For the last several years, there have been growing indications of systematic challenges
and threats at the federal level to the integrity of the scientific process using a variety of
strategies and tactics. Independent government review organizations and advisory boards
have been disbanded. Access to data and information has been reduced. Federal scientists
have been muzzled. Scientific reputations, rather than scientific evidence itself, have been
questioned. Scientific analyses and conclusions, prepared within federal agencies or by
people outside of government, have been changed for political and ideological reasons by
people who have not done the scientific work. Work by partisan organizations has been
substituted for work by non-partisan scientists.

The Pacific Institute and its Integrity of Science program has been cataloging and
evaluating threats in the areas of environmental problems, energy policy, human health,
and national security. My testimony today will offer a framework (see Table 1, below)
for better understanding and categorizing these threats. I also offer a few specific
examples and cases that may offer some insights into how Congress might act to once
again support the use of science in informing and setting policy.