Ongoing concern over the politicization of science got a helping hand Wednesday evening, as the House of Representatives easily passed the Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act of 2007. The bill grants government scientists protection from retribution when they report waste, fraud, or the manipulation or suppression of science stemming from government agencies. (Vioxx, anyone?)
Quoting the Huffington Post, Nick Anthis from Scientific Activist notes that the bill received 94 No votes – 0 from Democrats, 94 from Republicans. He asks:
I won't blame him, but the bill provides whistleblower protections for all federal employees, including intelligence analysts from the CIA, FBI, and NSA. If the bill were solely focused on protecting federally funded scientists, I might agree with Nick's conclusion. As it is, though, I don't think this provides a credible argument that Republicans – or at least the Bush lackeys – are largely anti-science. (Instances certainly exist, just not here.)
Most opponents seemed more concerned about (debatable) national security fears than allowing scientists to speak freely. Read the debate and let me know what you think.
This Is Me Banging My Head Against the Wall [Scientific Activist]
