Stem Cell Research
On May 24th the House of Representatives passed HR 810, "The Stem Cell Research
Enhancement Act of 2005." This legislation expands upon the President's policy of August 2001,
which has limited federal funding to those stem cell lines in existence as of that date. This
legislation would make federal funds available for stem cell research using lines derived from
IVF embryos that would otherwise be discarded. HR 810 passed on a vote of 238 to 194, with 50
Republican members bucking the leadership and voting for the bill. Despite this bipartisan
support, the bill did not pass with a veto-proof majority. If the bill passes, President Bush is
expected to veto the bill. Nonetheless, the legislation and the battle have now moved to the
Senate. Majority Leader Frist (R. TN) has promised a vote on stem cell legislation before the
Senate adjourns for the August recess. It is not clear if the vote will be on HR 810 alone or in
combination with some other measure perhaps one that limits cloning. This may prove
problematic for stem cell research advocates if an anti-cloning or anti-chimera bill is written in
such a way that it jeopardizes Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer (SCNT) research. Nonetheless it is
expected that HR 810 will pass with a filibuster-proof majority in the Senate, and supporters are
hopeful of a veto-proof margin (67 votes).
On June 8th the Senate Special Committee on Aging held a hearing: "Exploring the Promise of
Embryonic Stem Cell Research." The hearing was chaired by the Gordon Smith (R. OR), who is
a strong supporter of HR 810 and embryonic stem cell research in general. Dr. John Gearhart,
director of the Stem Cell Biology Program at Johns Hopkins, was among the stem cell
researchers called to testify. The hearing also included testimony from Chris Dudley, a former
professional basketball player who has juvenile diabetes. Mr. Dudley spoke to the challenge of
living with this disease, both as a professional athlete and as the father of young children.
On July 12th, the Senate Appropriations subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services
and Education, chaired by Senator Arlen Specter (R. PA) held a hearing on stem cells as well.
Senator Specter is also a strong supporter of embryonic stem cell research and an original
co-sponsor of the Senate companion legislation (S. 471) to HR 810.
STATE ISSUES
Governor's 2005
Policy Vetoes
Approximately 30 bills were vetoed by Governor Ehrlich following the 2005 Legislative
Session. Among the most newsworthy are the Fair Share Health Care Fund Act, Labor and
Employment Minimum Wage Increase, and Medical Decision Making Act of 2005.
Below is a synopsis of the justification provided by the Governor for vetoing these
initiatives.
- Fair Share Health Care Fund Act, or so-called "Walmart bill": Governor Ehrlich
acknowledged the need to increase access to quality health care, but disagreed with the
methods imposed by this legislation, calling it a measure that would set a bad precedent
and send a chilling anti-business message to all employers.
- Labor and Employment Minimum Wage Increase: Governor Ehrlich declined to sign
this legislation into law citing Maryland's long history of maintaining a minimum wage
equivalent to that of the federal government, along with his belief that raising the
minimum wage would harm small business and ultimately consumers.
- Medical Decision Making Act of 2005: Although the Governor recognized the need to
assist mutually dependent couples in making health-related decisions, his veto stemmed
from his belief that signing the bill would codify a "new relationship of life partners" in
Maryland law and would essentially give such partners the same rights as legally married
couples.
Each of these vetoes was anticipated, and each has the potential of being overridden when the
General Assembly convenes in January.
STAFF CONTACT
INFORMATION
Please contact the Government Relations staff if you would like additional information.
Your input assists us greatly in evaluating and formulating the position of Johns Hopkins
on all legislation.
Government, Community, and Public Affairs
Johns Hopkins Institutions
901 S. Bond Street, Suite 540
Baltimore, MD 21231
phone 443-287-9900
fax 443-287-9898
