US House OKs expanded embryonic stem cell research

WASHINGTON, Jan 12 (Reuters) The new Democratic-led US House of Representatives voted yesterday to lift President George W Bush's restrictions on federal funding for human embryonic stem cell research.

But the vote of 253-174, largely along party lines, fell short of the two-thirds majority needed to override a promised presidential veto. Bush used the only veto of his presidency last July to reject an identical measure.

The White House reiterated his veto intention, saying American taxpayers should not pay for research involving the intentional destruction of human embryos.

The measure passed after an emotional debate in which supporters touted this research as the best hope for potential cures to a myriad of ailments such as Alzheimer's disease, diabetes, Parkinson's disease and spinal cord injuries.

But opponents condemned it as unethical and immoral because it involves destroying human embryos. Bush imposed restrictions on funding of this research in August 2001.

The measure now goes to the Senate, where supporters believe it will pass with a veto-proof two-thirds majority.

Reuters AD VP0416