APS Science Policy News & Updates:

• This month, APS Government Affairs put out a call to action on critical negotiations between the House and Senate on a set of bills impacting the US scientific enterprise.
   
  • The set of legislation currently being negotiated into a single, final bill includes the National Science Foundation (NSF) for the Future Act (H.R. 2225), the Department of Energy (DOE) Science for the Future Act (H.R. 3593), the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) for the Future Act of 2021 (H.R. 4609), the United States Innovation and Competition Act of 2021 (S. 1260), the MSI STEM Achievement Act (H.R. 2027), and the Combating Sexual Harassment in Science Act (H.R. 2695).
     
  • APS President Jim Gates recently wrote a letter to leaders of the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology and the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation—the two committees leading the negotiations—praising the strong bipartisan support in both chambers for strengthening the US scientific enterprise. Gates’ letter also outlines APS’s strong support for a set of specific policy provisions across five of the Society’s policy priorities and calls for their inclusion in the final bill.
     
  • So far, more than 270 APS members took action with us in support of the recommendations, amounting to more than 820 letters to members of Congress. Thank you to everyone who took part, and if you haven’t had the chance you can still add your voice here!
     
• New data from a September 2021 APS survey of more than 3,200 physics professionals and students shows that the US federal government’s current approach to addressing research security concerns is weakening, not strengthening, the US scientific enterprise. This short report presents key survey results that highlight the urgent need for a new approach that thoughtfully protects our nation against evident security risks, while welcoming international talent and promoting beneficial international collaborations.
   
• Are you or someone you know interested in APS’s Congressional Science Fellowship? It is the aim of APS in sponsoring these fellowships to provide a public service by making available individuals with scientific knowledge and skills to members of Congress, few of whom have a technical background. In turn, the program enables scientists to broaden their experience through direct involvement with the legislative and political processes. Fellows gain a perspective which, ideally, will enhance not only their own careers but also the physics community's ability to more effectively communicate with its representatives in Congress. If this sounds like an opportunity you’re interested in, apply here before December 1, 2021!