Numerous stem-cell measures await Senate

[Judi Lynn]

July 12, 2005, 10:00PM

Numerous stem-cell measures await Senate
Specter hearings explore research that doesn't destroy embryos
By SAMANTHA LEVINE
Copyright 2005 Houston Chronicle Washington Bureau

WASHINGTON - Unproven technologies that aim to collect human stem cells without destroying embryos are gaining sudden attention in the U.S. Senate.

Senators are expected to consider next week up to six bills on various aspects of stem cells, biological blank slates that can be turned into almost any kind of body tissue and could help cure diseases such as leukemia and Parkinson's.

The House has passed a bill to expand embryonic stem cell research, despite a veto threat from President Bush.

In the Senate, the political jockeying is well under way.

"We are not moving far enough or fast enough," said Sen. Arlen Specter, R-Pa., who is undergoing chemotherapy for Hodgkin's disease and has co-authored a bill to allow research on excess embryos that otherwise would be discarded from fertility clinics.
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http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/nation/3263818
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Governor surprises with stem cell funds
By John Patterson
Daily Herald State Government Editor
Posted Wednesday, July 13, 2005

SPRINGFIELD — Tucked away in the state’s new multibillion-dollar budget is $10 million for medical research that Gov. Rod Blagojevich on Tuesday announced will finance stem cell programs.

The news caught many supporters and opponents of stem cell research by surprise. There was no debate on the issue when the state budget was approved in May.

In fact, the more than 800-page state budget contains no specific reference to stem cell research. Rather, there’s $10 million for “scientific” research. Democratic leaders in closed-door budget talks near the end of the spring session agreed to put the money in the budget but apparently few others were told.

“That’s interesting,” said Waukegan state Sen. Terry Link, a member of the Senate Democrat leadership team. Link said he was unaware of the funding, although he supports the cause.
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http://www.dailyherald.com/news/lakestory.asp?id=72836