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DATE: March 16, 2007
TO: Diocesan Pro-Life Coordinators, State Catholic Conference
Directors, Friends
FROM: Michael Taylor, Executive
Director
Senate ESC Vote
Delayed
The schedule for Senate consideration of embryonic stem cell
legislation is uncertain. Preparations for the debate are underway
in earnest. However, the vote anticipated for the week of March 12
is now delayed. According to news reports, an aide to Senate
Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) has stated that a vote probably
will not take place until after Easter (“Stem-Cell Bill to Rise
Again After Easter,” Roll Call
3/15/07). The Senate returns from recess April 10.
However long the vote is delayed, the time to contact your Senators
is now. Please continue the work already underway. An updated Action
Alert with the same essential message can be found at:
nchla.org/actiondisplay.asp?ID=243. Sens. Norm Coleman (R-MN)
and Johnny Isakson (R-GA) are working with the Senate Republican
leadership to prepare a second or “alternative” bill, to fund
promising adult stem cell research and alternate ways to obtain
“pluripotent” stem cells without harming embryos. A copy of that
bill has not been introduced.
Both the House-passed H.R. 3 and the Senate-introduced S. 5 have
been placed on the Senate calendar. In all likelihood the Senate
will take up S. 5, or a newly-introduced Senate bill with the
content of S. 5 plus provisions designed to increase support.
Whatever provisions are added, S. 5 – or its successor bill with a
new number – is to be strongly opposed.
A Senate-passed S. 5 would return to the House for approval. The
measure would then go to President Bush, who will veto. A Senate
vote on override would be close but the House is expected to sustain
the President’s veto.
Thanks for all your good work on this important issue. |
