The outcome of a renewed congressional fight over embryonic stem-cell research could affect scientific progress and business in Washington, several Seattle researchers said yesterday.

University of Washington scientists trying to figure out how to use stem cells to heal heart-attack victims and cure blood diseases said restrictions on federal funding are tying their hands, putting them at risk of falling behind researchers in other countries.

"I think it's a very exciting time, and I would like to see the handcuffs taken off," said Dr. Chuck Murry, a University of Washington researcher studying how to help people heal from heart attacks.

The comments came at a Seattle gathering of transplant researchers and surgeons, which Democratic U.S. Reps. Jay Inslee, of Bainbridge Island, and Jim McDermott, of Seattle, used as a stage to promote stem-cell legislation expected to come up for a vote in the House this week.

"We're now trying to do research on Parkinson's and diabetes with one hand tied behind our back," Inslee said.

The proposed legislation would allow federal funding for stem-cell research using days-old embryos that otherwise would be thrown out, as long as the donors consent.

The bill marks a significant departure from current federal policy, established by President Bush's administration. The administration guidelines allow federal funding only for research involving embryonic stem cells descended from a group of embryos that were destroyed before the Bush policy was put in place.

Bush has vowed to veto the House legislation if it reaches his desk.

"I'm a strong supporter of adult stem-cell research, of course. But I made it very clear to the Congress that the use of federal money, taxpayers' money, to promote science which destroys life in order to save life ... I'm against that," he said last week.

The fight over embryonic stem cells has frequently split along the same lines as the abortion debate, pitting those who argue an embryo is a human life against proponents who say the research holds the promise of healing everything from damaged spinal cords to malfunctioning kidneys.

Stem cells have the ability to turn into a variety of specialized cells such as muscle or nerve cells, raising hopes they can be used to replace damaged tissue or organs. Scientists yesterday said embryonic stem cells have proved more responsive than other kinds of stem cells when used to develop certain kinds of tissues.

Dr. Tony Blau, a University of Washington hematologist involved in embryonic stem-cell research, said the restrictions have prompted some scientists in Washington state to forgo research they would otherwise pursue.

With California voters recently approving $3 billion of state money for stem-cell research and other countries unfettered by similar restrictions, scientists elsewhere have first-class working conditions, he said.

"We in the state of Washington are riding in coach, because despite the fact that we have some of the best scientists here, we're now unable to pursue the most innovative and promising lines of investigation," he said.

Several members of Washington's congressional delegation could not be reached yesterday for comment on how they would vote.

U.S. Rep. Dave Reichert, a Republican from the suburban 8th District in King and Pierce counties, said during his campaign last year that he opposed expanding the number of embryos destroyed for use in federally funded research.

His spokeswoman, Heather Janik, gave no indication about how Reichert would vote on the upcoming bill. She said Reichert had met with people on various sides of the issue.

"At the moment I think he's still evaluating both sides of the argument. It's an incredibly difficult issue," she said.

Warren Cornwall: 206-464-2311 or wcornwall@seattletimes.com