The US House of Representatives has approved a bill to approve federal funding for embryonic stem cell research, despite the threat of a veto by President George W Bush.
The measure was passed by the Republican-dominated House with a majority of 44.
The proposed legislation still requires a vote in the Senate, before it is referred to the White House.
In a heated debate, supporters of the move said the research could help develop cures for Parkinson's Disease and other ailments.
Opponents said the technique destroyed human life and public money should not be used to finance it.
