[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 43, Number 25 (Monday, June 25, 2007)]
[Pages 833-834]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
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 non-embryonic sources.
    This careful approach is producing results. It has contributed to 
proven therapeutic treatments in thousands of patients with

[[Page 834]]

many different diseases. And it is opening the prospect of new 
discoveries that could transform lives. Researchers are 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.