From Science Policy Exchange

Stem cell research is an promising area of medical research which may provide scientists and the public with a better understanding of human disease and an important opportunity to develop new drugs for currently untreatable diseases.

Researchers believe that stem cell research may lead to a renewable source of human replacement cells to be used for transplantation therapy. Over 100 million Americans suffer from diseases that may eventually be treated more effectively with stem cells. These include Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer. The timeline of these treatments is yet undetermined.

Select pending stem cell legislation being considered by 109th Congress:

1. Cures Can Be Found Act of 2005 (Introduced in House)[H.R.3444.IH]

2. Cord Blood Stem Cell Act of 2005 (Introduced in Senate)[S.681.IS]

3. Stem Cell Research Investment Act of 2005 (Introduced in House)[H.R.1650.IH]

4. Expressing the sense of the Congress that the Federal Government should not infringe on State or private programs that fund embryonic stem cell research. (Introduced in House)[H.CON.RES.166.IH]

5. Joe Testaverde Adult Stem Cell Research Act of 2005 (Introduced in House)[H.R.2541.IH]

6. Stem Cell Replenishment Act of 2005 (Introduced in House)[H.R.162.IH] 7. Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Act of 2005 (Received in Senate from House)[H.R.2520.RDS]

8. Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Act of 2005 (Placed on Calendar in Senate)[H.R.2520.PCS]

9. Respect for Life Pluripotent Stem Cell Act of 2005 (Introduced in Senate)[S.1557.IS]

10. Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2005 (Engrossed as Agreed to or Passed by House)[H.R.810.EH]

11 Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2005 (Introduced in Senate)[S.471.IS]

12. Human Cloning Ban and Stem Cell Research Protection Act of 2005 (Introduced in Senate)[S.876.IS]

14. Bone Marrow and Cord Blood Therapy and Research Act of 2005 (Reported in Senate)[S.1317.RS]

15. Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2006 (Engrossed Amendment as Agreed to by Senate)[H.R.3010.EAS]

16. Human Cloning Ban Act of 2005 (Introduced in Senate)[S.1520.IS]