Katz on Science
Advice
to Congress
James E. Katz, a former congressional committee
staffer later employed by Bellcore, published a very informative article entitled
"Science, Technology, and Congress," in the May/June 1993 issue of Society,
in which he offers the following obversation to help explain why science advice as
typically given is not always used or useful to Members of Congress:
Members of Congress need good science advice, but
their lifestyles makes it hard to get it to them. First, they are the targets of thousands
of groups in and out of government who want to shape their opinions, actions, and votes.
These groups devote millions of hours and dollars to their pursuit of Members of Congress,
who then often feel swamped with information. One study of Congressional habits concluded
that the average Member has only eleven minutes per day for reading and even less
time for reflective thinking. Yet somehow they must deal with the vast array of
national and local issues and assay or dismiss the information they receive so they can
take a position, no matter how firmly or ephemerally held.
Emphasis added
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Last Updated: April 13, 1999 |