Pelosi Statement on President Obama's Executive Order on Stem Cell Research

Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued the following statement today after President Obama signed an executive order lifting the Bush Administration's restrictions on federally financed human embryonic stem cell research:

"By lifting the executive ban on federal funding for stem cell research, President Obama has given hope, and potentially health, to millions. Every family in America is just one diagnosis, one phone call, or one accident away from needing the benefits of embryonic stem cell research.

"Today President Obama has also restored science to its rightful place in our national debates.  Scientists must be allowed to pursue the research that they believe has the most promise to cure.  And when they do, America remains a world leader in innovation, discovery, and growth.

"If we have a scientific opportunity to treat and cure disease, we have a moral opportunity to support it.  That is why Congress will move to pass legislation to make this executive order the law of the land."