Congress approves bill easing restrictions on stem cell research, despite veto threat

WASHINGTON — Spoiling for a veto fight, Congress cleared legislation Thursday easing restrictions on federal funding for embryonic stem cell research.

The House vote to send the measure to President Bush was 247-176, 35 short of the level needed to override a second veto in as many years on the issue.

"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 was unpersuaded.

"If this bill were to become law, American taxpayers would for the first time in our history be compelled to support the deliberate destruction of human embryos," he said in a statement in Germany, where he was attending a summit of world leaders.

"Crossing that line would be a grave mistake. For that reason, I will veto the bill passed today," he added.

Bush's written statement echoed criticism leveled in an hour-long debate on the House floor, where opponents of the measure said the research requires the destruction of human embryos, and that alternatives have shown more promise.

"You're talking about spare embryos now but if it ever did work ... it would require the killing of millions of embryos," said Rep. Chris Smith, R-N.J.

He also said a recent report by the U.S. Catholic Conference listed numerous breakthroughs involving research conducted on adult stem cells, cord blood and amniotic fluid, none of which involve the destruction of a human embryo.

The measure drew the support of 210 Democrats and 37 Republicans. Opponents included 16 Democrats and 160 Republicans.

Public opinion polls show widespread support for stem cell research, which supporters say could lead to treatment of diseases as diverse as Alzheimer's and juvenile diabetes. Democrats made the measure one of their top priorities when they took control of Congress in January — knowing full well that Bush stood ready to veto it.

The president made his position clear weeks ago when he said the legislation "crosses a moral line that I and many others find troubling."