For Immediate Release
March 9, 2009

Contact: Nicole Y. Williams
(202) 225-2661

Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee applauded President Barack Obama’s decision end the ban on federal funding for embryonic stem cell research. She released this statement:

“For eight years the Bush Administration stood in the way of the very promising and life saving research that comes from embryonic stem cell research.

“We know that our population is aging.  Debilitating chronic diseases like cancer, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and diabetes are becoming far more common. Diabetes in particular is a huge problem, and like many other diseases, disproportionately affects minority communities.

“Expanding the number of embryonic stem cell lines available for research will assist scientists to develop therapeutic treatments and cures for diabetes and many other diseases.

“I commend President Obama on this bold move to lift restrictions on federal funding of stem cell research. This decision will help improve the health and well-being of the people of this country.”

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