Topeka ? Gov. Kathleen Sebelius urged the U.S. Senate to remove President Bush’s restrictions on embryonic stem cell research.

“The President is out of touch on this issue,” said a letter signed by Sebelius and nine other governors.

The letter was dated Wednesday, the same day the Senate voted 63-34 to ease restrictions on federally funded embryonic stem cell research.

Bush has vowed to veto the legislation. He vetoed a similar measure last year.

Stem cells are created in the first days after conception. They are typically culled from frozen embryos, which are destroyed in the process.

Bush and other anti-abortion advocates say the destruction of embryos is the destruction of human life.

Supporters of embryonic stem cell research disagree with that and say the research holds the potential to save lives by providing cures to deadly diseases.

“Every day, thousands of families in our states struggle as a loved one suffers from juvenile diabetes, spinal cord injuries or other conditions that might be cured if restrictions are lifted,” Sebelius said in the letter. “For over five years, these families have been forced to wait as the Bush policy has obstructed this vital research.”

In addition to Sebelius, governors from Illinois, Iowa, New Mexico, New York, Michigan, Ohio, Oregon and Pennsylvania called for passage of the legislation.

Kansas’ two senators, Sam Brownback, who is running for president, and Pat Roberts, voted against the bill Wednesday.

“The embryo is not potential life,” Brownback said. “It is human life.”