Protect The National Science Board’s Independence And Credibility

CONGRESS MUST PROTECT THE INTEGRITY OF THE NATIONAL SCIENCE BOARD The integrity of the National Science Board is at risk. Recent reporting indicates that multiple members were removed before completing their fixed terms without a clear public explanation. As a constituent, I urge you to act promptly to protect the Board’s independence, continuity, and credibility, and to ensure that the structure Congress created is not weakened in practice. CONGRESS CREATED FIXED TERMS TO PRESERVE STABLE SCIENCE LEADERSHIP The National Science Board was not designed to turn over whenever political control changes. Its staggered six-year terms protect expertise, stability, and long-range scientific judgment. Fixed terms mean little if Board members can be removed for any reason or no stated reason. If Congress does not respond, fixed terms may become a formality rather than a real safeguard. THE BOARD SERVES BOTH CONGRESS AND THE PRESIDENT The Board helps guide the National Science Foundation and provides advice to both Congress and the President. That gives Congress a direct institutional interest in ensuring that the Board remains credible, independent, and able to perform its statutory role as intended. FEDERAL SCIENCE MUST RETAIN PUBLIC CONFIDENCE The National Science Foundation supports billions of dollars in federal science work and helps drive basic research, innovation, and American competitiveness. That research supports universities, local economies, businesses, jobs, and scientific breakthroughs across the country. If the Board can be abruptly reshaped without explanation, the public may question whether science policy is being guided by evidence or subject to short-term political pressure. THIS ISSUE SHOULD CONCERN BOTH PARTIES This principle should apply no matter which party controls the White House. Congress should defend the integrity of institutions it created, especially where science, national security, innovation, economic competitiveness, and long-term planning are concerned. AMERICAN INNOVATION DEPENDS ON TRUSTED SCIENCE INSTITUTIONS The United States cannot lead the world in science and technology if its research institutions are seen as subject to partisan instability. Protecting the integrity and independence of the National Science Board is essential to American innovation, economic strength, national security, and public confidence. For these reasons, I respectfully urge you to take the following actions: (1) Hold prompt oversight hearings on the removal of National Science Board members. (2) Require production of the legal justification for the removals. (3) Clarify by statute that National Science Board members may be removed only for cause. (4) Require public notice and written reasons for any future removal of Board members. (5) Take steps to restore public confidence in the Board’s independence and statutory role. (6) Require appropriate corrective action if the removals are found unlawful. Thank you.

First sent on April 25 by Bill