DeGette’s Stem Cell Bill Back on Fast Track

Dems in Congress plan to put the only bill President Bush has vetoed back on his desk in January. The bill to expand funding for embryonic stem cell research was co-authored by Colorado Rep. Diana DeGette. The bill passed both houses during the last session of Congress, but proponents couldn’t gather enough support to override Bush’s veto.

“The election did show that there’s a mandate to expand embryonic stem cell research,” DeGette said in an interview with the Associated Press. “The main thing that has changed is that public awareness has increased so much. The public realizes the potential benefits, and what that does is puts tremendous pressure on the White House.”

It’s unclear whether Dems can round up enough votes to override another Bush veto, but hopes rest on newly elected legislators.