We the undersigned urge you to provide additional Federal funding for stem cell research. We join with 64\% of the American people, other research institutions and patient groups in our belief and support of stem cell research.

The discovery of embryonic stem cells is a significant milestone in medical research. Increased Federal support is essential to translate this discovery into therapies for a range of serious and currently intractable diseases.

Stem cell research could be used for arthritis, and neurons for Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, ALS and spinal cord injuries to name a few examples. There is also the possibility that these cells could be used to create more complex, vital organs, such as kidneys, livers, or even entire hearts.

Current evidence suggests that adult stem cells have markedly restricted potential. Therefore, for disorders that prove not to be treatable with adult stem cells, impeding embryonic stem cell research risks unnecessary delay for millions of patients who may die or endure needless suffering while the effectiveness of adult stem cells is evaluated.

While we recognize that same ethical issues are raised by this research, we also understand that many of those same issues are not supported by fact. We urge you to increase funding for stem cells so that the tremendous scientific and medical benefits of their use may one day become available to the millions of American patients who so desperately need them.