Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-TN) is announcing he will support legislation expanding embryonic stem cell research.

Bush has vowed to veto the measure citing ethical and moral concerns over the destruction of embryos in obtaining the stem cells. However, Frist said in the speech text that he could reconcile his support for the research with his Christian faith and views that life begins at conception, the Times said.

Congressional aides said First's support should give a huge boost to an already popular bill and give them leverage in negotiations with the White House to avoid a veto.

"Cure today may be just a theory, a hope, a dream," Frist will say in the speech. "But the promise is powerful enough that I believe this research deserves our increased energy and focus. Embryonic stem cell research must be supported."

As I mentioned earlier this week, this legislation has bipartisan support in Congress. If the president wants to veto it, give him the chance to do so and explain himself to the majority of Americans who support this research.