Senate okays expanded stem cell funding

In a largely symbolic victory for biomedical research, the Senate today (July 18) approved a linkurl:controversial bill;http://www.the-scientist.com/news/display/23895/ (HR 810) to extend Federal research funding to newly derived human embryonic stem cells (hESC). The legislation faces a veto from President Bush, who opposes the expansion of funding on ethical grounds. Indeed, on Monday (July 17) the White House reaffirmed the president?s intention to veto the bill. After 12 hours of discussion and debate that began Monday afternoon, the ?Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2005? passed the Senate with wide bipartisan support by 63-37. While it passed by wide margins, there are likely not enough votes in either the House of Representatives or in the Senate to linkurl:over-ride a veto.;http://www.the-scientist.com/news/display/23595/ The House, which originated and already passed the bill, is expected to an attempt a veto over-ride this week or next. If that effort fails, the bill is dead and would...