US Sen: Brown (D) Demands Action on Stem Cell Research

One year ago today, the House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved a bill co-sponsored by Senate candidate Rep. Sherrod Brown (D-Avon) that would repeal the restriction placed on stem cell research by George W. Bush. Broadening the scope of stem cell research is supported by 72% of the American public, and by a majority of each major Christian denomination, and the measure would pass if brought before the Senate today. Nevertheless, this legislation has been blocked by a small group of conservative Senators, including Brown's opponent Sen. Mike DeWine (R-Cedarville).

Brown is marking the anniversary by posting a call to action on The Huffington Post, urging readers to sign an online petition to end the standoff.

In his post, Brown says that the House vote "gave hope to the 100 million Americans who suffer from serious medical conditions" by holding out "the promise to cure and treat cancer, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, cancer, Lou Gehrig's Disease, and spinal cord injuries." Crediting the "courageous work of the late Dana and Christopher Reeve and many other patient advocates" with building public support for the bill, Brown notes that conservatives such as Orrin Hatch, Gordon Smith, and Nancy Reagan support expanding stem cell research. As for his opponent, Brown says:

"Senator DeWine has changed his position on other issues. I don't see any reason why he can't do the same for stem cell research. Ohio families shouldn't have to wait till next January for a new U.S. Senator to vote the right way. We need to change course today."

Please join me in signing the petition today.