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The Importance of Communicating with Congress

The ability of a government agency to make or extend a research grant, fund a new instrument, or support a research program directly relates to legislation considered by Congress. On almost a daily basis, congressional action affects the efforts of scientists to contribute to the growth of knowledge and the well-being of the nation.

All too often, Congress makes decisions affecting the conduct of research in America with little participation by the physics and astronomy community. Few Members of Congress have direct knowledge about scientists and their work, and the impacts that congressional decisions have on research. The need for scientists to communicate with Congress has never been greater.

...I want to emphasize that the primary responsibility for making the case to Congress and the American people belongs to the science and technology community. We are the ones who are the most familiar with both the potential and the limitations of science and technology. As C.P. Snow once wrote, "Scientists have the future in their bones." It is our obligation to convey that sense of the future to others.

– John H. Gibbons,
former Assistant to the President for Science and Technology and
Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy
Clinton Administration

The scientific enterprise faces dramatic change and the need for scientific statesmanship has never been greater – both nationally and internationally. The scientific community has the opportunity and responsibility to work and argue persuasively for both the long- and short-term benefits of all federal investments in the future. The scientific societies can play a leadership role but it is of paramount importance that individual scientists work to establish familiarity, credibility and trust among their congressional representatives before the times of crisis; the stakes are high.

– D. Allan Bromley,
former Assistant to the President for Science and Technology and
Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy
Bush Administration

The Science Policy Page includes information on:

• Federal budgets of special interest to the physics community: the National Science Foundation, Department of Energy, NASA, the Department of Defense, the National Institute of Standards and Technology, Department of Education, and USGS

• Information on key Members of Congress

• Guidance on writing to and meeting with Members of Congress

• Budget summaries, including congressional action

• Congressional Calendar

• AIP Congressional Science Fellowship

• Other science policy resources

Much of this information originally appeared in FYI: The American Institute of Physics Bulletin of Science Policy News. This bulletin is available by electronic subscription without charge.

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