Posted on 07/19/2006 7:07:42 PM PDT by MNJohnnie
The following is the text of the letter sent to the House of Representatives by President Bush explaining his decision to veto the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2005.
President Bush: I am returning herewith without my approval H.R. 810, the "Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2005."
Like all Americans, I believe our Nation must vigorously pursue the tremendous possibilities that science offers to cure disease and improve the lives of millions. Yet, as science brings us ever closer to unlocking the secrets of human biology, it also offers temptations to manipulate human life and violate human dignity. Our conscience and history as a Nation demand that we resist this temptation. With the right scientific techniques and the right policies, we can achieve scientific progress while living up to our ethical responsibilities.
In 2001, I set forth a new policy on stem cell research that struck a balance between the needs of science and the demands of conscience. When I took office, there was no Federal funding for human embryonic stem cell research. Under the policy I announced 5 years ago, my Administration became the first to make Federal funds available for this research, but only on embryonic stem cell lines derived from embryos that had already been destroyed. My Administration has made available more than $90 million for research of these lines. This policy has allowed important research to go forward and has allowed America to continue to lead the world in embryonic stem cell research without encouraging the further destruction of living human embryos.
(Excerpt) Read more at foxnews.com ...
Thank You! Mr. President
Truth.
On embryonic stem cell research, I think the President has a better grasp than all of Congress on where the research currently sits.
I've said repeatedly on FR that embryonic stem cell research is promising, but isn't necessarily ready for Federal funding for research on human embryonic stem cell lines. Most of the scientific investigations that need to be done to understand embryonic stem cells can be and morally should be performed on non-human subjects with non-human stem cell lines. There is no legislation or executive policy blocking the use of Federal funding to investigate the mechanisms of cell differentiation in non-human embryonic stem cells.
Some scientists and proponents of human embryonic stem cell research think that the human cells will miraculously and magically conform itself to solutions without the need to understand the mechanisms. That kind of reasoning is unscientific.
"If we are to find the right ways to advance ethical medical research, we must also be willing when necessary to reject the wrong ways. For that reason, I must veto this bill."
I'm very proud of President Bush today. Let the entire world hear these words he wrote.
Me too. He has saved the veto for something very important.
Yes. Now veto the next fat spending bill that comes along.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.