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Update on Stem Cell Legislation
Stem Cell Bill Passes Senate; Presidential Veto Expected; Contact White House and Congress Needed Now!

July 19, 2006 – By a vote of 63 to 37, the U.S. Senate passed H.R. 810, The Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act.  Having passed the House last year, the bill now will be sent to President Bush to sign into law.  Unfortunately, despite support from both the House and Senate and about 70 percent of the American public, the president is expected to use his veto authority for the first time on this bill.  ASH has learned that President Bush may veto this early this afternoon and then issue a statement to the Congress by mid-afternoon.  To override a veto, there needs to be a 2/3 majority vote in both the House and Senate.  The House is expected to vote as early as this afternoon and is not expected to override.  If this is the case, the Senate will not vote.

ASH Members have been vocal advocates in support of H.R. 810.  The ASH Grassroots Network helped in the effort to pass this bill in the House of Representatives, secure the vote in the Senate, and pass it in the Senate. 

Research advocates are being asked to call the White House, even after the President's announcement to let President Bush know the importance of H.R. 810 and our disappointment if this is not enacted into law.  There are 3 different numbers available:

202-456-1414
202-395.3000
202-456-1111

In addition, advocates need to contact members of the House now and ask them to continue the Congressional commitment to cures and to vote for HR 810 and override the veto.  Given the time constraint, you can call the U.S. Capitol switchboard at 202-224-3121 and ask for your Member of Congress or e-mail through the ASH Advocacy Center.