Chairman Smith’s Retirement an Opportunity to Put Science Committee Back on Track

Statement by Andrew Rosenberg, Union of Concerned Scientists

Published Nov 2, 2017

WASHINGTON (November 2, 2017)—Rep. Lamar Smith, chairman of the U.S. House Committee on Science, Space and Technology, will not run for re-election. This offers Congress and the science community a chance for a fresh start, according to the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS).

Below is a statement by Andrew Rosenberg, director of the Center for Science and Democracy at UCS.

“In years past, the House Science Committee was notable for bipartisan, practical deliberation that advanced the cause of science and solved real problems. Unfortunately, under Chairman Smith’s leadership, it became a venue for partisan conflict and political interference in science. Chairman Smith misused his position to subpoena federal researchers, sow doubt about scientific facts and push bills that would undermine the role of science in policy.

“I hope that the next representative to serve as chair will return this committee to its intended purpose—strengthening America’s scientific enterprise, providing thoughtful and constructive oversight of federal policy and protecting the health and safety of the people Congress is supposed to serve. This is an opportunity for the science community and Congress to rebuild a productive, collaborative relationship.”