(Warwick, R.I.) - Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI) today released the following statement regarding the news that President Obama plans to sign an Executive Order lifting the ban on embryonic stem cell funding:

“This is an extremely exciting development. I, along with countless others, have long hoped for the day when we would again support the promise of embryonic stem cell research.  I look forward to joining the President on Monday when he signs this executive order. I have worked tirelessly over my past eight years in Congress for this moment because of its importance to millions of Americans.

“Signing this Executive Order sends a clear signal around the world that our nation supports research based on science, not politics.  While I have not seen the details of the order yet, I look forward to working with the Obama Administration to find cures to some of life’s most chronic and challenging diseases and conditions. I also plan to work quickly with my colleagues to give this Executive Order the force of law to ensure that our nation's researchers are not hamstrung by such short-sighted policies again.”

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