House Committee Makes Moves to Censor Science

"Chairman Comer's letter misrepresents the role of science within key government agencies. Federal science is meant to inform decision makers, and scientific integrity policies are intended to protect that science from being censored or manipulated before it reaches decision makers and the public. Political appointees may consider a variety of factors when making decisions.

"Agencies like the EPA and HHS protect the health and safety of all Americans by creating lifesaving medicines, regulating toxic pollution and keeping the air we breathe and water we drink clean.  Attacking federal agencies that do this work puts the health and welfare of all people at risk.

"Under the guise of protecting 'dissenting opinions,' Comer's attack on scientific integrity policies would enable political appointees to pressure scientists into skewing facts, fudging studies or using science carried out by self-interested industries rather than public servants whose job it is to protect people. Agency scientists continually assess new research as well as established and vetted science. These experts have the training to evaluate credible research and help science continue to evolve.

"Scientific input into government decisions is rarely the only factor in developing public policy, but this input should always be weighed from an objective and impartial perspective if our goal is to protect the public."