President Obama signed an executive order Monday, reversing a Bush-era policy limiting federal tax dollars spent on embryonic stem-cell research.

President Bush signed an order in 2001 that barred the National Institutes of Health from funding research on embryonic stem cells beyond using 60 cell lines that existed at that time. Bush vetoed legislation in July 2006 and June 2007 that would have expanded federally funded embryonic stem cell research.

In a conference call with reporters Sunday, White House domestic policy adviser Melody Barnes said funding research is a part of the administration's plan to boost the plunging U.S. economy.

Obama also signed a presidential memorandum establishing greater independence for federal science policies and programs.

Source:  CNN Politics.com,  Obama Expected to Reverse Bush Policy on Stem Cells