WP: Specter Threatens an End Run To Get Vote on Stem Cell Bill

[DeepModem Mom]

Specter Threatens an End Run To Get Vote on Stem Cell Bill

By Rick Weiss
Washington Post Staff Writer
Friday, July 22, 2005; Page A05


With prospects dimming for a simple Senate vote on a bill to loosen President Bush's restrictions on human embryonic stem cell research, Sen. Arlen Specter (R-Pa.) threatened yesterday to circumvent the political logjam by attaching the wording to the appropriations bill for the Department of Health and Human Services.

"I don't like to put it on an appropriations bill, but we waited long enough," a frustrated Specter told reporters in the Capitol. The strategy, he said, is a "fall-back position which I have avoided up 'til now."

Specter is a lead sponsor of a bill, passed by the House in May, that would allow taxpayer dollars to be used to conduct research on medically promising stem cells derived from embryos that are destined to be discarded by fertility clinics. Such cells are off-limits to federally funded scientists under the policy Bush set in 2001. The bill, which polls indicate has broad support and has been considered sure to pass in the Senate, could trigger a showdown with Bush, who has promised a veto.

Although Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-Tenn.) promised months ago to bring the Senate version to the floor, the field has become muddied by the filing of at least six competing bills that would restrict embryo research in various ways. Senators on both sides of the aisle have been unable to agree on which should be brought to the floor and under what terms.

As chairman of the subcommittee overseeing HHS appropriations, Specter said he was in a position -- in consultation with other senators -- to add the stalled bill as an amendment....


http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/07/21/AR2005072102061.html

[Oreo]

1. Is he only pro stem-cell because of his cancer?

Does anybody know where he stood before his diagnosis?

I'm sure if Frist got cancer and was told that he could be cured tomorrow with stem-cells that he'd be the first in line to cave in.

[BurgherHoldtheLies]

No. Specter has never been anti-science/anti-medicine

And there is no chance that the funding he is pushing would cure his lymphoma...it takes years of research; research that has fallen behind since this administration took office.

Specter may not be viewed all that favorably on DU but at least he's not an efungelical nutcase (like my other Senator from PA who lives in Virginia)

[Oreo]

6. I realize stem cell research will take years to make a difference

I just wanted to know if he had a change of heart.

Does santorum really live in VA?

[BurgherHoldtheLies]

8. Ya, that slimeball...and it gets even worse

Not only does he and his family live in a McMansion in Virginia but they keep a small (very small) house in a Pittsburgh suburb that they use simply to keep PA residence then turn around and charge his kid's cyberschool tuition to that less-than-affluent suburb. BIG scandal here in PA.

[barbaraann]

2. He's only fighting so hard because it could save HIS life.

Just like a typical Republican--they only care about an issue when it hits home. It's so distressing.

Ok - I changed my post to give Specter some benefit of the doubt.

[babylonsister]

3. Did Specter have a different view prior to getting sick? nt

[Bumblebee]

4. If I remember correctly

he supported it prior to his diagnosis and was sympathetic with Nancy Reagan on that.

[merwin]

5. From what I understand, he was pro stem cell research even before

he got sick.

[CTD]

7. Specter has always been a moderate on social issues

IIRC, he's even pro-choice.

[Supersedeas]

9. Will Specter force two Bush vetos: stem cells and Gitmo oversight

[Rebellious Republican]

10. Here is a thought, what does the appropriations bill have in it?

Would it have been something that Dem's would have opposed standing alone otherwise?

On the surface it makes great headlines, but whats in it besides us winning on stem cell research?