Third Time a Charm for Stem Cell Bill? Probably Not
A bill to overturn President Bush's restrictions on the federal funding of human embryonic stem cell research has been introduced - yet again. Although Bush vetoed similar bills twice already, and there's still not enough Congressional support to override the veto, Diana DeGette (D-CO) and Mike Castle (R-DE) have unveiled the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2008.
Its only difference from past attempts is that the "ethical oversight" that the bill's backers have been touting for some time has been added. This is a big step in right direction, since voluntary guidelines from the National Academies are currently the closest thing to national oversight.
But unfortunately, the new DeGette-Castle bill would require the National Institutes of Health to draw up guidelines that would apply to only federally-funded stem cell work. This wouldn't just leave a patchwork of policies depending on whether work is funded by the federal government, a state, or a private source. Privately-funded stem cell researchers would remain essentially free of oversight. Considering that the most controversial avenue - cloning-based stem cell research - is led by two private companies (1, 2), and that there's still no federal ban on reproductive cloning, this is a significant gap.
Although the addition of NIH guidelines may pick up a couple votes, it won't change enough minds for a veto-proof margin. Why would Reps. DeGette and Castle introduce a bill that has no real chance of becoming law? Let's remember that there are also Congressional elections coming up on November 4. Although embryonic stem cell research has not been a high-profile national issue this year, it can still be an effective wedge issue against some vulnerable Republican Representatives and Senators. They'll be put on the spot, and asked to take a position on an issue that could cost them some support.
Furthermore, Congress members may be seeking stem cell credit: The bill's sponsors and Congressional leaders might prefer if Bush's restrictions were lifted through legislation instead of a Presidential executive order. The bill can be refined now, and then one with all the necessary edits could be sent to a new president immediately after his inauguration.
Any other theories? Feel free to comment.
Previously on Biopolitical Times: