"Members of CAMR met today to discuss plans for stem cell legislation to be considered in the 110th Congress. We all agree that 2006 has been a memorable yet ultimately disappointing year in this battle for better treatments and cures.
"While we want to thank the stem cell champions in the 109th Congress for their valiant efforts to pass the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act, we hope that 2007 will be the year the U.S. House and Senate can answer the hopes and prayers of millions of patients by delivering federal funding for and oversight of embryonic stem cell research.
"CAMR looks forward to working with the 110th Congress in the hopes that we can once again continue our bipartisan effort to effect change in the support of stem cell research. No longer can patients be denied hope. Our 100 member organizations will work hard to ensure the Senate and House leadership delivers on their promise to see this legislation through until it becomes law.
"Nearly three-quarters of Americans and the majority of both the House and Senate support federal funding for embryonic stem cell research. More than 100 million Americans suffer from cancer, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, diabetes, spinal cord injuries and other debilitating diseases and disorders for which embryonic stem cell research holds great promise in finding better treatments and cures.
Those individuals, along with their families, friends, and caregivers, will join together with CAMR in 2007 to let our voices be heard."
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The Coalition for the Advancement of Medical Research (CAMR) is the nation's leading pro-cures coalition. It is comprised of nationally recognized patient organizations, universities, scientific societies and foundations advocating for the advancement of breakthrough research and technologies in regenerative medicine -- including stem cell research and somatic cell nuclear transfer -- to cure disease and alleviate suffering for individuals with life-threatening illnesses and disorders.