The New York Times is reporting that Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist is breaking with President Bush on the issue of stem cell research. The paper says Frist will support a bill to expand federal financing for embryonic stem cell research. Frist’s support could push the bill closer to passage and force a confrontation with the White House, which is threatening to veto the measure. The Times obtained a copy of Frist’s speech, which he delivers today. In it Frist says “While human embryonic stem cell research is still at a very early stage, the limitations put in place in 2001 will, over time, slow our ability to bring potential new treatments for certain diseases.” Frist continues, “I believe the president’s policy should be modified.” The stem cell bill has passed the House but is stalled in the Senate. The move could also have implications for Frist’s political future. The senator is widely considered a potential candidate for the presidency in 2008.