US: embryonic stem cells will be used in medical research

The Republican-controlled House voted Tuesday to expand the passionately debated use of &to=http:// english.pravda.ru/science/19/94/377/14900_.html ' target=_blank>embryonic stem cells in medical research just hours after President Bush renewed his opposition to such work.

Proponents said the legislation was needed to advance research that could save lives, and many of the House's deeply divided Republicans called their vote a personal one, separate from political loyalties.

Bush has previously vowed to veto the measure.

The vote was 238-194, with 50 &to=http:// english.pravda.ru/main/2002/08/17/34751.html ' target=_blank>Republicans in the majority. Supporters would need 290 votes to override a veto by the president.

The bill now goes to the Senate, where it is similarly favored by some in the Republican majority, reports the San Francisco Chronicle.