May 21, 2001

Ms. Debra L. Vinnedge
Executive Director
Children of God for Life
2130 Catalina Drive
Clearwater, Florida  33764-3715

        Dear Ms. Vinnedge:

        Thank you for your letter about the important issue of stem cell research.

        I share your concern and believe that we can and must do more to find the causes and cures of diseases that affect the lives of too many Americans.

        That’s why I have proposed to double funding for National Institutes of Health medical research on important diseases that affect so many American families, such as breast cancer.  My proposal represents the largest funding increase in the Institutes’ history.  I also have called for an extension of the Research and Development tax credit to help encourage companies to continue research into life-saving treatments.

        I oppose Federal funding for stem-cell research that involves destroying living human embryos.  I
support innovative medical research on life-threatening and debilitating diseases, including promising
research on stem cells from adult tissue.

        We have the technology to find these cures, and I want to make sure that the resources are available as well.  Only through a greater understanding through research will we be able to find cures that will bring new hope and health to millions of Americans.

        Sincerely,