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CNN Sunday Morning

President Faces Challenges with Patients Bill of Rights and Stem Cell Research

Aired July 08, 2001 - 09:04   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
KYRA PHILLIPS, CNN ANCHOR: President Bush is vacationing this weekend at his family's seaside compound in Keenebunkport, Maine. CNN's Kelly Wallace is traveling with the president and joins us now with a look at what's ahead this week for Mr. Bush and when he returns to Washington.

Kelly, I want to know if you played horseshoes with him?

KELLY WALLACE, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: No, I have not been invited -- too bad. But we do know that the president did not reclaim the family championship in horseshoes. It appears Jeb -- brother Jeb and Jeb, Jr. did that. So the president not too pleased with his performance there. But, Kyra, the president wrapping up four days of R&R here in Maine. A short time ago he, the First Lady and his parents, the former President and Mrs. Bush, attended church services at a stone Episcopal church with what we understand includes a breath-taking view of the Atlantic Ocean.

Now Mr. Bush will spend another day here in Kennebunkport. Later this evening he heads back to Washington and then tomorrow back to work. Aides say one of the first orders of business for Mr. Bush on Monday will be delivering a speech pressing congress to act on three issues before recessing in August. Issue number one, education.

The White House is frustrated that law makers have not yet resolved differences on education bills passed in the House an in the Senate.

Issue number two, the president's faith-based agenda. And that is allowing religious groups to obtain federal tax dollars to provide social services to the needy.

And issue number three, a patients bill of rights. Aides say Mr. Bush will be visiting a few hospitals in the Washington, D.C. area this week. The president has said he would veto the patients bill of rights that passed in the Senate. He is hoping that a bill that comes out of the House of Representatives is more to his liking and includes more limits on a patient's rights to sue. The House of Representatives is expected to take up this issue shortly after returning this week from the July 4th recess. So, Kyra, one more day or maybe 12 more hours of some resting and relaxation here in Maine and then it's back to the nation's capital for the president. Kyra, back to you. PHILLIPS: All right, our Kelly Wallace, following the president. Thanks, Kelly.

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