HOW THEY VOTED: MAINE’S CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION, APRIL 9-13 Embryonic stem cell research in the spotlight

Senate votes

Republican Sens. Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins

Vote 1: Expanding Embryonic Stem Cell Research: The Senate on April 11 passed a bill (S 5) sponsored by Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., that allows human embryos slated for destruction to be used in federally funded stem cell research. While the bill lifts the restriction that only stem cells in existence before August 2001 can be used for research, it stipulates that the embryos are donated from in-vitro fertilization clinics with the consent and without compensation to the donors. The bill now will go to conference with the House version passed in January. The president has said he will veto the bill, which did not pass by sufficient margins in either chamber to assure that Congress would be able to override the veto. Proponents said stem cells may provide cures for debilitating diseases such as diabetes and Parkinson’s and provide hope to those with spinal cord injuries. They also said the U.S. is falling behind other countries in research because of the federal ban. Opponent s argued that life begins at conception and that the embryos should not be destroyed for scientific experimentation. They said the potential of stem cells to cure disease has been overblown and that research using adult stem cells has been progressing. The vote was 63 yeas to 34 nays.

YEAS: Collins, Snowe

Vote 2: Allowing Research on Stem Cells from Dead Embryos: The Senate on April 11 passed a bill (S 30) sponsored by Sen. Norm Coleman, R-Minn., that would allow the use of naturally dead embryos to be used in federally funded stem cell research. A naturally dead embryo is one in which cell division has ceased. The bill also encourages the gathering and growth of stem cells in other ways that do not require the destruction of an embryo such as from amniotic fluid. Proponents said the bill allows research to be expanded without the destruction of human life. Opponents said the bill was a political move to allow senators to say they had voted in favor of stem-cell research. They added that the lack of guidance on how and when an embryo would be declared naturally dead would create problems. The vote was 70 yeas to 28 nays.

YEAS: Collins, Snowe

Compiled by Targeted News Service for the Bangor Daily News.