WASHINGTON

EMBRYONIC STEM CELL DEBATE MOVES TO THE SENATE

The Senate Democratic leader, Harry Reid, called yesterday for a swift vote in the Senate on legislation to expand federal support of embryonic stem cell research, and he blistered President Bush for opposing the measure. Mr. Bush said anew that he would veto the bill if it won final congressional passage.

In a new rhetorical exchange, one day after the House passed the bill, Mr. Reid said it was “wrong politically, morally, and scientifically” for Mr. Bush to oppose the loosening of restrictions. Within hours, Mr. Bush declared, “There must be a balance between science and ethics, and I have made my decision.”

“Using federal dollars to destroy life is something I do not support,” Mr. Bush said at the White House. Mr. Bush declined to answer a question about what should be done with the many embryos left over from fertility treatments.

“The issue that involves the federal government is whether or not to use taxpayers’ money that would end up destroying that life,” he said.

Mr. Reid said embryonic stem cell research holds the promise of helping millions afflicted with diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, and other illnesses. He urged an “up-or-down vote,” meaning one with no amendments allowed.

– Associated Press

HOUSE DROPS EFFORT TO LIMIT ROLE OF WOMEN IN COMBAT ZONES

The House yesterday rejected a Republican effort to put new limits on the role of military women in combat zones. In a retreat, the GOP-controlled House voted to let the Pentagon continue deciding what positions women can serve in, as long as defense officials give Congress enough advance notice.

That proposal was among the amendments the House approved on a 428-1 vote and added to a bill that sets defense policy and spending for next year. The earlier provision on women in combat had drawn opposition from Defense Secretary Rumsfeld and lawmakers in both parties. The drive to curb the Pentagon’s ability to place women in certain positions without congressional approval was led by Rep. Duncan Hunter, chairman of the House Armed Services Committee.

Mr. Hunter, a Republican of California, worried that the Army was not complying with a Pentagon policy that barred women from serving in direct ground combat roles such as infantry, artillery, and armor units. The Army, which started allowing women to serve in combat support units last year, said it was in compliance with the 1994 policy.

– Associated Press