Assemblyman Alex DeCroce/973-984-0922
Assembly Republican Office/609-292-5339
December 15, 2003
DeCROCE DENOUNCES FRAGUELA VOTE
ON STEM-CELL RESEARCH
FRAGUELA REMOVED FROM THE ASSEMBLY REPUBLICAN CAUCUS
As a result of self-interested actions of Assemblyman Rafael Fraguela, Assembly Republican Leader Alex DeCroce today removed him as member of the Assembly Republican caucus.
"In light of Assemblyman Fraguela's disturbing vote supporting the harvesting of human embryonic cells for profit, I cannot in good conscience recognize him as a member of the Assembly Republican caucus," stated DeCroce, R-Morris, Passaic. "This decision is Assemblyman Fraguela's own doing. On such an important issue as this, he had an obligation to his constituents and his fellow members to participate in the debate that occurred during caucus."
The bill, S-1909, permits human cloning in order to harvest fetal tissue for stem-cell research. The bill also allows for payment for removal, processing, disposal, storage, preservation, transplantation and implantation of embryonic or fetal tissue. Enacting this bill into law will allow women to participate in this type of activity for profit.
"This bill is a matter of conscience and deserved thoughtful consideration," continued DeCroce. "Assemblyman Fraguela did not give the consideration that such a sensitive issue as stem-cell research deserves. He failed to attend caucus and discuss his views with his colleagues. If he intended to vote in favor of this bill, he bore the responsibility to share that with the other members."
"Assemblyman Fraguela showed a complete lack of competence with regards to this situation," DeCroce stated. "The discussion in our caucus was comprehensive and resulted in a decision to have a united front against this bill. Assemblyman Fraguela turned his back on his constituents and colleagues."
"For the duration of this legislative session he can go his own way," said DeCroce.