Science office legislation delayed by Senate

Abstract

It shouldn't be surprising, perhaps, but getting legislation enacted to set up a new White House science office is turning out to be much more of a political hassle than might have been surmised from earlier pronouncements of cooperation and good will by Democrats, Republicans, and the White House alike. Indeed, the whole episode—at least on the Senate side—is taking on many of the trappings of old-fashioned politicking. By early last week, and subject to change before the end of the week when Congress was slated to adjourn for the year, here's where the situation stood. After voluminous studies and lengthy hearings by the House Science & Technology Committee, the House in early November approved by a vote of 362 to 28 legislation to set up a new Office of Science & Technology Policy (OSTP) in the White House. In essence, the House bill, H.R. 10230, is an updated Administration bill. Indeed, House science ...