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House anticipates vote on President’s veto of Embryonic Stem Cell Research bill as early as tomorrow

WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Virginia Foxx (NC-5) voted for two bills this evening: the Fetus Farming Prohibition Act (S. 3504) and the Alternative Pluripotent Stem Cell Act (S. 2754). 

The Fetus Farming Prohibition Act bans the use of human fetal tissue from an aborted baby if the pregnancy was initiated to provide such tissue.   The bill passed the House by a vote of 425-0.

“I was proud to support this bill which will ban the despicable practice of growing human embryos for the purpose of harvesting them for their cells, tissue or organs,” Foxx commented.

In addition, Foxx supported the Alternative Pluripotent Stem Cell Act.  The purpose of this bill is to promote research to find ways to produce pluripotent, “embryo-like”, stem cells.  These cells, which may be used in place of cells harvested from actual embryos for scientific research purposes, can be found in muscle, blood, and bone marrow cells, among other places.  Such research has consistently proven beneficial, is already helping to treat and cure diseases and is completely ethical.  The bill was brought up under suspension of the rules and received a majority of votes (273-154), but failed to receive the two-thirds present majority necessary for a bill to be passed under suspension.  The bill can be brought up again under regular order needing only a simple majority to pass.

“It is my hope that in the near future, research using pluripotent stem cells will develop to the point where the use of human embryos is no longer sought.  In addition to not harming or destroying innocent life, the use of pluripotent stem cells has the potential to cure more diseases and save more lives than embryonic stem cells,” Foxx said.  “It was my pleasure to vote for a bill that will both protect human life and lead to scientific breakthroughs in the medical field.  It is my extreme displeasure that some Democrats played politics with this bill, forcing a second vote on this straightforward, outstanding legislation,” Foxx concluded.

Both of these bills received support from pro-life groups such as National Right to Life and the US Council of Catholic Bishops.

In a related development, the Senate passed H.R. 810, a bill providing for embryonic stem cell research.  Having passed both chambers, the bill is expected to be vetoed by President Bush tomorrow and returned to the House for a vote to override the Presidential veto as early as tomorrow evening.  Congresswoman Foxx had been a consistent outspoken opponent of the legislation that allows for the destruction of human life.

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