WASHINGTON — President Obama made his most forceful break yet from his predecessor's controversial scientific agenda Monday, opening the door to a major expansion of government-funded research on embryonic stem cells and ordering federal agencies to strengthen the role of science in their decision-making.
The twin announcements marked a clear departure from former President George W. Bush's approach to science, which had caused a rift between that administration and a large segment of the nation's research community. Many complained that scientific data had been ignored or skewed as the Bush administration set policy on climate change, oil and gas drilling, and other aspects of environmental and health policy.
In particular, Bush's limits on federal funding for embryonic stem cell experiments had become a touchstone for many scientists angry at the administration, as well as for advocates for patients who have hoped the research would lead to cures for a wide range of diseases.
Obama, speaking to an audience of scientists and patients in the East Room of the White House, acknowledged that many people "strongly oppose" the research, which destroys human embryos, but that his choice was to "vigorously support scientists" in the field.
"The majority of Americans from across the political spectrum and from all backgrounds and beliefs have come to a consensus that we should pursue this research," the president said before signing an executive order lifting Bush's limits on the research. The order gives federal officials 120 days to issue new guidelines that will make a far wider range of experiments eligible for federal funding.
In addition, Obama signed a second executive order that he said was aimed at "restoring scientific integrity to government decision-making," a comment aimed sharply at Bush.
The order directs his administration to develop guidelines "to ensure that in this new administration we base our public policies on the soundest science, that we appoint scientific advisors based on their credentials and experience, not their politics or ideology."
Congressional Republicans and antiabortion groups disputed the merits of embryonic stem cell research Monday, saying recent breakthroughs on developing similar cells through alternative methods render it unnecessary.
"Today's action is about forcing taxpayers to fund ethically troublesome -- and unproven -- research that destroys life," Rep. Eric Cantor (R-Va.), the House Republican whip, said in a statement.
