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DEL.ICIO.USThe stem cell debate on C-Span
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson is on the verge of a stunning victory this evening.
The U.S. Senate begins voting on two embryonic stem cell bills shortly before 6 p.m. One of them is Isakson’s.
Each needs 60 votes to move to the House. We’re hearing that Isakson has those in hand and more.
You can watch it here on C-Span 2.
We’ve lectured you enough on this topic, but these are the essentials: S. 5 will be voted on first. It’s a version of the measure that was vetoed by President Bush last year, and would permit federally funded researchers to use healthy embryos created by fertilization clinics, with the permission of the parents.
Isakson’s bill, S. 30, would permit federal funding for embryonic stem cell research, but would restrict scientists to “naturally dead” embryos — i.e., embryos that have simply stopped dividing and are “non-viable.”
Scientists and advocates clearly prefer S. 5. And Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada just called S. 30 a “cover vote” for Republicans.
But they ignore the political import of Isakson’s accomplishment.
S. 30 has been endorsed by the White House and by the Catholic bishops. Isakson has been able to get both institutions to shift their positions on embryonic stem cell research, to acknowledge that it is worth pursuing — within the boundaries the bill has laid out.
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By what gives?
April 12, 2007 11:00 AM | Link to this
are you guys on isakson’s payroll? seems like bush and the religious right already acknowledged the value of stem cell research … that’s why bush spent a month on his ranch before 9/11 cogitating over his stem cell policy.