Another Roll Call Vote

While it is interesting to hear what candidates say, it is often more instructive to watch what they do.  Case in point is Senator John McCain, the man who would be President.  Just two days ago, he participated in a vote FOR embryonic stem cell research.  Here is the text of the legislation (S. 5; Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2007) and the results of the roll call vote (63-34), mostly Democrats for and Republicans against.  I'll note the exceptions below.

 

First a summary:

S.5
Title: A bill to amend the Public Health Service Act to provide for human embryonic stem cell research.
Sponsor: Sen Reid, Harry [NV] (introduced 1/4/2007)      Cosponsors (41)*
Related Bills: H.R.3, S.997
Latest Major Action: 4/11/2007 Passed/agreed to in Senate. Status: Passed Senate, having acquired the 60 votes required under unanimous consent, without amendment by Yea-Nay Vote. 63 - 34.

Record Vote Number: 127.
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SUMMARY AS OF:
1/4/2007--Introduced.

 

Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2007 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct and support research that utilizes human embryonic stem cells, regardless of the date on which the stem cells were derived from a human embryo. Limits such research to stem cells that meet the following ethical requirements: (1) the stem cells were derived from human embryos donated from in vitro fertilization clinics for the purpose of fertility treatment and were in excess of the needs of the individuals seeking such treatment; (2) the embryos would never be implanted in a woman and would otherwise be discarded; and (3) such individuals donate the embryos with written informed consent and receive no financial or other inducements.

Full Text

 

The Italics were added by me to call attention to the relevant language.  Note that it does not allow, it requires human embryonic stem cell research.

*Note that both Democrat front runners were cosponsors.

 

Now the votes (Full vote count at the link above)
Republicans FOR the bill (asterisks identify co-sponsors for the legislation):

Alexander (R-TN)	Burr (R-NC)
Cochran (R-MS)	Collins (R-ME)*
Gregg (R-NH)	Hatch (R-UT)*
Hutchison (R-TX)	Lott (R-MS)
Lugar (R-IN)	McCain (R-AZ)
Murkowski (R-AK)	Smith (R-OR)
Snowe (R-ME)*	Specter (R-PA)*
Stevens (R-AK)*	Warner (R-VA)

 

Democrats against the bill:

Casey (D-PA)

Nelson (D-NE)

 

Really, there are few surprises in this vote for people who have been following the other Congressional votes.  President Bush has promised to veto this legislation if it ever reaches his desk.