ACS Legislation: Informing Congress about Chemistry
Less than 5 percent of the 535 members of Congress have backgrounds in science and engineering. Yet every day, legislators like yours are asked to make important decisions that affect our nation's scientific enterprise. You can help them make informed decisions by participating in the American Chemical Society's (ACS) government affairs programs. These programs include Contact Congress Week, the Legislative Action Network (LAN), and Local Section Government Affairs Committees.
Contact Congress Week (Feb. 18–22) is an opportune time for ACS members and local sections to meet with U.S. legislators in their district offices, attend town hall meetings, or host events at their research facilities. In 2008, Contact Congress Week will focus on issues relating to math and science education and federal support for research and development.
ACS members can become their legislator's "face of science" by joining the LAN. The LAN is a Web-based political involvement program that gives you an easy, effective way to voice opinions on legislation that affects issues such as federal research and K–12 science education. For decades ACS has been a respected source of information and advocacy on Capitol Hill. Often this input is provided in formal testimony before committees and panels that make decisions on spending and legislation relating to science and engineering. However, just as important, members of Congress listen to their constituents and value their timely input. That's where you can play a valuable role as a member of the LAN.
It's free and simple, and done entirely via the Web. But more to the point, by participating in the LAN, chemists can impact federal policies critical to chemistry and our nation. Please register to become a member of the LAN.
In 2006, the ACS Office of Legislative and Government Affairs (OLGA) made a strong effort to reenergize the Local Section Government Affairs Committee program. This program had been struggling, with only 25 of the Society's local sections having government affairs committees. At the end of 2006, 42 local sections had committees. Currently, 64 local sections have committees. These committees are a high priority for OLGA, since meetings between chemists and legislators "back home" are often the most effective in advancing ACS positions and are an important part of OLGA issue campaigns. In addition, such meetings are an important step for ACS members when developing long-term relationships with their elected officials.
- ACS identifies, trains, and supports Local Section Government Affairs Committees to advance positions with priority legislators through district meetings and other forums.
- Ideally, a government affairs committee consists of three or four ACS local leaders, with student and professional representation from academia and industry. OLGA staff assistance depends upon the ACS members' past experience with congressional visits, the legislator's profile, and the issue.
If you would like to participate in Contact Congress Week, the Legislative Action Network, or Local Section Government Affairs Committees, please contact the ACS Office of Legislative and Government Affairs at 1-800-227-5558, ext. 4386, or