Roger Wicker: “I oppose this bill and support the President's position on embryonic stem cells. Let's be clear. Embryonic stem cell…”

“I oppose this bill and support the President's position on embryonic stem cells. Let's be clear. Embryonic stem cell research is legal in America today, and nothing in the administration's current policy has affected the legality of this research. The administration's policy simply provides that Federal taxpayer dollars not be used to destroy human embryos. I believe most Americans, when they understand this, agree with the administration. But this rule does not in any way limit the private sector from pursuing embryonic stem cell research. {time} 1700 But ultimately, Mr. Speaker, no one can deny that this debate involves profound ethical and moral questions. This is a matter of conscience for millions of Americans who are deeply troubled by the idea of their own funds being used to destroy another human life. For many of my colleagues, and for me, this is a vote of conscience. Let the private sector go forward, if it must, with the destruction of embryos for ethically questionable science. But spend the people's money on proven blood cord, bone marrow and adult stem cell research. Ms. DeGETTE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the distinguished gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Cleaver).”