WASHINGTON (February 6, 2025) – Today, a bipartisan group of U.S. representatives introduced the Scientific Integrity (SI) Act. The SI Act is a crucial piece of legislation that would safeguard federal science from political interference by requiring federal agencies that fund, conduct or oversee scientific research to maintain clear and enforceable policies preventing the suppression or alteration of scientific findings for political or financial gain.
Political actors have long attempted to sideline or alter science for ideological, financial or political purposes. Previous administrations have halted critical research, altered scientific reports and appointed unqualified people to science leadership roles. The SI Act would protect science, the scientific process, and the communication of science from political, ideological or financial conflicts of interest and ensure science is used to serve the public.
Below is a statement by Dr. Jennifer Jones, director of the Center for Science and Democracy at the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS).
“The need for the Scientific Integrity Act has never been more urgent. In his first weeks in office, President Trump has shown a blatant disregard for science and the expertise of scientists. The Scientific Integrity Act would ensure scientific evidence, not the political and economic ambitions of President Trump and his self-interested allies, informs federal decision-making.
“In his first administration, President Trump repeatedly ignored facts and used faulty science to carry out his policy goals, including restricting birth control, lifting restrictions on pollutants associated with lung damage, birth defects and death, and shutting down studies examining how common chemicals harm children.
“Federal scientists work to ensure people can breathe clean air and have access to clean water, safe food and medicine, and consumer products that won't harm us. They also help protect the public from extreme weather events, which are worsening due to climate change. Additionally, they work to address the disproportionate amounts of pollution harming historically marginalized communities. We need to protect the work they’re doing for all of us. The Scientific Integrity Act would protect science and scientists and ensure that research is independent, uncensored and easily accessible to the public.
“We call on Congress to swiftly pass the Scientific Integrity Act to ensure federal scientists are free to do their work without political interference or industry pressure regardless of who is in the White House. The public deserves policies that protect public health, safety and the environment that are based on the best available science, not political or financial interests. The future of fact-based policy depends on this legislation.”