Clinton vows to end science bans
Presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton has promised to scrap President Bush’s restrictions on federal funding for embryonic stem cell research if elected.
She would also bar political appointees from altering or removing scientific conclusions from government research without a legitimate reason.
Mrs Clinton is due to announce her proposals in a speech to the Carnegie Institution for Science later today.
“For six and half years under this president, it’s been open season on open inquiry,” she said.
“By ignoring or manipulating science, the Bush administration is letting our economic competitors get an edge in the global economy. I believe we have to change course, and I know America is ready.”
Mrs Clinton has repeatedly criticised what she calls Mr Bush’s “war on science” and accused the administration of allowing conservative political ideology to interfere with research and scientific evidence.
She cites examples of administration officials who have questioned the scientific evidence of global warming and who have suggested a link existed between abortion and breast cancer.
Mrs Clinton said as president she would:
:: Expand human and robotic space exploration and speed development of vehicles to replace the space shuttle.
:: Launch a space-based climate change initiative to combat global warming.
:: Create a £25bn strategic energy fund to research ways to boost energy efficiency and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
:: Comply with a legal requirement that the government issue a national assessment on climate change every four years.
:: Name an assistant to the president for science and technology, a position that was eliminated in the Bush White House.
