Yesterday that change meant not having to suffer through any more of Bush and Sununu's barriers to science.
One of New Hampshire Sen. Jeanne Shaheen's granddaughters was at the White House when President Barack Obama formally signed an executive order opening the door for more stem cell research.
Shaheen says she has long favored embryonic stem cell research, but the issue became personal when granddaughter Elle was diagnosed with diabetes.
Obama on Monday reversed a ban on federal funding for the research.
"Today, President Obama has given hope to the millions of Americans suffering from Type 1 Diabetes, Parkinson's disease, and spinal cord injuries. By lifting the ban on federal funding for embryonic stem cell research, the President has placed science above political ideology. The United States must continue to be the world leader in science and technology and lifting this ban is an important step."
Paul Hodes:
"I applaud President Obama's decision to overturn an eight year policy of prohibiting federal funding for embryonic stem cell research on new cell lines. Embryonic stem cell research holds the potential for cures for debilitating diseases like cancer, Alzheimer's, Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson's disease. Now, we can finally give research scientists the tools and federal resources they need to unlock cures for millions of Americans who are suffering today."
