    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2006, Book II)]
    [July 19, 2006]
    [Pages 1424-1425]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Message to the House of Representatives Returning Without Approval the
    ``Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2005''
    July 19, 2006

    To the House of Representatives:
        I am returning herewith without my approval H.R. 810, the ``Stem
    Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2005.''
        Like all Americans, I believe our Nation must vigorously pursue the
    tremendous possibilities that science offers to cure disease and improve
    the lives of millions. Yet, as science brings us ever closer to
    unlocking the secrets of human biology, it also offers temptations to
    manipulate human life and violate human dignity. Our conscience and
    history as a Nation demand that we resist this temptation. With the
    right scientific techniques and the right policies, we can achieve
    scientific progress while living up to our ethical responsibilities.
        In 2001, I set forth a new policy on stem cell research that struck
    a balance between the needs of science and the demands of conscience.
    When I took office, there was no Federal funding for human embryonic
    stem cell research. Under the policy I announced 5 years ago, my
    Administration became the first to make Federal funds available for this
    research, but only on embryonic stem cell lines derived from embryos
    that had already been destroyed. My Administration has made available
    more than $90 million for research of these lines. This policy has
    allowed important research to go forward and has allowed America to
    continue to lead the world in embryonic stem cell research without
    encouraging the further destruction of living human embryos.
        H.R. 810 would overturn my Administration's balanced policy on
    embryonic stem cell research. If this bill were to become law, American
    taxpayers for the first time in our history would be compelled to fund
    the deliberate destruction of human embryos. Crossing this line would be
    a grave mistake and would needlessly encourage a conflict between
    science and ethics that can only do damage to both and harm our Nation
    as a whole.
        Advances in research show that stem cell science can progress in an
    ethical way. Since I announced my policy in 2001, my Administration has
    expanded funding of research into stem cells that can be drawn from
    children, adults, and the blood in umbilical cords with no harm to the
    donor, and these stem cells are currently being used in medical
    treatments. Science also offers the hope that we may one day enjoy the
    potential benefits of embryonic stem cells without destroying human
    life. Researchers are investigating new techniques that might allow
    doctors and scientists to produce stem cells just as versatile as those
    derived from human embryos without harming life. We must continue to
    explore these hopeful alternatives, so we can advance the cause of
    scientific research while staying true to the ideals of a decent and
    humane society.
        I hold to the principle that we can harness the promise of
    technology without becoming slaves to technology and ensure that science
    serves the cause of humanity. If we are to find the right ways to
    advance ethical medical research, we must also be willing when necessary
    to reject the wrong ways. For that reason, I must veto this bill.

                                                              George W. Bush

     The White House,

     July 19, 2006.

    Note: S. 3504, approved July 19, was assigned Public Law No. 109-242.

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