Stem Cell Veto & Saving Mt. Soledad Cross

As Congress approaches its summer recess, there are numerous legislative items that are of great importance - including the battle over stem cell legislation, legislation protecting kids, judicial nominees, and legislation to save the Mt. Soledad cross in San Diego.

Drew Ryun, the ACLJ Director of Government Affairs, reports that the Senate has been debating three bills involving stem cell research.  A vote is expected today on the most controversial -- HR 810 -- the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2005, which is an attempt by stem cell advocates to amend the Public Health Service Act to allow federal tax dollars to fund embyronic stem cell research. This is the measure - that if passed - is likely to draw a veto from President Bush.  That veto could very well occur immediately after the measure is sent to President Bush.  Following a veto, the next step will be to see if the House has the votes to sustain the veto -- and that vote could take place as early as the end of this week.

Also on the stem cell front, the other two bills that will be voted on today, S. 3504 and S. 2754, seek to block the acceptance of fetal tissue for research as well as attempt to derive human pluripotent stem cell lines using techniques that do not knowingly harm embryos. It looks like both of those will pass the Senate today as well.

After the stem cell debate concludes, Drew reports that the Senate will turn immediately to Senator John Ensign's Child Custody Protection Act.  This is a common sense measure designed to close a loophole supported by pro-choice groups - a loophole in parental notification laws that permit the transportation of minors across state lines to have an abortion.  Sen. Ensign's bill will prohibit that from taking place and is likely to be considered on Thursday of this week.  There is always a battle on issues like this - and this measure is no exception.  We need to encourage support for Sen. Ensign's measure and you can register your support by contacting the Senate switchboard at 202-224-3121.  Drew reports that the vote count is very close to secure enough votes to receive cloture.

With respect to judicial nominations, Drew reports that Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist hopes to bring more nominees to the floor for cloture and floor votes before the August recess, but the Democrats are receiving a lot of pressure from groups like People for the American Way and NARAL to stop these nominees. One thing that is likely to occur - more obstructionists tactics from liberal Democrats as the November elections approach.

And, as you already know, the ACLJ is right in the middle of the legal battle to keep the Mt. Soledad cross in San Diego in place as part of a war memorial.  The Supreme Court has extended a stay - keeping the cross in place while legal appeals move forward.  The ACLJ filed an amicus brief with the high court representing more than 20 members of Congress in the legal fight - including California Congressman Duncan Hunter, Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee.

As you may also know, Congressman Hunter has introducted a bill designed to provide a legislative remedy to keep the cross in place.  That measure - HR 5683 - is on the "suspension" calendar for tomorrow -- meaning that the House leadership suspended the rule on this bill so that no amendments could be added to it.  That means a vote will take place on the text of the bill only.  Drew reports the measure will need two-thirds of the House to vote in favor of it for it to pass.  We understand that Congressman Hunter's office is fairly optimistic they have the votes to pass the bill and send it to the Senate.

We'll keep you posted with updates on these and other issues in Congress.