Bush hints at stem-cell decision within 2 weeks

From Kelly Wallace
CNN Washington Bureau

CRAWFORD, Texas (CNN) -- President Bush hinted Wednesday that his much-awaited decision on whether to allow federal funding of embryonic stem-cell research could come after his visit to Milwaukee on August 20.

"I'm going to Denver and Albuquerque next week, be going to Milwaukee, another city that we haven't announced yet after Milwaukee," said Bush, during a brief chat with reporters following an event in Waco during his monthlong vacation.

"Hint," he added with a smile to the reporter who earlier asked what forum he would like to use to announce his decision on stem-cell funding.

Bush is currently scheduled to be in Milwaukee on August 20, with an event planned in an unnamed city the next day. But the White House cautioned against reading too much into the president's remarks.

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"I would warn against reading either way," said Scott McClellan, White House spokesman, who added a decision could come "anytime." In fact, during the exchange with reporters, Bush said a decision next week was a "possibility."

When asked what forum he would like to use to announce his decision, he said, "You're trying to get me to talk about it. My answer is still the same as it was the last two months."

The president has said his decision is "way beyond politics," but it will have political ramifications.

If he decides to back research on stem cells from human embryos, opponents of the research, including Catholics and many anti-abortion rights supporters, will charge he is breaking a campaign promise. If he backs the research, moderates will be pleased.

Bush is scheduled to travel to Estes Park, Colorado, on August 14 for an event promoting character education and will be in Albuquerque on August 15 for a back-to-school gala. He will also travel to Pennsylvania on August 26 and San Antonio, Texas, on August 29.

Bush took time off from his vacation Wednesday to make an appearance at a Habitat for Humanity project in Waco to promote his so-called faith-based initiative. The president, first lady Laura Bush, Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Mel Martinez and Texas Gov. Rick Perry joined Habitat for Humanity volunteers for about 15 minutes as they erected a house for a needy family.