Bush Prepares to Re-Veto Stem Cell Bill

Wields veto for third time in presidency; Dems come out swinging

(NEWSER) - President Bush delivered the expected veto of a stem-cell research bill this afternoon, issuing instead an executive order to encourage the development of non-embryonic stem cells. "I will not allow our nation to cross this moral line," Bush said, setting off a predictable firestorm of protests from Dems. Presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton called the veto "ideology before science." More»

(AP) - President Obama signed an order today allowing federal taxpayer dollars to fund expanded embryonic stem cell research, reversing a George W. Bush policy viewed by many as blocking development of potentially life-saving medical treatment. Obama said he was ending what he believed was "a false choice between sound science and moral values" and opening the road for important medical research. More»

Lawmakers cite lack of coordination with presidential candidate

(NEWSER) - Some Congressional Democrats say they're not feeling the love from Barack Obama's campaign, Politico reports, with the candidate inattentive to broader election strategy and his camp uncommunicative on the day-to-day message blitz. "They think they know what’s right and everyone else is wrong on everything,” one senior staffer said “They are kind of insufferable at this point.” More»

Seconds-long Senate sessions stave off controversial appointments

(NEWSER) - Democrats in Congress are keeping a watchful eye on President Bush and preventing him from making any appointments during the monthlong holiday recess. The strategy requires the Senate to be in session every couple of days—even if only for a few seconds. On Friday, the Politico reports, the Senate opened at 9:30am and packed it in 26 seconds later. More»

Congress may unite to hand him first override of his presidency

(NEWSER) - President Bush is gearing up for another battle with Congress, but his latest fray could result in the first overriding of one of his vetoes, the Washington Post reports. His rejection yesterday of the water resources bill, popular with Democrats and Republicans, is a gamble because it may endear him to fiscal conservatives but erode his authority on Capitol Hill. More»