The Politics of Science

As an AIP Mather Policy Intern, I spent last summer working with the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology minority staff. This committee has jurisdiction over a variety of federal agencies, including NASA, NIST, NOAA, and NSF, and covers science policy areas ranging from energy regulation to STEM education. Through my work with committee staff, I gained a greater familiarity with and appreciation for the legislative process, particularly the intersection between science and public policy. My work covered a wide range of tasks, including assisting with the preparation of hearing materials and legislation, documenting hearings within and outside of the committee, and performing basic background research on topics related to upcoming hearings. I will present an overview of the committee system in the House of Representatives and some specific issues that were considered by the science committee during my time on Capitol Hill. Finally, I will discuss my observations of the efforts currently being made to bridge the gap between scientists and politicians as well as suggestions for how these can be expanded on.