| January 8, 2009 |  |
Secretary Nominee Tom Daschle Pledges to Restore Scientific Integrity at Health and Human Services
Statement by Francesca Grifo, Union of Concerned Scientists
WASHINGTON (January 8, 2009) – At his nomination hearing this morning, U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS) secretary nominee Tom Daschle testified he would restore scientific integrity to the department.
Responding to questions by Sen. Barbara Mikulski, (D-Md.) about political interference in science at federal agencies, Daschle said: "I want to take ideology and politics as much as possible out of the process and leave the scientists to do their job. It is very important for us to allow scientists to be scientists and to give them the resources to do it right. It starts with the importance of giving them the autonomy they need without fear of conflict at some point with others along the decisionmaking process regarding factors having nothing to do with science. I think it starts by empowering our scientists to do the great work that we know they can do."
Below is a statement by Francesca Grifo, director of the Union of Concerned Scientists' Scientific Integrity Program:
"Federal employees will be looking to Senator Daschle and agency leaders to turn a culture of fear into a culture of support. We are encouraged that Senator Daschle recognizes that politics have prevented government scientists from doing their jobs. And while we are optimistic about his commitment to giving scientists the autonomy they need, it will take a persistent and focused effort to undo the damage that has been done to our federal scientific agencies.
"Once confirmed, there are several quick and easy steps Senator Daschle should take right off the bat. He should instruct agency heads to inform the public about how science-based policy decisions are made. He should strengthen HHS media policies to ensure agency scientists can tell us what they know without fear of retribution. He also should assure his employees that the administration will protect whistleblowers when they reveal that science has been abused.
"Health and Human Services is just one of a number of federal departments that have been compromised by political appointees suppressing and manipulating science. It is time for all science-based government agencies to open up to restore the public's faith in their ability to protect public health and the environment."
For UCS's survey of FDA scientists, go to: www.ucsusa.org/surveys.
For UCS's recommendations to the presidential transition team, go to: www.ucsusa.org/federalscience.
For UCS's analysis of federal agency media policies, go to: www.ucsusa.org/mediapolicies.
The Union of Concerned Scientists puts rigorous, independent science to work to solve our planet's most pressing problems. Joining with citizens across the country, we combine technical analysis and effective advocacy to create innovative, practical solutions for a healthy, safe, and sustainable future.
