Yep, that’s right. Several prominent scientific and academic societies have come out swinging against the America COMPETES Reauthorization Act, legislation that supporters say will promote cutting-edge research and advance scientific leadership. Why such strong opposition?
Many scientific societies are opposing the America Competes Reauthorization Act, and for good reason–one provision would prevent the government from using Department of Energy research to make policy decisions. Photo: Wikimedia Commons.
The legislation would “show support for science” by reducing funding for several scientific disciplines; curtailing the ability of federal agencies to pursue climate science; and adding burdensome new requirements to the way the National Science Foundation operates. Perhaps most worrisome, the legislation would prevent the federal government from using Department of Energy-sponsored research to make policy.
The groups that oppose the bill include the American Physical Society, the American Geophysical Union, the American Anthropological Association, the Association of American Universities, the Consortium of Social Science Associations, and (in a carefully positive way) the Association of Public and Land Grant Universities.
UCS also thinks that this bill is a bad idea.
Science Insider reported that Republicans refused to share the legislation with their Democratic colleagues before it was introduced; anyone outside of the Republican caucus has had one week to review it. Yesterday, the Democrats introduced their own version.
This morning at 10:15 EST, the committee will consider the legislation. It’s here if you feel like watching.