    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2007, Book I)]
    [June 20, 2007]
    [Pages 777-778]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Message to the Senate Returning Without Approval the ``Stem Cell
    Research Enhancement Act of 2007''
    June 20, 2007

    To the Senate of the United States:
        I am returning herewith without my approval S. 5, the ``Stem Cell
    Research Enhancement Act of 2007.''
        Once again, the Congress has sent me legislation that would compel
    American taxpayers, for the first time in our history, to support the
    deliberate destruction of human embryos.
        In 2001, I announced a policy to advance stem cell research in a way
    that is ambitious, ethical, and effective. I became the first President
    to make Federal funds available for embryonic stem cell research, and my
    policy did this in ways that would not encourage the destruction of
    embryos. Since then, my Administration has made more than $130 million
    available for research on stem cell lines derived from embryos that had
    already been destroyed. We have also provided more than $3 billion for
    research on all forms of stem cells, including those from adult and
    other nonembryonic sources.
        This careful approach is producing results. It has contributed to
    proven therapeutic treatments in thousands of patients with many
    different diseases. And it is opening the prospect of new discoveries
    that could transform lives. Researchers are

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    now developing promising new techniques that offer the potential to
    produce pluripotent stem cells, without having to destroy human life--
    for example, by reprogramming adult cells to make them function like
    stem cells.
        Technical innovation in this difficult area is opening up new
    possibilities for progress without conflict or ethical controversy.
    Researchers pursuing these kinds of ethically responsible advances
    deserve support, and there is legislation in the Congress to give them
    that support. Bills supporting alternative research methods achieved
    majority support last year in both the House and the Senate. Earlier
    this spring another bill supporting alternative research won
    overwhelming majority support in the Senate, and I call on House leaders
    to pass similar legislation that would authorize additional funds for
    ethical stem cell research. We cannot lose the opportunity to conduct
    research that would give hope to those suffering from terrible diseases
    and help move our Nation beyond the controversies over embryo
    destruction. I invite policymakers and scientists to come together to
    solve medical problems without compromising either the high aims of
    science or the sanctity of human life.
        S. 5, like the bill I vetoed last year, would overturn today's
    carefully balanced policy on stem cell research. Compelling American
    taxpayers to support the deliberate destruction of human embryos would
    be a grave mistake. I will not allow our Nation to cross this moral
    line. For that reason, I must veto this bill.

                                                              George W. Bush

     The White House,

     June 20, 2007.