At least one House Republican is taking on Bush over stem-cell research

In 2001, Bush unveiled his “compromise” policy on stem-cell research, which amounted to severe restrictions on federally-funded research. From the start, it was a dishonest (and heartless) policy, predicated on researching more stem-cell “lines” than actually existed at the time. The entire cynical mess was incoherent, contradictory, and a slap to the face of anyone who could benefit from medical treatment derived from the research.

And now, some in his own party are unwilling to stand by and allow such nonsense to continue.

A Republican congressman will try to repeal President Bush’s policy on embryonic stem-cell research when the House Energy and Commerce committee considers a bill to reauthorize the National Institutes of Health budget.

Rep. Charles Bass, New Hampshire Republican, will offer a proposal to repeal the policy Mr. Bush outlined in an August 2001 speech.

Mr. Bush’s policy granted federal funding to embryonic stem-cell research for the first time, but limited such funding to research involving a group of stem-cell lines already created at the time. Mr. Bass’ proposal would lift that limitation and allow any stem-cell line to be eligible for such funding, as long as it meets certain medical and ethical standards.

Good for Bass; this is the right thing to do — morally, medically, ethically, and even politically.

In fact, if Bass’ proposal can pick up some steam, it’s likely to put Bush in a very awkward position.

Four years ago, Bush backed a policy he knew was nonsensical because the religious right asked him to. Moderate Republicans held their fire, despite their disagreement. Shortly thereafter, the attacks of 9/11 occurred, and the issue lost its political salience.

Now, however, the stem-cell issue is making a comeback — and it has bi-partisan support.

[Bass’] proposal is taken from a bill — sponsored by Reps. Michael N. Castle, Delaware Republican, and Diana DeGette, Colorado Democrat — that has 171 House members supporting it. A Senate companion bill is sponsored by Sens. Arlen Specter, Pennsylvania Republican, and Tom Harkin, Iowa Democrat.

Stem-cell research has broad support among the public, near-universal support among Dems, growing support among Republicans (including senators ranging from Orrin Hatch to John McCain), and even Nancy Reagan is on our side.

Dems on the Hill would be wise to embrace Bass’ bill and move forward with this aggressively. Especially going into the 2006 cycle, the GOP and Karl Rove may not want to be the party that stands in the hospital doors to block ethically- and medically-sound research that could help treat thousands of suffering Americans.