cell Research
Committment to Full Access to Win the Battle for Our Future

Stem cells are far and away the most promising field of medical research today and the scientific community believes that embryonic stem cells may hold the cure for many of mankind's most debilitating diseases. This field of study has the potential to help us understand, treat, and cure the nearly 1 billion people worldwide suffering from cancer, Alzheimer's, diabetes, Parkinson's, spinal cord injuries, heart disease, ALS, and other devastating conditions for which treatments must still be found. That is why Peter is proud to help lead the charge to change the President's misguided policy.

Just over three years ago, President Bush banned federal stem cell research funding on new stem cell lines, severely limiting our scientists' ability to find cures and save lives. Since that time, we have also come to realize that we have far fewer stem cell lines for research than we originally believed; from 70 to less than 20. There is no question that our ability to make significant scientific advances has been compromised by the President's actions, and Peter strongly believes that we must work together to untie the hands of American scientists and begin to unlock the true potential of stem cells.

Stem cell research is not a new fight for Peter; he has been at the forefront of this battle years ago. Peter introduced a bi-partisan bill in that was the most substantive and credible alternative to the outright ban that currently exists. Despite our best efforts, Peter and his supporters in Congress were unable to get the bill passed. This, however, has only made him fight harder.

While there were many misconceptions about this research years ago, times have changed due to a number of events. Ron Reagan's speech at the Democratic National Convention was a dramatic indictment of the federal policy as it currently stands. The passing of his father, President Reagan, was an emotional time for all Americans, and the thought that research could have eased the suffering of the last years of the former President's life was particularly painful. And finally, the support of Republicans like Orrin Hatch and Nancy Reagan has shown that this is truly a bi-partisan issue and one that both sides can get behind.

Due to this increased need for change, Peter introduced the Stem Cell Discovery Through Diversity Act, legislation that will correct our current policy on stem cell research. This bill would allow for the federal government to fund research on stem cell lines left over from the in-vitro fertilization process, and only then with the expressed consent of the donor. Perhaps more importantly, while the general debate has focused on the quantity of stem cell lines, the Stem Cell Discovery Through Diversity Act also takes an innovative approach - it ensures the completeness of our research sample through a new focus on diversity. Additionally, the bill would create an office within the NIH to be called the "Ronald Reagan Office of Human Stem Cell Research" to oversee all research on the subject.

We are on the threshold of great discovery and Peter believes that it is time our nation became the leader in scientific innovation again. More importantly, this promising research could save the lives of countless Americans, and improve the quality of life of millions more. There is no question that we must fight to change the President's policy, and as Florida's next Senator, Peter will fight everyday to ensure that we do not waste opportunities to better our nation and the world.