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To: Art Baeckel who wrote (5131)	8/9/2001 3:02:19 PM
From: Art Baeckel	Respond to of 6873

Bush to announce stem cell decision tonight August 9, 2001 Posted: 2:50 PM EDT (1850 GMT) CRAWFORD, Texas (CNN) -- In a nationally televised address Thursday night, President Bush is expected to announce his decision on whether to allow federal funding for embryonic stem cell research, an issue that has divided conservatives and pitted the scientific community against some religious leaders. "This is an issue that many people, many Americans find the more they learn about it, the more complex it is," said Scott McClellan, deputy White House press secretary. "Stem cell research in many ways is the leading edge of the new frontier of science, and, as we explore the science, we need to make sure that we do so in a way that adheres to the highest ethical standards." He said the president had consulted "dozens" of experts about the issue. Secretary of Health and Human Services Tommy Thompson said the presiden t will make a "reasoned opinion and decision" and described himself as "very proud" of the way Bush had "handled himself throughout this whole debate." "I know that the president has spent a great deal of time talking to experts and just plain individual citizens about this subject. And he has spent more time on this subject than probably anybody can really imagine because he was very concerned about it," Thompson told CNN. Several aides described the decision as one of the most important of Bush's presidency. White House Chief of Staff Andrew Card said the president will balance science and technology against "the huge moral implications and ethical challenges" raised by embryonic stem cell research. Bush is scheduled to address the nation at 9 p.m. EDT from the "Governor's House," the old ranch house on his property in Crawford, where he is on a month-long working vacation. Some senior advisers who did not know what the president decided told CNN they hoped he would endorse federal funding. Others expected the president's decision to look very much like a proposal forwarded by Sen. Bill Frist, R-Tennessee, a nationally known heart-and-lung transplant surgeon and key Bush health care ally in the Senate. Last month, Frist endorsed federal funding for limited embryonic stem cell research. Frist's proposal would ban the creation of embryos for research purposes and limit research to stem cells derived from fertility clinics that would otherwise be discarded. Other limits would include a federal ban on cloning and written consent from the couples who provided the embryos that they could be used for stem cell research. Frist also endorsed an increase in federal support for adult stem cell research, a companion branch of research that may also provides cures to serious diseases. Senior aides said decision has been kept "in the family," a reference to the tight circle of advisers that include the first lady, Karen Hughes, counselor to the president, and senior political adviser Karl Rove. As of midday Thursday, other senior aides commonly consulted on policy and communications were unaware of what Bush had decided. Fewer than 10 people know the decision, aides said. The president has said his decision is "way beyond politics," but it will have political ramifications. If he decides to back research on stem cells from human embryos, opponents of the research, including Catholics and many anti-abortion rights supporters, will charge he is breaking a campaign promise. If he backs the research, moderates will be pleased. Thompson said "he's been very concerned about the ethical issues and of course the scientific breakthroughs that might happen. So it's been very controversial. But the president has been very straightforward. "He wants information. He wants to as much as he can absolutely have on the subject and he's been doing his own research himself in regards to the ethical questions and the scientific questions by talking to individuals who are very learned in these positions." Speaking in Washington, Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle, D-South Dakota, indicated that Bush would have a political fight on his hands if he did not support federal funding. Daschle said legislation to accomplish just that would be considered this fall if the president opposes the funding. "To support federal funding for embryonic stem cell research is to come down on the side of hope for the millions of Americans suffering from diseases ranging from Alzheimer's to cancer to Parkinson's to diabetes," Daschle said. -- CNN Correspondents Major Garrett and John King contributed to this report. ART