Bill’s Backers Predict End to Stem Cell Limits

By Kathy Kiely

WASHINGTON — Despite threats of a presidential veto, supporters of research on embryonic stem cells say an end to restrictions on federal funding is inevitable after an overwhelming House vote Thursday.

The House of Representatives voted 253-174 on a stem cell research bill identical to one President Bush vetoed last year. Supporters were 37 votes shy of the 290 needed to override a veto but got 14 more votes than last year.

White House spokesman Tony Fratto said Bush remains opposed to the legislation. "We believe we should not be using tax dollars to provide incentives for the continued destruction of embryos," Fratto said.

In the Senate, Tom Harkin, D-Iowa, said he has 66 votes lined up in favor of the bill; he needs 67 to override Bush. "We’re working on everybody," Harkin said.

Harkin and other proponents of research with embryonic stem cells — basic building blocks that can be coaxed into developing into a wide range of cells — say the work holds the promise of curing a number of diseases.

Opponents such as Rep. Dave Weldon, R-Fla., say it’s an unproven field of study that involves the destruction of human life, because embryos are used to obtain the stem cells. "This is not necessary, and it’s morally wrong," said Weldon, a doctor. He and others argued that medical breakthroughs can be achieved by using adult stem cells, such as those derived from a pregnant woman’s uterus.

At issue is whether to lift restrictions on funding for embryonic stem cell research that Bush established early in his first term. In an Aug. 9, 2001, order, Bush approved federal funding for research on stem cells but limited it to lines created before that date. Of the $600 million the National Institutes of Health provides for stem cell research, $39 million went to human embryonic stem cells last year. The rest went for studies on animal and adult stem cells.

"None offer as much promise as human embryonic stem cells," said Rep. Louise Slaughter, D-N.Y., a microbiologist.

Rep. Diana DeGette, D-Colo., and other bill supporters said the measure would provide a positive use for leftover embryos kept at fertility clinics and destined for destruction. That was the reason Rep. Dale Kildee, D-Mich., switched his vote this year to support the bill. "He felt that since the embryos were going to be destroyed anyway, it was better that some good come out of it," said Christopher Mansour, Kildee’s chief of staff. Rep. Rob Bishop, R-Utah, said federal funding for the research would amount to endorsing "a policy that innocent life can be destroyed for utilitarian purposes."

Some lawmakers cited friends and family members they said might be aided by embryonic stem cell research. Freshman Rep. Phil Hare, D-Ill., said the research could help his predecessor, Lane Evans, an Illinois Democrat who retired last year because of Parkinson’s disease. Rep. Joe Sestak, D-Pa., told members about his 5-year-old daughter’s battle with brain cancer.

In all, 38 freshmen lawmakers voted for the bill. "I’m a pro-life Democrat," said Rep. Jason Altmire of Pennsylvania. "This is a pro-life vote."

DeGette and Rep. Mike Castle, R-Del., the bill’s sponsors, said the growing support in the House of Representatives is a sign that political momentum is shifting. "This will be the law of the land in 2009 no matter what," said Rep. Mark Kirk, R-Ill., referring to the year Bush’s term ends. "Our job is to get the inevitable to happen as early as possible."

DeGette said she’s eager to discuss a compromise with the White House, but she said Bush has rejected offers to meet with her and GOP bill supporters.

Contributing: David Jackson and Dan Vergano (c) Copyright 2005 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Co. Inc.