R.I. congressmen say fight continues for stem cell research

WARWICK, R.I. --U.S. Reps. Patrick Kennedy and James Langevin criticized President Bush on Friday for vetoing a bill that would have eased restrictions on federal funding for embryonic stem cell research, saying Bush had dashed the hopes of millions of Americans who suffer from diseases and chronic illnesses.

The two Rhode Island Democrats vowed at a joint news conference to continue fighting for stem cell research, which supporters say could ultimately produce cures and therapy for spinal cord injuries and debilitating diseases such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.

Bush used the first veto of his presidency on Wednesday to reject legislation on embryonic stem cell research that was passed by the Senate and the House of Representatives. Bush said the bill crossed a "moral boundary" and that it was wrong to destroy an embryo in the name of medical research. The House later failed to override the veto.

In August 2001, Bush said he would limit federally funded embryonic research to the stem cell lines that existed at the time. The bill would have lifted that restriction.

The issue is personal for Langevin, who has been a quadriplegic since he was hurt in a gunshot accident at the age of 16. He called the president's veto a major setback, but said hope was not lost.

"I really do believe in a day, in the very near future, when people with paralysis -- myself included -- will be able to walk again," Langevin said.

Kennedy said Bush's veto was unforgivable and a "veto against life." The congressman spoke of former Rhode Island Sen. Claiborne Pell, who suffers from Parkinson's disease, and his own uncle, Sargent Shriver, who has Alzheimer's, as those who could benefit from embryonic stem cell research.

"Every family in America has a loved one who is suffering from a disease that could be benefited from the advances of stem cell research," Kennedy said. "Every single American."

Langevin said embryonic stem cell research would continue overseas, in the private sector and with limited public funding, but that it needed ethical oversight. He said he hoped there would be enough supporters in Congress after the November election to pass the bill again and overturn another presidential veto.

Both congressmen are up for re-election this year.

Jennifer Lawless, who is challenging Langevin in the Democratic primary, supports Langevin's position on federal funding for embryonic stem cell research. Jon Scott, a Republican running for Kennedy's seat, also supports stem cell research, but said he would prefer that researchers focus as much as possible on existing lines and adult stem cells. Kennedy's other Republican opponent, Ed Leather, did not return a call left at his office Friday.