The basic structures and procedures of science and technology policymaking are presented in detail in a new report from the Congressional Research Service. See “Science and Technology Policymaking: A Primer” (pdf), April 18, 2008.
Other noteworthy new reports from the Congressional Research Service that have not been made readily available online include the following (all pdf).
“Information Security and Data Breach Notification Safeguards,” updated April 3, 2008.
“Congressional Oversight of Intelligence: Current Structure and Alternatives,” updated April 1, 2008.
“Data Mining and Homeland Security: An Overview,” updated April 3, 2008.
“Security Implications of Taiwan’s Presidential Election of March 2008,” April 4, 2008.
The public rarely sees the quiet, often messy work that goes into creating, passing, and implementing a major piece of legislation like the CHIPS and Science Act.
If this proposed rule were enacted it would have deleterious effects on government workers in general and federal researchers and scientists, specifically.
When we introduce “at-will” employment to government employees, we also introduce the potential for environments where people are more concerned about self-preservation than service to others.
There is no better time to re-invigorate America’s innovation edge by investing in R&D to create and capture “industries of the future,” re-shoring capital and expertise, and working closely with allies to expand our capabilities while safeguarding those technologies that are critical to our security.