Congress must approve before Sept. 30 deadline

Contact: Rep. Smith - Jeff Sagnip, 202-225-3765; Rep. Matsui - Julie Eddy, 202-225-7163; Rep. Jolly - Ian Manzano, 202-225-5961; Rep. Fattah - Ally Freeman, 202-225-4001

WASHINGTON, July 29, 2015 /Standard Newswire/ -- Vital legislation to reauthorize America's bone marrow and cord blood donor registry cleared a major hurdle today as the full Energy and Commerce Committee unanimously approved the measure just before adjourning for the August district work period. 

Sponsored by Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) with lead co-sponsor Rep. Doris Matsui (D-CA), the Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Reauthorization Act of 2015, H.R. 2820, ensures that two collaborative programs that support treatment and therapies derived from adult stem cell lines will not expire at the end of the federal fiscal year.

First passed in 2005, the original legislation established a nationwide integrated bone marrow and cord blood stem cell transplantation program. Stem 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. The enactment of H.R. 2820 will enable more people to receive similar treatments and go on with their lives.

Smith and Matsui were joined by original cosponsors Rep. David Jolly (F-13) and Rep. Chaka Fattah (PA-02) in issuing the following statements: 

"It is vitally important that this lifesaving program continue to receive our support," said 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 cell transplantation program. "Therapies from the adult stem cells in bone marrow and umbilical cord blood are curing people each and every day. I urge the House to quickly take up and pass this bipartisan bill in September."

"I urge our colleagues to continue to show support for the Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Reauthorization Act," said Congresswoman Matsui, a leader on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which marked up the legislation today. "These programs provide hope to the thousands of Americans who suffer from blood cancers or other blood disorders and are searching for a match to a life-saving bone marrow or cord blood transplant. Reauthorizing this program will continue to support the bone marrow and cord blood registries that match people with curative transplants and research that seeks to improve patient outcomes."

"The C.W. Bill Young Cell Transplantation Program and the National Cord Blood Inventory give patients and families hope for recovery that they would not otherwise have," said Congressman David Jolly.  "Now that my colleagues on the Energy and Commerce Committee have taken the important first step to reauthorize these lifesaving programs, I look forward to this legislation coming to the floor of the House quickly for final passage."

"The Stem Cell Research and Reauthorization Act is critical, bipartisan legislation that deserves swift floor action upon the House's return to Washington in September. This bill ensures that access to the national bone marrow and cord blood registry is expanded and that there are readily available donor databases for patients in need," Congressman Fattah said. "We know that these transplants are effective, life-saving treatments and I urge my colleagues to support the reauthorization of America's bone marrow and cord blood donor registry."