Stem Cell Debate Postponed

I hope Arlen Specter knows what he's doing. He's accepted an "understanding" with Senator Bill Frist to postpone the debate on relaxing a ban on federal funding for embryonic stem cell research until the beginning of the next congressional session, in January. Specter said that Frist (who you'll recall, is now a supporter of enhanced federal funding) had agreed that the bill will be brought up "as one of the first items next year."

Specter's bill would allow funding for research on stem cell line derived from embryos that would otherwise be destroyed. Responding to critics of the approach yesterday, Specter said "If all these embryos could be adopted, produce life, I would not have any interest in advocating scientific research on them. But if they're going to be thrown away, it makes a lot more sense to use them than to throw them away." He's right, and since the House has passed this bill, Senate action must come soon.

I wish that I could say I trust Bill Frist, but I don't. I'm afraid the debate will keep getting pushed back and pushed back and a vote will just keep eluding us. It is well past time to move this debate forward and get this bill to the president's desk (he has threatened a veto, but that is becoming increasingly untenable). I just hope Specter is as on top of his game on this as he is on the Court business - if so, I'm not worried.