Did Bush stiffle hurricane aid in a way to push his culture of life agenda

[DanCa]

Subject: Congress leaves stem cell research for later -Medill News
Service

Congress leaves stem cell research for later
Legislators broke for recess without voting on Specter bill.
By STEPHEN NERY
Medill News Service
Thursday, September 1, 2005



WASHINGTON — In a flurry of last-minute votes before leaving for
their August break, members of Congress passed several key measures,
including major transportation and energy bills. But amid the rush
to get out of town, the Senate left one divisive issue — embryonic
stem cell research — unresolved.
Sen. Arlen Specter, R-Pa., had predicted that his Stem Cell Research
Enhancement Act, which calls for federal funding of embryonic stem
cell research, would draw a Senate vote in July. It passed the House
238-194 in May, but has been stuck in a Senate committee since
Specter introduced the bill in February. Senate Republican leaders have promised to push for a vote on the bill, but no action has been scheduled. On July 29, Congress' last day in session before its summer break, Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, R-Tenn., changed his stance and pledged his support to Specter's bill. The move puts Frist at odds with President Bush, who has threatened to veto the bill. If he did, Congress would need a two-thirds majority to override the veto.

Bush favors proposed alternative methods of stem cell research that
do not involve the destruction of an embryo. Scientists at Harvard University's Stem Cell Research Institute announced last week that tests show they may someday be able to revert adult stem cells back to their embryonic state, creating more versatile stem cells without destroying an embryo. Some political groups, such as the Christian Coalition, have used this as ammunition against Specter's bill. But Harvard spokesman B.D. Cohen said their test results do not mean research using embryonic stem cells should be stopped because the alternatives are in very early stages. Sen. Rick Santorum is a fierce opponent of embryonic stem cell research. He said alternatives without ethical ramifications should be pursued. Rep. Todd Platts, R-York County, who has said he is committed to protecting the life of the unborn child, voted for the bill. He said he struggled with the issue, but came to view the measure as "ethically acceptable and imperative for the well-being of millions of disease-afflicted Americans."

AT ISSUE
Scientists consider embryonic stem cells the most valuable type
because they can develop into a vast array of other cells and
theoretically replicate themselves indefinitely. Although the
government now permits testing on 78 embryonic stem cell lines,
scientists say only 22 lines are in good enough shape to study and
even their stability is marginal. Stem cells may someday be used to replace damaged cells in people with certain diseases. Since harvesting embryonic cells requires the breakdown of an embryo created for in-vitro fertilization, however, many abortion foes oppose their use for science. In-vitro fertilization consists of inseminating eggs outside of a woman's body, then replacing the embryos in the womb. Dr. Robert Filer, of York's Fertility Center, said two to four embryos generally are placed in the womb to produce "one healthy baby," with about a one-third success rate. The process often leaves excess embryos, but Filer said his clinic has no plans to become affiliated with stem cell research scientists. More than 400,000 leftover embryos are frozen worldwide. Advocates say that since many of these embryos will be discarded anyway, some should be used for science. Opponents do not wish to see the government fund a process that breaks down embryos.

[DanCa]

1. I know the post in slightly off topic in the header but I figured

That since stem cell research was swinging are way was this another reason why Bush or his advisors let people go unaidded. So that the culture of life crew can use Katirna for Political capital.