"The President's decision acknowledges the immense promise of embryonic stem cell research for treating many of the world's most debilitating illnesses and conditions. But limiting research to arguably few, privately-owned existing stem cell lines takes medical research only a half-step forward.

"The United States has always been recognized as the world leader in health care, and the role of public funding in this ranking cannot be overstated. The President's compromise, while well-intentioned, inhibits our ability to maintain that position. We in the Baltimore region–where so much groundbreaking medical research is conducted–are particularly concerned about the implications of this decision.

"Research involving embryonic stem cells is still in its early stages, and existing lines may not reflect the vast array of genetic differences in the U.S. population and throughout the world. Furthermore, stem cell lines are known to be extremely fragile. Decisions as to the appropriate quantity and diversity of stem cell lines should be made by the scientific community. Government's role, in turn, is to set reasonable guidelines and provide funding through the National Institutes of Health to allow researchers to pursue medical advancement."

Last month, Representative Cardin, a senior member of the Committee on Ways and Means, joined more than 200 members of Congress in urging the President to allow federal funding for stem cell research in accordance with stringent guidelines previously issued by the National Institutes of Health.