President Bush has vetoed a bill that Congress proposed to expand federal funding for stem cell research. This marks the first time he has used his veto power since taking office.
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| President Bush uses veto power for the first time (Photo: photobucket) |
The bill had already passed both chambers of Congress with a significant majority, reflecting widespread public support in the United States for the measure.
However, despite public support and the advocacy of many prominent figures, including former First Lady Nancy Reagan, they were unable to sway President Bush’s longstanding belief that this type of research equates to taking lives and threatens what he calls a “culture of life.”
President Bush stated: “This bill supports taking the lives of innocent people in hopes of finding medical benefits for others. It crosses ethical boundaries that our society must respect, and therefore, I have vetoed it.”
With Congress lacking the two-thirds majority needed to override the President’s veto, Bush’s action effectively kills the legislation.
Regardless of the implications this decision has on the scientific community, it will certainly be supported by conservative factions within the Republican Party.
However, the broader political landscape is more complex.
Even among staunch opponents of abortion within Bush’s Republican Party, there are arguments that supporting life means doing everything possible to assist those who are still living.
