mr. speaker , i am pleased to support h.r. 810 , the stem cell research enhancement act of 2005 .  this legislation takes the critical first step in expanding the number of stem cell lines that are eligible for federally funded research .  for years , the united states has been the preeminent world leader in the field of biotechnology .  we have made extraordinary advancements in the treatment , management and prevention of a wide range of disabilities .  it 's nearly impossible to read a newspaper without hearing of some new breakthrough -- drug cocktails for aids patients ; gene therapy treatments ; new medical devices .  these advancements are cause for celebration .  our mothers and fathers , our spouses , children and grandchildren are benefiting like never before .  they are living longer , healthier lives due to our investments in scientific research .  much like this earlier research , the potential benefits from stem cells are almost limitless .  and as policymakers , we have the rare opportunity to help further scientific innovation that , with the proper research and development , could produce better treatments -- or even cures -- for diseases like diabetes , parkinson 's disease , and cancer .  despite some arguments that we have heard today , recent developments have proven that we are not far off from recognizing the true potential of this research .  in fact , just last week , scientists in south korea successfully created the world 's first human embryonic stem cells that are patient-specific .  this advancement was applauded around the world as a major step in the effort to produce cell-based therapies that wo n't be rejected by the body 's immune system .  and in my home state of massachusetts , viacell and new world laboratories , two small biotech companies , have made notable progress in their research on spinal cord injuries and tissue regeneration .  though no one can predict the outcome of embryonic stem cell research , what is certain is that without federal support , we will never fully recognize it 's potential .  we are at a pivotal point in our nation 's history , and i hope that my colleagues will carefully consider this issue , leaving out partisan politics .  with federal support , this research could have a real and tangible impact on millions of lives in this country .  our nation 's current policy severely limits scientific research , and we must not continue on this dangerous course .  i urge my colleagues to join me in supporting h.r. 810 .  mr dingell .  mr. speaker , i support h.r. 810 , the `` stem cell research and enhancement act of 2005. '' let us be very clear about why we are here today .  we are here to decide whether our nation will move forward in the search for treatments and therapies that will cure a multitude of dreaded diseases that afflict an estimated 128 million americans .  today , millions of americans suffer from alzheimer 's disease , parkinson 's disease , spinal cord injuries or spinal dysfunction , and diabetes .  and today , along with the tremendous number of americans living with cancer , approximately 1.5 million new cases were diagnosed in the united states last year .  today , we can vote for h.r. 810 , and in doing so , choose to save lives and help to end the suffering of so many americans .  stem cells are the foundation cells for every organ , tissue , and cell in the body .  embryonic stem cells , unlike adult stem cells , possess a unique ability to develop into any type of cell .  embryonic stem cell research holds the potential for treating a variety of diseases such as lou gehrig 's disease , parkinson 's disease , alzheimer 's disease , autism , cystic fibrosis , heart disease , diabetes , multiple sclerosis , and osteoporosis , as well as spinal cord injuries .  h.r. 810 would impose strict ethical guidelines for embryonic stem cell research and would lift the arbitrary restriction limiting funds to only some embryonic stem cell lines created before august 10 , 2001 .  by removing this arbitrary restriction , h.r. 810 will ensure that researchers can not only continue their work to prolong or save lives , but also conduct such research using newer , less contaminated , more diverse , and more numerous embryonic stem cells .  h.r. 810 does not allow federal funding for the creation or destruction of embryos .  this bill only allows for research on embryonic stem cell lines retrieved from embryos created for reproductive purposes that would otherwise be discarded .  this point is critical : if these embryos are not used for stem cell research , they will be destroyed .  former first lady nancy reagan once said , `` science has presented us with a hope called stem cell research , which may provide our scientists with many answers that for so long have been beyond our grasp .  i just do n't see how we can turn our backs on this .  we have lost so much time already .  i just really ca n't bear to lose any more. '' let us not turn our backs on this important research and the 128 million americans who could benefit from it .  let us not lose any more time .  let us pass h.r. 810 , the `` stem cell research enhancement act of 2005 . '' 