Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act

Among other things, the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act would allow federal funding of stem-cell research involving spare embryos donated by couples undergoing infertility treatment - embryos that would otherwise be discarded.

The bill would also permit the development of embryos containing "pluripotent" stem cells, or cells that have the power to produce copies indefinitely and morph into the more specialized "adult" stem cells, which yield blood, muscle, nerves and all other tissues.

President Bush vetoed the first version of the bill in 2005 -- his first veto as president. An override attempt was unsuccessful. In 2007, he vetoed a second version of the bill and an override attempt wasn't made. A third version of the bill died in committee in 2008.

In early 2009, President Obama lifted President Bush's restrictions on the use of human embryonic stem cells for research purposes. This action gave Congress a clear indication that legislation such as the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act would be welcomed by his administration to shore up the Democrats' plans and allow researchers to develop, use and discard human embryonic stem cells.

With Democrats firmly in control of Congress and the presidency, and with at least three liberal Republicans willing to vote "yes," this legislation's passage is virtually assured -- if not in 2009, then certainly in 2010.

Index to the 2009 Liberal Agenda:

• DC Voting Rights Act
• Blair Holt's Firearm Licensing and Record of Sale Act
• Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act
• Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Improvements Act
• Employee Free Choice Act