WILLIAMSBURG, Va., Feb. 6 (UPI) -- U.S. President Barack Obama told House Democrats he will reverse his predecessor's limit on federal funding for stem cell research.
Obama said, "I guarantee you that we will sign an executive order for stem cells," two participants told the White House press pool at the Williamsburg, Va., Democratic retreat.
U.S. President George Bush had restricted federal funding for projects requiring new stem cell lines.
Obama told House Democrats he wants to work with the House and Senate to ensure his executive order on stem cell research has teeth.
"God gave us (the) power to make smart decisions to cure diseases, to alleviate suffering," the president said.
Rep. David Scott of Georgia asked Obama to continue funding for the F-22 Raptor, saying it would mean 50,000 jobs in his district, retreat participants said. The president said he would make any funding decision after discussions with the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Responding to questions about Afghanistan and Pakistan, Obama said U.S. policy toward Afghanistan was "in the midst of a number of reviews." Pakistan must be approached with a combination of military and diplomatic efforts, he said.
