Us Congress 2025-2026 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB1106

Introduced

2/6/25

Refer

2/6/25

Caption

Scientific Integrity ActThis bill requires each federal agency that funds, conducts, or oversees scientific research to adopt and enforce a scientific integrity policy. Under the bill, among other parameters, such policies must (1) ensure that scientific conclusions are not based on political considerations, (2) prohibit the suppression or alteration of findings, and (3) permit researchers to disseminate their findings and engage with the scientific community as appropriate. Scientific integrity policies must also include a mechanism through which stakeholders may report violations of the policy. Agencies are required to submit their scientific integrity policies to the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) for approval. Approved policies must be made public, submitted to Congress, and periodically updated. Agencies may use their existing policies provided they satisfy the requirements of the bill. The Government Accountability Office must review implementation of the policies. Each agency is also required to (1) appoint a Scientific Integrity Officer, (2) establish a process for dispute resolution consistent with the scientific integrity policy, and (3) establish a specified training program for current and new employees.

Impact

The implementation of this bill would require each covered federal agency to appoint a Scientific Integrity Officer responsible for overseeing compliance with the new policies. The policies must be clear about permitted and prohibited actions, providing a structured approach for individuals, including contractors and grantees, to report violations. Agencies would be required to conduct regular training on these policies, thereby promoting a culture of transparency and accountability within scientific research.

Summary

House Bill 1106, titled the 'Scientific Integrity Act', aims to amend the America COMPETES Act by establishing specific scientific integrity policies for Federal agencies involved in scientific research. This proposed legislation underscores the necessity for science and the scientific process to guide public policy decisions across multiple sectors, including public health, environmental protection, and national security. The foundational principle of the bill is that the integrity of scientific communication and research should remain free from political, ideological, or economic external pressures, ensuring that the public can trust the information disseminated by the government.

Conclusion

Overall, HB1106 represents a significant attempt to reinforce the integrity of federally funded scientific research. By mandating clear operational guidelines and ensuring accountability through designated officers within federal agencies, the bill aims to restore public confidence in government-led scientific endeavors, address issues of misconduct, and safeguard the open exchange of scientific findings.

Contention

Critiques of the bill may stem from concerns regarding the balance between scientific independence and government oversight. Notably, there is apprehension about potential bureaucratic complexities that could arise from enforced compliance with these integrity policies. Critics might argue that overly stringent guidelines could hinder researchers' ability to publish findings expediently or could impose additional layers of administrative hurdles that detract from scientific progress.

Congress_id

119-HR-1106

Policy_area

Science, Technology, Communications

Introduced_date

2025-02-06

Latest HB1106 Activity

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

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