Scientific Integrity Act
Key claim: Federal agencies funding or conducting scientific research would be required to establish approved scientific integrity policies preventing political interference and appoint dedicated Scientific Integrity Officers.
Abstract
(HR849 · 117th Congress) Scientific Integrity Act This bill revises provisions regarding the release of scientific research results by federal agencies. Each agency that funds, conducts, or oversees scientific research must (1) adopt and enforce a scientific integrity policy that includes requirements such as that scientific conclusions are not based on political considerations, and (2) submit such policy to the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) for approval. Each agency must make such policy available to the public and submit such policy to Congress. Agencies and the OSTP must periodically review the policies. The Government Accountability Office shall review implementation of the policies. Each agency shall (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. Latest action (2021-02-04): Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
Why this matters
The proposal would put agency scientific integrity policies, dedicated oversight officers, and dispute mechanisms on a statutory footing, creating requirements for agencies that fund or conduct research. For researchers, its practical significance is proposed protection against political interference and a mechanism for addressing integrity disputes, rather than a change in funding levels or grant mechanisms; it remains introduced legislation.