Pelosi: A Bush Veto of Stem Cell Legislation Will Say ‘No’ to Hope for Millions of American Families

Pelosi: A Bush Veto of Stem Cell Legislation Will Say ‘No’ to Hope for Millions of American Families

Wednesday, July 19, 2006

Contact: Brendan Daly/Jennifer Crider, 202-226-7616

Washington, D.C. â€" House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi joined Congresswoman Diana DeGette of Colorado and Senate Democrats at a news conference today to discuss the passage of stem cell research legislation and President Bush’s threat to veto the bill today. Below are Pelosi’s remarks:

â€Å"Every family in American is one phone call or one diagnosis away from needing the benefits of stem cell research.

â€Å"The victory in the House was led by Congresswoman Diana DeGette, and we are very proud of her work, her leadership, and her success on this legislation, and now with the passage in the Senate. Those successes are of course a tribute to her stewardship and leadership, but it is really a tribute to the outside mobilization on this issue. I know we will be hearing from them shortly about that outside mobilization.

â€Å"The American people have spoken. Seventy-two percent of Americans support ethically based stem cell research. In vetoing this legislation, the President would be saying ‘No’ to 72 percent of the American people. He would be saying ‘No’ to so many families across America who are hoping and praying this legislation becomes public policy. He would be saying ‘No’ to hope.

â€Å"Here we have a special day in the history our country and this Congress. Important legislation has passed that affects every family in America. And may I say to all of you who have advocated for this; ‘Every family in America is in your debt because of your advocacy, your eloquence, and your leadership.’ Let’s hope your message is not lost on the President of the United States.

â€Å"This research has the biblical power to cure. How can we turn away from that? Let’s all pray the President will have a change of heart and a change of mind. But if not, let’s work very hard to make sure that Members of Congress represent their constituents and override a presidential veto.”