House Science Committee members Representative Paul Tonko(NY-20) and Ranking Member Eddie Bernice Johnson (TX-30), along with RepresentativesNiki Tsongas (MA-3) and Alan Lowenthal (CA-47), announced the introduction of the Scientific Integrity Act requiring U.S. federal agencies to adopt or strengthen policies to insulate government-directed research from the influence of political pressure and special interests. The bill was introduced with a total of 77 original cosponsors.
Under the Scientific Integrity Act:
- Federal agencies that conduct or fund scientific research would be required to develop clear written scientific integrity policies that can guarantee research is being done and published without undue influence, censorship or distortion.
- Scientific and technological information would be able to flow more easily while protecting privacy, confidentiality and national security.
24 separate federal agencies have developed scientific integrity policies to-date. This legislation would also codify and strengthen these policies within a common framework.
Ranking Member Eddie Bernice Johnson (TX-30): “I want to thank my colleague Mr. Tonko for his leadership on this very important legislation. Over the last few years, Federal agencies have developed and implemented policies that ensure transparency and integrity in the conduct of scientific research, the communication of scientific findings, and the utilization of scientific findings in the policy making process. This bill in effect codifies those policies to ensure that they remain in place through both Republican and Democratic administrations. Federal scientists and engineers represent some of the brightest minds our nation has to offer. They have chosen a career in public service because they want to help solve our national challenges and contribute to a better world. I am concerned about the increasing suppression or denial of widely supported and tested scientific findings by some government and private sector leaders because of politics, ideology, or financial conflicts of interest. Those actions have contributed to an erosion in the public’s trust in science and done great harm to policy makers’ ability to develop smart solutions to our nation’s challenges. It’s time to restore the public trust and ensure the integrity of science in the policymaking process."
