AIBS has signed on to a multi-stakeholder letter to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology expressing support for the Scientific Integrity Act (H.R. 849) and urging its passage.
H.R. 849, which was introduced last year, would require federal agencies that fund, conduct, or oversee scientific research to adopt and enforce clear scientific integrity policies. It would prohibit the government from suppressing agency scientific research and intimidating or coercing individuals to alter or censor scientific findings. It would also ensure that federal agencies designate scientific integrity officers and provide federal employees with ethics training to help prevent misconduct.
“The Biden-Harris administration has committed to strengthening federal agency policies to support scientific integrity and protect against politically motivated manipulation of scientific evidence or attacks on science,” the groups wrote. “However, internal agency policies can only go so far without statutory requirements.” Thus, the groups argue, “it is vital that these safeguards are codified in statute this Congress to ensure their permanence and stability in the coming years.”
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