Congress needs the OTA
April 8, 2010
Most of the major challenges now facing the nation revolve around
science. Of the 535 members of Congress, how many do you suppose are
scientists and engineers? Here's the answer: three physicists, one
chemist, six engineers including a biomedical engineer, and one
microbiologist.
How many do you suppose are lawyers, who often avoided science classes
like the plague? 225. It's little wonder we see more rhetoric than
facts.
It would be less of a problem if Congress had a science advisory body
that gave it quality, non-partisan advice. Advice that could save
billions by preventing costly policy or spending errors that are not
informed by the best available science. They used to, and it was called
the Office of Technology Assessment. But they closed that 15 years ago
to save a relative pittance.
Since then, the science-based challenges facing the nation have
multiplied. Congressional staffers need access to timely and top
quality science advice on the issues before their Members. Today, there
are at least two efforts that we are aware of to revive Congress's
science and technology advisory body.
Working with Science Debate co-chair and U.S. Representative Rush Holt
(D-NJ), the Union of Concerned Scientists has organized a letter from
scientists supporting the revival of the OTA that is open for signature.
If you find our efforts helpful, contribute.