Statement from CDP Chairman Art Torres on President Bush’s Veto of Stem Cell Funding

Sacramento — Senator Art Torres (Ret.), Chairman of the California Democratic Party, today issued the following statement on President Bush’s veto of critical legislation to expand federal funding for stem cell research.

“Californians want leaders who will work to improve the quality of life for those in need. That is why our state’s voters passed Proposition 71 in 2004, taking leadership on stem cell research when the President and the Republican Party refused to lead.

“The President had a critical choice to make today: either stand with the American people who want hope and progress by expanding stem cell research, or stand against them in favor of rigid Republican Party ideology. Once again the President has made it clear that the American people take a back seat to partisan politics.

“Expanding stem cell research is supported by a bipartisan majority in Congress and by 72 percent of Americans. Democrats will continue to fight to expand federal funding of stem cell research and will continue to hold the President and Bush Republicans accountable.”

California Democratic Party