Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) will attend a bill signing ceremony at the White House today as President Bush signs Smith's Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Act of 2005 (HR 2520) into law. The non-controversial legislation passed the House of Representatives on Saturday by a vote of 413-0 after being stalled in the Senate by a politically motivated maneuver to force action on more controversial stem cell bills. Smith first started developing the bill in 2001 and had been urging its passage since.
"Cord blood stem cells are already treating patients and now, for the first time ever, my bill will establish a nationwide stem cell transplantation system after it is signed into law tomorrow by President Bush," said Smith, who worked relentlessly over the past week to assure the bill's passage. "I am thankful that this life-saving bill will now become law before the new year, expediting treatments to patients in need."
Umbilical cords are a rich, non-controversial source of stem cells. Currently hospitals throw millions of them away each year because the infrastructure required to properly collect and store them is not available. When President Bush signs the law tomorrow, the number of cord blood units and cord blood stem cells available for treating patients and expanding research will greatly increase.
Thousands have been successfully treated with cord blood stem cells for more than 67 diseases including Leukemia and Sickle Cell Anemia - which affects thousands of African Americans. The infusion of federal funds will make this medical miracle available to thousands more and will ensure that research continues so that this source of stem cells can treat many other debilitating diseases.
The bill signing ceremony will take place in the Roosevelt Room in the White House West Wing Tuesday at 11:00 AM.
For additional information about Congressman Chris Smith (R-NJ), please visit: www.house.gov/chrissmith
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