quote of note:
The letter to Bush from senators was signed by 43 Democrats, 14 Republicans and one independent.
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A majority of the Senate asked President Bush to change policy and allow stem cell research to better combat Alzheimer's the day before former President Ronald Reagan died from complications of the brain-wasting disease.
In a bipartisan letter signed by 58 of the 100 senators and mailed on Friday, lawmakers told Bush his policy provided "difficult challenges" to those seeking a cure for Alzheimer's and other illnesses. The letter, released publicly on Monday, echoed one sent last month by 206 members of the U.S. House of Representatives.
There was no immediate response from the White House, which has placed restrictions on embryonic stem cell research and opposes using stem cells from most embryos. In response to the April letter, officials indicated there would be no change in policy.