Science Policy Information Services of AIP’s Washington Office

At noon today the first session of the 103rd Congress convened. This will be a dynamic year in Washington, with significant changes on both ends of Pennsylvania Avenue. Much of what occurs during these next twelve months will have profound implications for the physics and astronomy community.

The AIP Office of Government and Institutional Relations in Washington provides a broad range of science policy information services. The following is a brief summary of these services, which are provided without charge. Please call us whenever we can be of assistance!

INFORMATION PRODUCTS:

FYI: These one or two page summaries of science policy developments are issued weekly. If you are not directly receiving FYI by electronic mail, and would like to do so, please contact NEWFYI@AIP.ORG There is no charge for FYI, and we welcome new subscribers.

In answer to many inquiries, FYI is not copyrighted. We encourage its use in other electronic and printed formats. We would appreciate it if you would let us know that FYI material is being redistributed, as it assists us in tracking its utilization.

FYI is also found under the “News from Washington” menu item of AIP’s Physics Information Network, PINET, as well as other electronic services. Call us for further information.

“Communicating With Congress” - The Brochure: A new four-page brochure with guidelines on writing to, or visiting with, Members of Congress is now being printed. Single copies of this brochure are provided without charge. Larger numbers of the brochure are available for a minimal fee to cover printing charges. To obtain a copy, send a self-addressed, business-sized stamped envelope to: AIP Office of Government and Institutional Relations; 1630 Connecticut Avenue, NW; Suite 750; Washington, D.C. 20009.

“Communicating With Congress” - The Workshop Kit: Also available is a kit designed to be used in workshops and other group presentations. Topics covered include the basic legislative process, key Members of Congress, and communications guidelines. Call for further information.

This spring our office will produce a summary covering the federal budget for physics in the AAAS report, “Research and Development, FY 1994.” Please contact this office for information on the report.

INFORMATION SERVICES:

We are also available to respond to legislative inquiries. Our office has access to an electronic legislative data service, and files are maintained on a wide variety of science policy issues. Call us if you need information on:

Members of Congress: Voting records, addresses and telephone numbers, names of science policy legislative assistants and appointment secretaries, information on district offices, and political biographies.

Science Policy Committees: New committee rosters, names of key staff members, areas of jurisdiction, addresses and telephone numbers.

Scheduling Information: This office tracks hearing schedules, and can provide you with the congressional calendar. Call us before planning an event at which you plan to invite a Member of Congress to check the calendar.

Congressional Documents, Reports, Bills: A library is maintained of major science policy documents. Contact our office if you need a copy of a section of one of these documents, or need ordering information.

Bill Status: Information can be provided on a bill, its cosponsors, and the latest action taken by Congress.

Hearing Testimony: Extensive files are maintained of available written testimony from hearings which we have attended.

General Information: If you need assistance in determining the difference between an authorization bill and an appropriations bill, the name of President Clinton’s new science adviser, the way that Senator Barbara Mikulski spells her name, what the names of your new (or old) Members of Congress are, or a map of Capitol Hill, please call us.