science". Because this was from (Bill Cahir) Newhouse News Service, it isn't at SFgate.com. On top-right of front page though.

Subtitled, Issues require expertise, but lawmakers don't ask

I believe this summarizes the crux of very much we bitch about here.

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Washington - The list of complicated scientific matters coming before Congress - including stem cell research and cloning, the development of a national missile defense system and problems related to the war on terrorism - makes it more important than ever for lawmakers to get sound advice from experts im medicine, physics and engineering, some lawmakers claim.

But Congress so far has passed legislation on these topics without soliciting needed advice from scientists and engineers, critics say.

Last month House members refused to allow a vote on one plan that proponents claimed would better educate Congress about matters fraught with scientific difficulties. The House Rules Committee blocked an amendment by Rep. Rush Holt D-NJ, former director of a Princeton physics laboratory, who was proposing to reopen the Office of Technology Assessment.

That office, starting in 1972, offered non-partisan research to lawmakers - publishing reports that scientists, engineers and lawmakers regarded as balanced and well-informed. Congress closed its science office in 1995 as part of a drive to cut government spending.

Lawmakers nixed a possible vote on Holt's $4 million amendment, prompting a biting attack from the Congressman. "The Republican leadership certainly has given up any claim to want to have informed decisions on technical issues here in this Congress", Holt said.

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"The legislative branch I think does not have the analytical capability that it needs on scientific and technology issues', said Steve Koonin, provost of the California Institute of Technology. "And its not just about defense. It's about global warming, stem cells. ... They really need people they can draw on for credible, unbiased advice. They don't have that right now."

SO.. [1995] it appears that Newt's legacy, The Contract On America persists, and the present group is no wiser. And steadfastly determined not to head there, either.

What do we imagine then the odds are, that the intricately obtuse machinations of Billy n'Bally shall be unravelled and acted upon - ever? (never mind ABM, cloning, climate change yada yada)


Ashton