INTEGRITY seems to be the latest fashion on Capitol Hill. America鈥檚 lawmakers are considering legislation that would prevent the administration interfering with its own scientists.
An amendment to make it illegal to deliberately tamper with government science findings would protect scientists who act as whistle-blowers and would ensure scientists on federal advisory panels are chosen for their scientific credentials, not their political beliefs, was due to be introduced on Wednesday by Democratic Congressman Brad Miller of North Carolina.
The legislation would cover only the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which earlier this year was accused of restricting how some of its climate and fisheries scientists communicate their findings. If the amendment is passed, it 鈥渨ould be the most significant step forward for scientific integrity to date鈥�, says Lexi Shultz of pressure group the Union of Concerned 杏吧原创s in Washington DC.
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鈥淚t would be the most significant step forward for scientific integrity to date鈥�
Similar proposals within other bills are waiting to be heard by the House of Representatives and Senate, including one introduced in mid-May by Arizona鈥檚 Republican Senator John McCain, which would require the administration to develop a set of principles governing the communication of scientific information to the public.