King loathes Obama stem cell decision

First, Congressman Loebsack issued a statement, then Senator Harkin did.  Now, Congressmen Steve King has issued a statement regarding President Obama's executive order on stem cell research. UPDATE:  After noon Iowa time, Congressman Bruce Braley issued a statement, which is posted below King's.

King Statement on President’s Stem Cell Decision
President Obama decides when life begins is no longer above his pay grade, shows no respect for conscientious objections of life-loving, tax-paying Americans

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Steve King today issued the following statement on President Barack Obama’s executive order to federally fund scientific research that involves the destruction of human embryos.

“I have held babies in my arms who had been frozen embryos for as long as nine years. They giggle, cuddle, laugh, play and love. They are as much a human being as any of us. At the Saddleback Church forum on August 16, 2008, Pastor Rick Warren asked Barack Obama when life begins. Obama answered by stating that the question is “above his pay grade.” Now, President Obama has decided it is no longer above his pay grade, and that there will be no respect for conscientious objections from life-loving, tax-paying Americans.  All taxpayers will have to pay to take the life of, and experiment with the tissue of, innocent human embryos. I object, Mr. President.”

Transcript from Saddleback Civil Forum:

WARREN: That was a freebie. That was a gimme. That was a gimme, OK? Now, let’s deal with abortion; 40 million abortions since Roe v. Wade. As a pastor, I have to deal with this all of the time, all of the pain and all of the conflicts. I know this is a very complex issue. Forty million abortions, at what point does a baby get human rights, in your view?

OBAMA: Well, you know, I think that whether you’re looking at it from a theological perspective or a scientific perspective, answering that question with specificity, you know, is above my pay grade.

UPDATE:  Braley Statement on Obama Lifting Ban on Federal Funding for Stem Cell Research

Washington, DC – Today Rep. Bruce Braley (D-Iowa) released the following statement after President Obama issued an executive order lifting a ban on federal funding for stem cell research:

“I applaud President Obama’s action today to end the ban on federal funding for stem cell research, and I strongly support expanding federal funding for life-saving stem cell research,” Braley said.  “This issue is especially important to me, as my nephew suffers from juvenile diabetes.  Stem cell research provides hope for millions of American suffering from diseases like cancer, Parkinson’s, and Alzheimer’s.

“President Obama is signaling a new direction in our country’s policies toward medical and scientific research.  It’s a refreshing change.”