Stem cell research holds tantalizing promise for a cure for Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, juvenile diabetes and other diseases that afflict millions.

But researchers have been hampered by the Bush administration's refusal to fund research on newly created embryonic stem cells.

On Thursday, the U.S. House approved a bill to expand federal funding for the controversial research. The vote, however, fell about three dozen votes short of a veto-proof margin.

As promising as stem cells are, there is no denying the ethical dilemmas here. And there undoubtedly will be new debates as research and studies go forward.

Critics of embryonic stem cell research believe it is morally wrong because they view the destruction of embryonic material as the taking of human life.

However, under the House bill just passed, funding would be provided for research using embryos collected for in vitro fertilization that are not needed and will be destroyed.

Is it right, then, to prevent material that will be destroyed anyway from being used to further medical science?

On balance, the scales must tip toward the good of enabling research to improve medicine and give hope to millions. Most Americans agree with the House majority on this issue, and believe stem cell research holds great promise and should move forward.

For the sake of those who suffer from debilitating diseases, let's hope Congress finds the political and moral will to prevail over Bush's opposition.