Bush should not veto the stem-cell bill

President Bush may cast his first ever veto in six years on a bill that would expand federal funding for human embryonic-stem-cell research. While some voters may appreciate Bush's strong position on certain issues and not bending to public opinion polls and what not, it may prove to be a mistake in this case.

Current polls show that 2 out of 3 Americans favor increased stem cell research. Due to the closeness of the November elections, a good number of Republicans are supporting the bill. Most people would view the veto as arguing against the treatment of disease, and a considerable number of GOP members feel that this could become a stinker issue when Election Day arrives.

Could Congress override Bush's veto? It could be possible. In the House, it was only 50 votes short of the two-thirds majority when it passed 238-194. House leaders are somewhat confident that there will be more Yes votes when they attempt to override the veto, but a few believe that they might be a little bit short. In the Senate, as much as 64 senators will vote yes on the legislation, and leaders in that chamber believe they can gather up the 67 votes necessary to override the veto. [Latest updates show that both houses will be unable to override Bush's veto, but the numbers will show overwhelming approval of the bill. This may prove useful in the future.]

It becomes a more awkward situation for the No members when former first lady Nancy Reagan is a supporter for increased stem cell research. She is expected to make calls this week to senators and representatives asking for their support.

Senator Tom Coburn (R-Oklahoma) notes the politics of the timing. "I think politically it's stupid to have this debate now. He will cast his first veto over this, which people will interpret as that he doesn't care about the curing of chronic disease. Nothing could be further than the truth." Obviously. It is always politics. Supporters from both Democrats and Republicans know that with the closeness of the November elections, this vote will place heavy pressure on the politicians that want to get re-elected. Democrats and Republicans do this type of thing every election, so do not go and start whining about this and that.

This legislation offers more further good for the American people. When Bush said that there are currently 62 available stem lines for federal researchers. This is not true. Today, there are perhaps only 21 lines available, and they are old, and in some cases damaged and most likely contaminated with mouse feeder cells and calf serum used to grow them. Top US researchers are leaving the US to work for biotechnology labs in Europe or Singapore where the governments over there have placed higher priority on stem cell research. Even socially conservative suburban voters would support such research if they think that it will help cure their parents' Alzheimer's or their children's diabetes.

Yes, opponents would point to adult stem cell research and explain the new breakthroughs that have been made over the past few years. However, most adult organs just do not have enough stem cells to deploy as treatment, and adult stem cells are even harder to grow than embryonic ones. Of course, it has been helpful but we should not restrict ourselves to just that area of supply. If we can concentrate all both levels of stem cells, who knows if we find something in embryonic cells that can help us do more to the adult versions.

Bush should sign the legislation and help support a joint combative effort to rid these diseases from our grandparents, our parents, and our children.

CNN.com - Congress takes up stem cell bills in face of veto threat