Feingold Supports Bipartisan Bill Expanding Stem Cell Research University of Wisconsin is Home to Groundbreaking Research May 18, 2005 Washington D.C. - U.S. Senator Russ Feingold has joined a bipartisan effort to expand stem cell research nationwide. Feingold is cosponsoring the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act, introduced by Senators Arlen Specter (R-PA) and Tom Harkin (D-IA), which would increase the number of stem cell lines eligible for federally funded research. Researchers at the University of Wisconsin were the first to isolate and grow stem cells. "Stem cell research could very well be the gateway to finding treatments or cures for diabetes, heart disease, ALS, spinal cord injuries and other medical conditions that millions of Americans currently suffer from," Feingold said. "The University of Wisconsin first broke ground in this amazing research, and Wisconsin continues to be a proud leader in this field. The Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act would allow federally funded research to be conducted on stem cell lines derived from embryos originally created for in vitro fertilization (IVF) that are no longer needed for that purpose and are specifically donated by couples for research. It is estimated that there are more than 400,000 embryos in existence that were created for fertility treatments, and are likely to be destroyed. On August 9, 2001, President Bush announced that for the first time federal funds would be used to support research on human embryonic stem cells, although funding had to be limited to "existing stem cell lines where the life and death decision has already been made." At the time of the announcement, it was reported that 78 eligible stem cell lines for federal research, including lines held by the University of Wisconsin. However, it is estimated that only 19 stem cell lines are currently available for use due to problems that have occurred over the years with some of the lines. "Stem cell research provides the potential for better understanding of, and possibly developing cures and treatments for, many fatal and debilitating diseases and medical conditions," Feingold said. "This bill would help our nation's researchers unlock that potential by increasing the quantity and quality of stem cells lines available for research. I will continue to support this incredibly important science which could bring hope to so many people."

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