The bill seeks to expand the number of stem cell lines available for federally funded research by making use of stem cells derived from embryos created for in-vitro fertilization, but no longer needed.

The Bush administration prohibited federal funding for research using lines of stem cells that did not exist before August 2001. Critics say that has severely limited the stem cells available and prevented the use of more than 100 lines created since the policy took effect.

Hatch said thousands of embryos are destroyed each year that could be used to develop new stem cell lines under the proposed change.

“I come to this issue as a proud right-to-life senator,” Hatch said. “I do believe, very strongly, that it is possible to be both anti-abortion and pro-embryonic stem cell research. I believe that pro-life means caring for the living as well.”

At the time Bush's policy was implemented, 78 lines were believed to be available, although the National Institutes of Health estimates there are only 21, and Hatch said many are contaminated with mouse cells.

Rep. Charlie Bass, R-N.H., co-sponsor of the House version of the bill, said supporters have lined up more than 200 votes in the House along with a commitment from Speaker Dennis Hastert to bring the bill to the floor for a vote in the near future, partly because “they know it's going to come up one way or another.”

Hatch said there are about 60 votes for the bill in the Senate, and he has had discussions with Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist about a floor vote.

“If we can pass this in the House, I really believe we can pass it in the Senate,” Hatch said.

At that point, the question becomes whether the White House will veto it. Hatch said there will be a lot of pressure from the medical and scientific community for Bush to sign it.