Congress Tries Again to Ease Restrictions on Stem Cell Research

Congress is trying again to ease restrictions on federal funding for embryonic stem cell research. Today the House voted 247-176 to send the measure to President Bush. That is 35 votes short of what is needed to override a presidential veto.

"For many, embryonic stem cell research is the most promising source of potential treatments and cures" for debilitating disease, said Rep. Diana DeGette, D-Colo., the bill's leading advocate.

"Unfortunately, because of the stubbornness of one man — President Bush — these people continue to suffer as they wait," she added.

The president is expected to veto the bill. Meanwhile, thousands, if not millions of human embryos are literally flushed down the drain at fertility clinics if the parents choose not to use them to create further offspring. Bush seems to be in the minority. Public opinion polls show that a majority of Americans support for stem cell research, which could lead to treatment of diseases as diverse as Alzheimer's and juvenile diabetes. Democrats made the issue one of their top priorities when they took control of Congress in January, even though Bush stood ready to veto it. But apparently it's okay to destroy unwanted ones. I just don't get it.