For Immediate Release March 10, 2009                                    
Contact: Daniel Reilly 202-225-2836
                                                                          

Decision will bring hope to millions of Americans suffering from devastating diseases

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representative Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), a senior member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, hailed the decision by President Obama on Monday to lift federal funding restrictions for embryonic stem cell research.


“With this landmark decision, President Obama has not only restored science to its rightful place in our national debate, but has taken an important step towards realizing the life-giving potential of stem cells,” said Markey.

 “Hope is a powerful force. And through this decision, President Obama has given hope to millions of families suffering from diseases like Alzheimer’s, diabetes and Parkinson’s. Embryonic stem cell research is one of the most promising paths to the treatment and cure of these devastating diseases. It is my hope that Congress moves quickly to pass legislation, of which I am a co-sponsor, to make President Obama’s executive order on stem cells federal law.”

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