Immediately after the hearing, however, Thompson's spokesman told reporters that the secretary meant to deliver precisely the opposite message. The exchange left unclear what Thompson will ultimately recommend and over his personal views on stem cells research. Stem cells are building blocks for all human tissue, and scientists say research with them could lead to revolutionary therapies. The most useful cells are derived from embryos discarded at fertility clinics, and abortion opponents say it is wrong to use them for research. Congress has barred federal money for research that destroys embryos, but the Clinton administration concluded that the National Institutes of Health could pay for research using cells that had been extracted with private money.
Applications are due next week.
The Bush administration remains undecided whether to allow continued funding, although President Bush has suggested that he opposes it. Last week, Thompson said the matter is under review but said in the meantime, applications should be submitted and would be considered and funded if it's legal to do so. The White House, displeased with those comments, told Thompson he should not move in front of the president on the issue. You can't be quite as direct as I was as governor. At a Senate Budget Committee hearing Tuesday, Sen. Gordon Smith, R-Ore., told Thompson he hopes the administration will allow the research to move ahead.