Help Bring Science Back to Congress
The Office of Technology Assessment (OTA)—an independent group of scientists and other experts—used to help Congress make decisions on topics ranging from Alzheimer’s disease to acid rain. But 1995 budget cuts closed the OTA, and, in the absence of sufficient independent fact-based information, Congress has since wasted billions on unproven technology.
Many believe this is the year to bring back the OTA, and San Francisco has a crucial role to play. The OTA has support from many members of Congress, but the support of Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, your representative, is essential to get funding for it.
Please make a quick phone call to Speaker Pelosi's district office today, at (415) 556-4862, and urge her to bring back independent scientific guidance to Congress. Please use the form below to report back on how her office is responding. Any information you give us will help us shape our strategy for restoring the OTA.
Suggested Talking Points
- My name is __________ and I am a constituent in your district. I live at __________.
- I am calling to ask Representative Pelosi to make sure that funds are made available this year to bring back the Office of Technology Assessment (OTA).
- Now more than ever, Congress needs trustworthy, reliable advice on scientific and technological issues.
- Since the OTA was cut in 1995, the government has spent billions on new technologies that have not worked as promised.
- Does Representative Pelosi supports the restoration of the OTA?
- Please give other members of Congress the ability to more fully understand the advantages and implications of the science and technologies in which they are asked to invest.
- Thank you for your time.
If you reach voicemail, feel free to leave a message. You can also try her Washington, DC, office at (202) 225-4965.
