Losing ground: the demise of the Office of Technology Assessment and the role of experts in congressional decision-making

Abstract

In many ways during its 23 year existence the Congressional Office of Technology Assessment (OTA) proved to be a remarkably successful experiment-an experiment that incorporated expertise into the Congressional process in a manner that raised the level of debate on science and technology issues. Over time, OTA became widely recognized as an agency that effectively met the needs of Congress, was inclusive of a wide range of policy-actors, and produced useful results. Given the central role of science and technology in many of the most pressing issues facing Congress today, it is difficult to understand its recent decision to abolish OTA. I describe OTA's origins, history, accomplishments, and the process of its demise. I argue that, with respect to science and technology issues, the demise of OTA is likely to result in a shift toward a more short-term focus in Congress, an increasing role for experts and lobbyist in the policy-making process, and a shift in the balance of power toward the executive branch agencies.