WASHINGTON -- Senate supporters of a measure to ease restrictions on embryonic stem cell research lack the votes to override a threatened veto by President Bush, a top proponent of the research says. A favorable Senate vote is considered more likely now that Majority Leader Bill Frist, R-Tenn., has reversed his position to support more federal dollars for research. However, a Senate vote would not matter if, as lawmakers predicted, a Bush veto stands in the House. Sen. Arlen Specter, R-Pa., who is sponsoring a bill easing restrictions that Bush put in place, said Frist gave his side "a big boost." A vote on the measure could come in September.
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Specter Seeks Veto-Proof Stem Cell Margin
WASHINGTON -- Despite a boost from the majority leader, there is not enough Senate support now to override a threatened veto if Congress tries to ease restrictions on embryonic stem cell research, a key proponent said Sunday. A favorable Senate vote is considered more likely now that Majority Leader Bill Frist, R-Tenn., has reversed his position to support more federal dollars for research. However, the Senate vote will not matter if, as lawmakers predicted, a veto by President Bush stands in the House.
Posted by Editor at August 1, 2005 08:59 AM
