Arlen Specter: “As I was starting to say, Advanced Cell Technology came out with a news release which has received publicity including a…”

“As I was starting to say, Advanced Cell Technology came out with a news release which has received publicity including a U.S. News and World Report cover which has raised concern about human cloning and reproductive cloning, and I do not believe that is realistic at this time because we know cloning exists. All of the embryos that were created in the Massachusetts experiment by Advanced Cell Technology died before they even grew to aged cells. I note in the morning's press Senator Brownback at his news conference yesterday--and I respect his right to have a news conference and respect his position--said he would like to have the debate now, would like to have action before the end of the year. Speaking for myself, it is fine to have the debate now and to have action by the Senate before the end of the year. We will not have the benefit of the three planned hearings which we have had, but the Senate can act without additional hearings. But it is not going to be an easy matter.”