Bush vetoes bill, equates embryonic stem cell research with murder

By Brendan Smith
brendansmith@transworldnews.com

Forced to use his veto power for the first time in his presidency, George Bush rejected a bill passed by both the House and Senate that lifted the current restrictions on federally funded stem cell research projects.

Claiming the bill “crosses a moral boundary that our society needs to respect” Bush quickly vetoed the attempt by Congress. The president went as far as saying the bill would “support the taking of innocent human life.”

Bush has refused to support any bill that would fund research on stem cell lines created after August 9, 2001. It is in those lines that many scientists feel potential treatment of chronic and degenerative diseases may exist.

The veto drew the anger of many republicans who went against Bush on this issue. Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist appeared upset by the language of the president, and the insinuation that the bill amounted to the abandoning of America’s ‘fundamental morals.” Frist was determined to point out “I am pro-life, but I disagree with the president's decision to veto the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act. Given the potential of this research and the limitations of the existing lines eligible for federally funded research, I think additional lines should be made available."

Senator Orin Hatch, a Republican from Utah, expressed his dismay by stating “it sets us back a year or so until we can finally pass a bill that will have the requisite supermajority to be able to become law, and that sets back embryonic stem cell research another year or so."

Support for the veto of embryonic stem cell research came primarily from the religious right and conservative members of the Bush party. Their opposition does not reflect the attitude of the majority of Americans. Triggered by the belief that stem cell research may bring about effective treatments for diabetes, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s, most American’s are in favor of the bill.

Last year the House fell 50 votes short of a two-thirds majority when it passed this same bill. The Senate vote fell four short.

Bush’s veto sends the bill back to the House where it is expected to fall short of the required votes necessary to override the president’s decision.

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