Members of Congress who have been lobbying the White House to loosen restrictions on research with human embryonic stem cells have been promised a meeting with a White House representative next week. Several Hill-watchers said it would be the first face-to-face meeting between lawmakers and the White House on the issue in more than two years.
In a letter sent to President Bush 10 days ago, 206 representatives said that the current rules, promulgated by Bush in August 2001, have slowed potentially lifesaving research. Leaders of the signature drive, including Reps. Diana DeGette (D-Colo.) and Michael N. Castle (R-Del.), will be granted a chance to make their case in person to Kristin Lee Silverberg, special assistant to the president with responsibility for stem cells, at a meeting on Capitol Hill, White House and Hill sources said.
The meeting comes as pressure is growing on several fronts to allow federal funding of research on embryos slated for disposal at fertility clinics. A letter similar to the House version is being circulated in the Senate. And Nancy Reagan is to appear at a California event this weekend to support stem cell research. Some scientists believe the cells can form the basis of cures for Alzheimer's disease, which has long afflicted former president Ronald Reagan, as well as a number of other ailments.
"People on both sides of the aisle are realizing that the policy is not working," DeGette said. If the White House is not responsive, she added, she is confident that a "solid majority" of the House would legislate a change.
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http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A11166-2004May8.html
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