Representatives Matsui and Smith Statement on Markup of Bipartisan Bill to Continue to Fund Lifesaving Adult Stem Cell Program
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Thursday, June 23, 2015
CONTACT:
Rep. Matsui - Julie Eddy (202) 225-7163
Rep. Smith - Jeff Sagnip (202) 225-3765
Representatives Matsui and Smith Statement on Markup of
Bipartisan Bill to Continue to Fund Lifesaving Adult Stem Cell Program
Legislation passed out of the Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee today
Reps. Doris Matsui (D-CA) and Christopher Smith (R-NJ) advanced bipartisan legislation to reauthorize the nation's stem cell treatment and research programs out of the Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee today. The bill is expected to be considered by the full Energy and Commerce Committee next week and by the full House of Representatives later in the fall.
H.R. 2820, The Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Reauthorization Act of 2015, reauthorizes key programs for recruiting bone marrow, adult stem cell, and cord blood donations, matching donors and recipients, and linking patients to care. Under the legislation, the C.W. Bill Young Cell Transplantation Program will be authorized for 5 years at $20 million annually, while the National Cord Blood Inventory is authorized at $23 million annually for a 5 year period.
Stems cells derived from cord blood and bone marrow have been used successfully to treat thousands of patients with such diseases as leukemia and sickle cell anemia, and genetic disorders. H.R. 2820 will enable more people to receive similar treatments and go on with their lives.
The bill's lead sponsors, Rep. Chris Smith (NJ-04) and Rep. Doris Matsui (CA-06) issued the following statements:
"This legislation provides hope to the thousands of Americans who search for a match for bone marrow and cord blood transplants. It also supports critical medical research to improve patient outcomes for the more than 70 diseases and conditions for which transplant is a cure, and helps us find ways to battle additional diseases and conditions," said Congresswoman Matsui, who co-founded the Congressional Caucus to Cure Blood Cancers and Other Blood Disorders with Rep. David Jolly (R-FL). "I understand firsthand how important it is to find the right match. It is the key necessary to unlock the potential cure that a bone marrow or cord blood transplant offers. The legislation we move forward today will give patients and their families hope of access to a curative transplant."
Congressman Smith, who also authored the original law (The Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Act of 2005 - P.L. 109-129) that created the national cord blood program and expanded the C.W. Bill Young Bone Marrow Transplantation program, said, "This important bipartisan legislation is needed to expand and extend two great research and therapy programs that are already saving lives. Cord blood and bone marrow adult stem cells have applicability and potential that is proven and invaluable. People are being cured each and every day by these therapiesandmdash;continuing federal support offers a lifeline to thousands more. We look forward to seeing this bill quickly pass the House and Senate and be signed into law."
The Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee held a hearing on the legislation on Thursday, June 25, 2015, which can be viewed here. View the Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee markup on this legislation today, July 23, 2015, here.
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