July 19, 2:45 President Bush just issued the first veto of his presidency, legislation that would have made it easier to get federal funding for embryonic stem cell research. The president has the most support in the House, which is likely to vote on overriding the veto as early as later today. The bill was four votes short of an override vote in the Senate.
According to the AP, Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, R-Tenn., was quick to criticize the president's veto. "I am pro-life, but I disagree with the president's decision to veto the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act," said Frist. "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."
The veto is likely to become a major campaign issue in November, according to the Washington Post. Democrats, playing off the public's broad support for wider stem cell research, believe the issue will be a powerful one for them.
"This is the kind of issue that voters use to distinguish members who are beholden to the far right," said Rep. Chris Van Hollen (Md.), a chief recruiter of Democratic House candidates for this fall's elections. "Every family in America is touched by someone who could benefit" from embryonic stem cell research."
The issue is clearly splitting the Republican party and is made all the more sensitive with former first lady Nancy Reagan strongly supporting the legislation. Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, a staunch opponent of abortion, said the bill promotes life by encouraging research. He told CNN, "I believe we are aiding the living, which is one of the most pro-life positions you can take."
An analysis of the available research on Political Arithmetik found that while there is little difference between 2001 and 2005 on support of expanding stem cell research with about two thirds of Americans in favor, the 2005 data shows that Republicans are more opposed than Democrats. Even so, writes Charles Franklin, political science professor at the University of Wisconsin, who runs the site, "The most striking thing about the [2005 research] is that the Republican party is indeed divided on this issue."
With conservatives growing more critical of Bush because of his foreign policy efforts, creating even more splits within the party, this latest event is certain to have an effect on the Congressional elections in November. The problem, as usual, is how much and in what districts.
Article comments
1 - sal m
when the bill sponsored by santorum and spector - which provides funding for alternative sources of stem cells without destroying embryos - gets passed, this issue disappears.
2 - Peter J
This issue is driven back based strictly on religious belief. Just the fact that Bush vetoed this legislation demonstrates this man's beligerence toward the issue of 'Politics and Religion'!
It is not this person's place to decide for the population or the scientist's of America on an issue which is so volatile and 'other worldly' based! As always, Bush kicks dirt in the face of the majority and pushes his hand deeper into the pockets of the Religious Right.
This is where the line needs to be drawn! If the Religious Fundamentalists are allowed this show of strength within our government we will, without a doubt, take a giant first step toward giving up our Government and our Freedom!
These people are not to be taken lightly. No matter how strongly you feel about Stem Cell Research there is a much larger issue in the balance. This is not about research, this is about relinquishing our rights to an archaic tribe of zealots, the same people who brought us the Crusades and the Salem Witch Trials! If you don't fear them you haven't been paying attention.
As far as Stem Cell Research goes, If one of Bush's pretty little girls were struck with Parkinsons Disease I'm sure he'd squirm in his seat a bit trying to decide who to choose, the Religious Right or his little girl.
The issue itself has not been examined enough to make a difinitive choice. There are other options such as Umbilical cord cells as an example. Also there's still the discussion as to whether or not that this process is literally ending a life.
There are a great many eggs that are disposed of simply because they have reached a date where they're no longer useful.
Whatever the outcome is, we have to examine our choices carefully. there's too much at stake to leave such a critical decision in the hands of a fool!
3 - Baronius
Sal, I don't think this issue is going to disappear, because it's in some people's interest that it doesn't disappear.
Peter, call Bush a fool if you want to, but his 2001 position was pretty subtle and well-articulated. The fact that some conservative senators have wavered shows that there's wiggle room on the stem cell issue. Bush presented his case in a televised presidential address, and has stuck by it (even though neither he nor his VP will never run for office again), so I've got to think he really believes it.
Bush's position is for no federal research money to go to embryonic stem cell research which uses new cell lines. Embyonic stem cell research is legal; private organizations, states, and universities can conduct research on new cell lines; the federal government can fund research on pre-existing lines; anyone can perform research on adult stem cells. The limitation is pretty specific.
And yes, under the Constitution, it is his place to make the decision to veto a bill.
4 - JP
Couldn't he have just used a signing statement? ;)
5 - Diz
I think Peter J makes some good points. We can't let religious fundamentalists have control over issues like stem cell research, its time for the intelligent people to take a stand.
I bet if the law stated you could only do research on islamic embryos they would be down with it...everyone knows islamic embryos develop into full blow terrorists right? Well thats my belief and you have to abide by it.
6 - Baronius
Diz, the last three US administrations have engaged in conflicts in Kuwait, Somalia, Bosnia, Croatia, Afghanistan, and Iraq, all on behalf of the local Muslim populations. They have freed over 50 million Muslims. They have sponsered several peace talks and sent billions of dollars of aid to the PA, Indonesia, and Sudan. The US has nothing to apologize for. No country has done more to promote human rights in the Muslim world.
7 - searchbox
well it is mighty step, in direction of curing ceratin diseases, and as I have heard, it will be certainly beneficial in certain injuries, just like that of the spine. Some genetic disorders can also be washed away, and this I suppose is a welcome step.