EMBARGOED FOR RELEASE: Tuesday, July 18 at 5 p.m.

Media Contact: Sarah Youngerman, 651.485.7171

                         Sean Tipton, 202.421.5112

CAMR APPLAUDS U.S. SENATE FOR PASSING STEM CELL RESEARCH ENHANCEMENT ACT

The following statement may be attributed to Sean Tipton, president, Coalition for the Advancement of Medical Research (CAMR):

“In passing the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act today, the U.S. Senate gave great hope to the American people, and secured our nation’s leadership in the fields of science and medicine.

“We look forward to President Bush continuing his Administration’s proven track record of no vetoes by signing this bill into law as soon as possible so that our nation’s scientists and other experts in the field can do the good work they do best.

“On behalf of CAMR, I would like to thank the inspiring bipartisan effort of Senators

Specter, Harkin, Hatch, Kennedy, Feinstein, and Smith for their unfailing dedication to this issue and this particular legislation.  We would also like to thank every Senator who voted for this bill.  Your stamp of approval speaks volumes to the millions of voters across America who believe in the hope that stem cell research provides.  We would also like to thank Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist for his thoughtful and skillful legislative leadership in this effort, and his passion for our common cause.

“More than 100 million Americans suffer from cancer, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, spinal cord injuries and other debilitating diseases and disorders for which embryonic stem cell research holds great promise in finding new treatments and cures.  Those individuals, along with their families, friends, and caregivers, will remember with gratitude this important day, as well as the Senators who voted ‘yea’ on this historic legislation.”

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The Coalition for the Advancement of Medical Research (CAMR) is the nation's leading pro-cures coalition. It is comprised of nationally recognized patient organizations, universities, scientific societies, and foundations advocating for the advancement of breakthrough research and technologies in regenerative medicine -- including stem cell research and somatic cell nuclear transfer -- to cure disease and alleviate suffering for individuals with life-threatening illnesses and disorders.