Senate stem-cell bills to get vote

The Senate will take up controversial legislation to promote embryonic-stem-cell research next week, Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-Tenn.) announced yesterday. Democrats were quick to take credit.

The bill will be debated Monday and Tuesday, Frist said, adding, "I’ve worked long and hard with my colleagues to bring this serious ethical issue to the floor."

Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) promptly issued a statement titled "Democrats win swift action on stem cell legislation."

Before the July 4 recess, Frist brokered a deal with conservatives to allow debate on the legislation after more than a year of negotiations. Sen. Arlen Specter (R-Pa.) is the lead sponsor.