House Vote Next Week On Stem Cell Bill

The House will vote next week on a bill to expand federal funding for embryonic stem cell research, setting up another veto showdown with President Bush.

The measure would roll back Bush's prohibition on federal funds for research on any stem cell strain created after he imposed the ban in August 2001.

The House approved an earlier version of the bill in January, but well shy of the necessary two-thirds majority needed the override an expected veto.

However, an earlier Senate vote was just shy of the necessary margin to override a veto, so the House will vote on the Senate's bill, giving the upper chamber first crack at an override. If that vote is successful, supporters hope they can pressure wavering House members to back the measure, sending the legislation to White House for Bush's signature.

Click below for next week's floor schedule in the House.