The Democratic-led Congress defied President George W. Bush and gave final approval to legislation to expand federally funded embryonic stem cell research. In an effort to ease concerns, the bill would permit scientists to only use embryos left over from fertility treatments that would otherwise be discarded. Donors would be required to provide written consent. Reuters

Mostly Republican lawmakers defeated a Democratic bid to outlaw cloning of human babies, concurring with the White House that the effort was flawed and would still permit destruction of life because it would allow embryos to be created for stem-cell research. The White House reaffirmed President George W. Bush's opposition to human cloning. It had threatened to veto the measure, noting the bill would still allow creation of embryos for stem-cell research which requires destruction of human life. Reuters