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,