News / Health & Wellness
Stem Cell Bill to be Vetoed by President Bush
A stem cell bill designed to ease restrictions on federally funded embryonic stem cell research will be vetoed today when it appears on the desk of President Bush.
This will be the second time Bush has vetoed a bill sent by the Democratic-led Congress that has focused on stem cell issues. Despite the bill receiving the support of many in Congress once again the Democrats will not have the necessary numbers to override a Bush veto.
White House spokesman Tony Fratto said “The president supports and encourages stem cell research, including using embryonic lines, as long as it does not involve creating, harming or destroying embryos, that is an ethical line that should not be crossed.”
Democrats have argued that Bush has ignored the voice of the American people who largely support the use of federal funds in the advancement of stem cell research. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi circulated an email that addressed the position of the president and appealed to American voters writing, “By vetoing a bill that expands stem cell research, the president will say 'no' to the more than 70 percent of Americans who support it, 'no' to our Democratic Congress' fight for progress, and 'no' to saving lives and to potential cures for diseases such as diabetes and Parkinson's, he will say 'no' to hope.”
While Bush has long vowed to veto any bill that involves funding in embryonic stem cell research he has favored the funding of other cell research initiatives that could produce the same benefits offered by embryonic cells.
There is currently federal funding available for stem cell research involving embryonic cells that were in existence prior to Aug. 9, 2001. The latest bill sent to President Bush aimed to ease the restrictions on that timeline.
