Stem Cell Research Update

Dear Friends,

I wanted to write you with a quick update on the vote to override President Bush's veto of the stem cell research bill.

Unfortunately, last night the Republican leadership in the House of Representatives pushed a very quick vote on the override. Their strategy was to hold a vote before the public -- which has consistently supported stem cell research by huge margins -- could weigh in. While a large majority voted to overturn President Bush's veto in a 235 to 193 vote, they fell short of the two-thirds majority required.

So President Bush's veto will stand, keeping huge obstacles in the way of future stem cell research.

Make no mistake: this fight is far from over. Hillary, who co-sponsored the bill passed by Congress, will continue to speak out on this issue and make it a top priority. We must keep fighting for additional funding for stem cell research and eliminate the arbitrary restrictions President Bush has put on the scientists who are pursuing tomorrow's cures.

We must also intensify our efforts to elect as many Democrats as we can to the House and Senate this November. Across the country, Democratic candidates are speaking out about this issue, making it a top priority in the 2006 elections. When we have Democratic majorities in the House and Senate, you can bet we'll pass this legislation again.

We've updated our online action. You can still show your support for this vital research that holds so much potential for so many families. I urge you to sign on in support of stem cell research and to tell your friends and family to join you.

http://www.hillaryclinton.com/action/stemcellresearch

Thank you for your support.

Jesse Berney
Internet Director
Friends of Hillary

Tags: Hillary, Hillary Clinton, Stem Cell Research, Presidential Veto, Bush, Congress, Politics

Time To Save Lives

Dear Friend,

A few minutes ago, George W. Bush used his presidential veto for the very first time when he overturned a bill passed by Congress that would expand desperately needed federal funding for stem cell research.

Think about that for a moment. For five and a half years, Bush never saw fit to veto a single bill. But now, when Congress votes to support research that could save millions of lives, Bush breaks out his veto stamp for the first time.

Stem cell research has shown promise in treating Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, diabetes, cancer, spinal cord damage, and countless other conditions and injuries. It could change the lives of every family affected by them -- spouses, parents, children. But with one small action, Bush has robbed millions of Americans and their families of hope for effective treatments.

It is indefensible that President Bush's first veto could cost of millions of lives. We need to stop him.

It's up to Congress to overturn the veto and restore the hope Bush has taken away. But that won't happen without a huge outpouring of public support to garner the votes we need in the House and Senate. Sign on today to stand with Hillary in favor of overturning Bush's stem cell veto.

http://www.hillaryclinton.com/action/stemcellresearch

President Bush had a choice. He could use his authority to put America on the side of life-saving science and research, or he could issue his first-ever veto to stop research, denying hope to millions of Americans. It's clear he chose wrong.

I doubt there's a single one of us whose life hasn't been touched by a disease or an injury that stem-cell research could one day help alleviate or even cure. With virtually limitless promise, this research is far too important for arbitrary restrictions.

Join Hillary in support of stem cell research and tell Congress to overturn Bush's unconscionable veto.

http://www.hillaryclinton.com/action/stemcellresearch

Thanks for your support, and please be sure to spread the word to your family and friends.

Jesse Berney
Internet Director
Friends of Hillary

Tags: Hillary, Hillary Clinton, Stem Cell Research, Presidential Veto, Bush, Congress, Politics

It's Just Not Fair

Dear Friends,

It's a matter of simple fairness. Since 1997, members of Congress have refused to give minimum wage workers a raise - not one penny - while voting to give themselves more than $30,000 in raises.

Here's the bottom line: The minimum wage is just $5.15 an hour. That means that someone working a full-time job, 40 hours a week, 52 weeks a year, earns just $10,712 a year. That's more than $5,000 below the poverty line for a family of three. And as the cost of living goes up, that $5.15 is worth less and less every day.

It's time to tell Congress "No more." Hillary has introduced a bill that would make sure Congress doesn't get another raise in their own pay until those making the minimum wage get a raise too. Stand with her by supporting her bill:

http://www.hillaryclinton.com/action/minimumwage/

Why does this Republican Congress refuse to take action? We've seen where their priorities are: big, new tax breaks to the very wealthiest Americans. When it comes to helping working families, the Republican Congress can't be bothered.

Maybe this way, they'll finally take notice. Let's tell the Republican Congress that they're not getting another raise until America gets a raise. Tell Hillary you're standing with her.

http://www.hillaryclinton.com/action/minimumwage/

There are millions of people in this country who are working hard but can't make enough to get by. With minimum wage earners making the same money they did nine years ago, wages across the board have stayed stagnant. With health care costs and housing and energy prices on the rise, middle class families are working harder than ever and still can't get ahead.

Let's get the Republicans in Congress moving. Let Hillary know you support her bill that ties all future Congressional raises to raises in the minimum wage.

Thank you for taking action.

Sincerely,

Ann F. Lewis

P.S. We can win this fight if Congress knows that people are watching. Please forward this message to your friends and tell them to get involved.

Tags: Hillary, Hillary Clinton, Minimum Wage