WASHINGTON (AP) - The Democratic-controlled House yesterday passed a bill bolstering embryonic stem cell research that advocates say shows promise for numerous medical cures.

But the 253-174 vote fell short of the two-thirds margin required to overturn President Bush's promised veto, despite gains made by supporters in the November elections. Bush vetoed identical legislation last year and the White House yesterday promised he would veto it again.

The White House said the bill - the third bill of the Democrats' first 100 hours agenda to pass the House - "would use federal taxpayer dollars to support and encourage the destruction of human life for research."

The debate raises passions because the research typically involves the destruction of frozen embryos created for in vitro fertilization. It draws fierce opposition from anti-abortion lawmakers and like-minded constituents who believe their taxes should not fund such research. Proponents of the research said it is done on embryos that would otherwise be discarded from fertility clinics anyway.

"I support stem cell research with only one exception - research that requires killing human life," said Minority Leader John Boehner (R-Ohio). "Taxpayer-funded stem cell research must be carried out in an ethical manner in a way that respects the sanctity of human life. Fortunately, ethical stem cell alternatives continue to flourish in the scientific community."

Democrats countered with Rep. James Langevin, (D-R.I.) an anti-abortion lawmaker who is paralyzed from the chest down from a handgun accident that occurred when he was a teenager. The research, Langevin said, offers "tremendous hope" for the discovery of cures for spinal cord injuries and diabetes.

Polls show most Americans support embryonic stem cell research, and Democrats say the issue played a big role in the Nov. 7 elections that returned their party to the majority in the House and Senate.

At stake was whether research on cells taken from human embryos - considered by scientists to be the most promising approach to developing potential treatments or cures for dozens of diseases - should be underwritten with taxpayer funds.