House Science Committee Passes Scientific Integrity Act and Bipartisan Report on Politicization of Government Science

October 23, 2019

Last week, the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology passed the
Scientific Integrity Act (H.R. 1709). The legislation
would require some federal research agencies to develop and follow clear
principles designed to protect research data, scientists and the research they
carry out from political influence. Several federal agencies have already
adopted such policies following a 2010 executive order. If enacted, this
legislation would turn the

A Focus on Foreign Influence in Washington, DC

October 9, 2019

Last month, Kelvin Droegemeier, Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), wrote a letter to the U.S. research community on the topic of foreign influence on our scientific enterprise. Dreoegemeier announced that the OSTP will be holding meetings about research security at academic institutions across the country, inviting researchers and students to join.

These convenings will be part of the Joint Committee on the Research Environment’s effort to

Behavioral and Brain Sciences on Capitol Hill

September 25, 2019

September has been an action-packed month on Capitol Hill. While the Senate has been focused on appropriations, House Committees have been holding hearings, hosting briefings, and introducing legislation on a wide range of topics relevant to brain and behavioral scientists.

The House Committee on Science Space and Technology held a hearing on Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Work. Witnesses included Dr. Arthur “Skip” Lupia, the Assistant Director of the

Continuing Resolution Expected to Keep Government Open Until November 21 and Senate Appropriations Activity

September 25, 2019

At press time, the Senate was poised to pass a continuing resolution (CR) (H.R. 4378) to keep the government open and avoid a government shutdown. The House of Representatives voted (301-123) last week to pass the CR  and the President is expected to sign it.

While certainly critical to keep the government open, the CR maintains current spending levels and conditions until November 21. These levels are a five percent cut from the budget deal (H.R. 3877) signed into