House OKs Federal Funding of Stem Cell research

MrBishop

MrBishop

Well-Known Member
SciAm said:
Washington, D.C.--January 11--Culminating an emotional debate, the new Democratic-controlled House of Representatives approved legislation that would provide federal funding for more embryonic stem cell research by a margin of 253 to 174. The Senate is expected to okay the measure, but President Bush has vowed to veto it--and it is questionable whether congressional advocates can muster the two thirds majority required to override a veto.

The legislation would free up federal funds to conduct research on cells taken from human embryos, which are considered by scientists to be the most promising source of potential new treatments for spinal cord injuries and degenerative diseases including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and cancer.

Bush last year vetoed a similar bill and limited federally funded research to 21 lines of embryonic cells created before 2001, some of which scientists say have been compromised or corrupted.

The Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act would pay for research on stem cells extracted only from embryos slated to be discarded by in vitro fertility clinics annually and only with the consent of the donors of those embryos. It sets up ethical and reporting guidelines.

"Diseases like diabetes, Alzheimer's and cancer wreak havoc on lives of millions of Americans. We can free our loved ones from this pain, but only if we free science to find the keys," Rep. Edward Markey (D-Mass.) said during the debate. "Embryonic stem cell research is the flickering candle of medical promise that gives hope for the treatment and cure of these devastating diseases. Please do not condemn the afflicted to another generation of darkness."

Opponents charge that it is immoral and unethical to fund research that involves destroying embryos.

In threatening a renewed veto, Bush said in a statement that the bill "would use federal taxpayer dollars to support and encourage the destruction of human life for research."

Sen. Tom Harkin (D-Iowa), a major backer of the measure, says he believes supporters have the 67 votes needed in the Senate to override a presidential veto.
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Link@SciAm
 
In threatening a renewed veto, Bush said in a statement that the bill "would use federal taxpayer dollars to support and encourage the destruction of human life for research."
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In other words, "I don't understand it so it must be bad. Ba-a-a-ad!"
 
It is not the place of the federal government to fund research that can easily be funded by private organizations. (or other countries with too much money)
 
Gonz said:
It is not the place of the federal government to fund research that can easily be funded by private organizations. (or other countries with too much money)
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So if a major cure is discovered through stem cell research, you're perfectly okay with having to beg it off the French then?
 
Imagine the things that could get done if we'd quit worrying about who gets the credit.
 
the new Democratic-controlled House of Representatives approved legislation that would provide federal funding for more embryonic stem cell research by a margin of 253 to 174.
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:clap:
 
yep, (bump in road)
Oh, that was the other thread...:D

Eh, I figure the Senate is gonna help shoot it back down.:shrug:
 
yeah, that's what I've been hearing too, but I'm just even more pessimistic
than usual these days,,...for some reason.:nerd:
 
Dude, you're the one that likes getting raped. You're for monumental waste of tax money while I approve more of spending on useful stuff.
 
Section. 8.

The Congress shall have Power To lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises, to pay the Debts and provide for the common Defence and general Welfare of the United States; but all Duties, Imposts and Excises shall be uniform throughout the United States;


To declare War, grant Letters of Marque and Reprisal, and make Rules concerning Captures on Land and Water;

To raise and support Armies, but no Appropriation of Money to that Use shall be for a longer Term than two Years;

To provide and maintain a Navy;

To make Rules for the Government and Regulation of the land and naval Forces;

To provide for calling forth the Militia to execute the Laws of the Union, suppress Insurrections and repel Invasions;

To provide for organizing, arming, and disciplining, the Militia, and for governing such Part of them as may be employed in the Service of the United States, reserving to the States respectively, the Appointment of the Officers, and the Authority of training the Militia according to the discipline prescribed by Congress;
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That says a lot about providing for a military & not a word about providing for science nor research nor establishing an R&D dept.

Section 8.

The Congress shall have Power...

To promote the Progress of Science and useful Arts, by securing for limited Times to Authors and Inventors the exclusive Right to their respective Writings and Discoveries;
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If you notice, the only part that says squat about science is to make sure the scientist/private companies/entrepeneurs have full & complete rights to their work.
 
I was talking about Iraq which is not a matter of defence.

Anyway, you've proved several times you only care about the Constitution when it's convenient so don't bother.
 
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