FYI is an objective, authoritative digest of science policy developments in Washington impacting the physical science community.

Congress Extends Government Funding Through Dec. 9, Punts on Science-Related Legislation

Today, the president signed a stopgap spending bill that extends current fiscal year funding for the federal government through Dec. 9. With Congress recessing at the end of this week to campaign for the general election, major science-related legislation will not see further movement earlier than mid-November.

29 Sep 2016

Obscure and Odd-Sounding Research Celebrated at the Golden Goose Awards

Federally funded research projects that seemed obscure or sounded odd yet turned out to have a significant positive impact on society were celebrated last week at the fifth annual Golden Goose Award ceremony.

29 Sep 2016

In Its Waning Months, Obama Administration Continues to Enhance Climate Planning

As Barack Obama’s presidency draws to a close, his administration is continuing to improve the nation’s apparatuses for assessing and responding to climate change impacts. Recent actions to deepen the connection between climate research and planning include initiating a sustained National Climate Assessment, creating a new public-private climate data sharing partnership, and instructing the government to incorporate climate threats into national security planning.

28 Sep 2016

UN Resolution on Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Spurs Debate on Treaty’s Merits

Last Friday, the U.N. Security Council adopted a resolution calling on nations to maintain their moratoria on nuclear weapons testing pending ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty. Leading up to the resolution, current and former policymakers reflected on the 20-year-old treaty’s prospects, including Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz, who referred to ratification of the treaty as “unfinished business,” and former senator Jon Kyl (R-AZ), who argued that the U.S. should never ratify the treaty.

27 Sep 2016

375 Prominent Scientists Warn Against US Withdrawal from Paris Climate Accord

In an open letter published last week, 375 members of the National Academy of Sciences reasserted the scientific consensus on climate change, chided U.S. politicians who remain naysayers, and warned against U.S. withdrawal from the landmark Paris Agreement on climate.

26 Sep 2016
more