In response to President Bush's recent veto of the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2007, which provides federal funding of embryonic stem cell research, Sen. Hillary Clinton commented today from New Hampshire:

"It's time to unlock the potential of stem cell research and put an end to the backwards and restrictive policies of this administration. Our scientists have been set back years in the race for life-saving cures because they've been held back by a narrow ideology that rejects sound science.

As President, I will lift the ban on ethical embryonic stem cell research and allow our scientists to pursue treatments that could help millions of Americans."

The Senate passed this legislation in April 2007 by a vote of of 63 to 34, and the House passed it on June 7, 2007 by a vote of 247 to 176. The bill has overwhelming bipartisan support both from Congress and the American public. (See Pros & Cons of Embryonic Stem Cell Research.)

But once again, embryonic stem cell legislation sits on George Bush's desk, awaiting his second cruel-hearted veto in two years.

President Bush has long opposed federal funding of embryonic stem cell research on ideological grounds. He has not, however, banned embryonic stem cell research by profit-making corporations, and has no jurisdiction to ban it from state funding. Federal funding, though, is regarded as the key to advancing such complex, pioneering scientific research.

The Democratic candidates for the 2008 presidential nomination have all promised to sign legislation to allow federal funding embryonic stem cell research. And I'm sure they all mean it...

Hillary Clinton: Healthcare a Top Priority
But Hillary Clinton really cares about healthcare. It's a top priority for her. She proved it when Bill was president, and it's a centerpiece policy of her 2008 campaign agenda. Sen. Clinton gives me great hope that embryonic stem cell research will become a short-term reality if she's elected to the White House.

Sen. Clinton eloquently stated the importance of, and her unwavering commitment to, this issue last week when the House passed S.5:

Today's vote in the House is a critical step toward realizing the potential of stem cell research, which holds great hope of providing cures for chronic, incurable conditions from which millions of Americans suffer. There is a broad consensus in the Congress, among medical experts, scientists, and patient advocacy organizations, and among the American people, demanding that we open the doors to scientific innovation – instead of barring those doors shut...

"It's past time to put an end to the Bush Administration policy which is holding science back and holding our nation back in the race to new medical treatments and discoveries.

"I applaud the House passage of this vital bill that holds promise for millions of Americans, and urge the president to reconsider his threat to veto this legislation."

(Photo: Darren McCollester/Getty Images)

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Pros & Cons of Embryonic Stem Cell Research
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