Necessary Roughness

CNSNews reports that the House of Representatives has voted 253-174 to lift federal funding restrictions on stem-cell research.

The vote came after a debate during which a physician and lawmaker told colleagues embryonic stem cells (ESCs) have never been shown to be effective or safe.

Rep. Dave Weldon (R-Fla.) and others opposed to research relying on ESCs noted that stem cells from non-embryonic sources - those obtained from umbilical cords, placentas, nasal passages and elsewhere - were already being used successfully to treat illnesses.

“Seventy to zero” said Dan Lungren (R.-Calif.), referring to the number of conditions already being treated with so-called “adult” stem cells, compared to those being treated with ESCs even after decades of research.

Here’s how Ohio’s votes went down:

John Boehner (R) - No
Steve Chabot (R) - No
Paul Gillmor (R) - No
David Hobson (R) - No
Stephanie Tubbs Jones (D) - Yes
Marcy Kaptur (D) - No
Dennis J. Kucinich (D) - Yes
Steven C. LaTourette (R) - Yes
Deborah Pryce (R) - Yes
Ralph Regula (R) - Yes
Tim Ryan (D) - Yes
Jean Schmidt (R) - No
Zack Space (D) - Yes
Betty Sutton (D) - Yes
Pat Tiberi (R) - No
Michael Turner (R) - No
Charles A. Wilson (D) - No