In one of the better exchanges of the day, Senators Harkin and Coburn exchanged verbal blows, calling each other on some of their false claims. Coburn came out to correct Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act (SCREA) supporters use of the 400,000 embryos available at fertility clinics claim, which Icommented on earlier. Coburn accurately responded that only 2.8% of the embryos cited were available for stem-cell extraction, but then incorrectly stated that the SCREA would force taxpayers to fund the destruction of embryos.
Harkin dodged the first accusation, then moved in with a swift right-cross. Harkin challenged Coburn's assertion that the SCREA would force taxpayers to destroy embryos. Harkin correctly stated that the Dickey Amendment prohibits taxpayer funds being used to destroy embryos, leaving Coburn staggering without a relevant comment.
