April 11, 2007, Washington, DC -- The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, the world's largest charitable funder of type 1 diabetes research, praised today's historic vote in the U.S. Senate to expand federal funding for embryonic stem cell research with the passage of S. 5, the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2007.
"The Senate passage of this bill marks another important step in the road to find a cure for type 1 diabetes and related complications," said Larry Soler, Vice President of Government Relations for JDRF. "We need to accelerate the development of a cure for diabetes, and this legislation will ensure that scientists will be able to pursue the potential benefits of stem cell research. I hope that the President listens to the voices of the tens of millions of Americans with diabetes and other diseases who are calling for action, and signs this bill into law."
"I'd like to thank the lead authors of the bill: Senators Reid, Harkin, Specter, Kennedy, Hatch, Feinstein, and Smith," added Mr. Soler. "I'd also like to thank the original authors of the House bill, Representatives Diana DeGette and Michael Castle, for their tireless work in promoting stem cell research. Finally, and equally importantly, I'd like to salute the tireless efforts of our thousands of grassroots volunteers from around the country who met with their elected officials and stayed in close contact with them to ensure the positive conclusion of today's historic vote. Their enthusiasm and commitment to work with legislators to speed the discovery of cures for themselves and their loved ones is both admirable and heartening as we explore a wide range of scientific opportunities in our search for a cure."
JDRF was founded in 1970 by the parents of children with juvenile diabetes - a disease that strikes children suddenly, makes them insulin dependent for life, and carries the constant threat of devastating complications. Since inception, JDRF has provided more than $1 billion to diabetes research worldwide. More than 80 percent of JDRF's expenditures directly support research and education about research. JDRF's mission is constant: to find a cure for diabetes and its complications through the support of research. For more information please visit www.jdrf.org