PORTLAND – Maine’s two Republican senators applauded President Bush’s decision Thursday to approve federal funding for limited medical research on stem cells, but one lawmaker expressed disappointment with the limited decision.

“I believe the potential benefits of human pluripotent stem cell research must be explored beyond the limits outlined by President Bush,” said Democratic Rep. John Baldacci, who represents Maine’s 2nd District.

Baldacci said he supported broader guidelines outlined by the National Institutes of Health.

Collins said she was pleased Bush allowed the research to continue.

“Stem cell research provides a possibility for breakthroughs and cures for devastating illnesses,” she said in a statement. “This research has the potential to benefit millions of American families.”

Snowe called Bush’s decision “thoughtful and responsible.”

“[Stem cell research] brings hope to millions of Americans suffering the affects of diseases and illnesses,” Snowe said after Bush’s announcement Thursday night.

“His decision, bolstered by a presidential commission that will monitor research and establish guidelines, begins the process of opening the door to further progress.”

Congress has banned government money for stem cell research that destroys embryos. But the Clinton administration ruled that such research could receive federal funding as long as private money financed the part of the process that actually destroyed the embryo – the extraction of the stem cells. Bush delayed such funding while he reviewed the policy.

Six in 10 Americans say they support stem cell research, and a similar proportion say they support federal funding. About half of Republicans support it, while four in 10 oppose it.