Paul Tonko

It ensures transparency and accountability in government, which is part of our Constitutional responsibility as the U.S. Congress.

Allowing political power or special interests to manipulate or suppress Federal science hurts and hurts all of us.

I'm concerned, too, about the Union of Concerned Scientists' survey that had 50 percent across all agencies either agreed or strongly agreed that political considerations undermine science-based policymaking.

Scientific integrity is a longstanding concern that transcends any one party or political administration.

The Scientific Integrity Act is straightforward. It outlines prohibited conduct for employees of federal agencies that conduct scientific research.

The people we represent here today in Congress rely on government agencies who are there to serve the public to be able to do their job to keep people safe and healthy by using the best available data.

Instead of sidelining science, now is the time to invest more heavily in research and scientists.

So it's apparent that no matter what Administration, there's a benefit that comes by tightening up and statutorily imposing the integrity overviews that these agencies.

So if there's some sort of disagreement or whatever within agencies, can agencies actually eliminate the SI office----

If I might add to your comment, I recently attended the public statement opportunity at the agency for this given reason.

Science doesn't serve political power, it just tries to tell us the truth.

Well, I think any such bold steps would not go unnoticed by the press or this Committee, but that, in and of itself, remains very troubling.

It was American engineering, science, and pioneering resolve that went out against our Soviet rivals and put the first human footprint and American footprint on the surface of the Moon.

The fentanyl threat is unlike any drug problem we have seen before and it is going to take the totality of the Federal Government's capabilities to fight it.

With vision, resolve, and essential resources, America can always lead the way in exploration, research, and development.

I am an especially strong supporter of investing in rail, since it is an extremely energy-efficient way to move goods, while also being environmentally friendly.

Solutions require us to work together in public-private collaborations.

Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 404. ____________________

Our neighbors and low-income households pay three times more as a share of their income on energy bills than those in higher income strata. The fiscal year 2020 Energy and Water appropriations bill marks an important step to reduce that…

While it is clear that this course of action will unnecessarily harm consumers and industry, it will also compromise our public health and the environment.

This proposed rollback ignores climate science and the evidence of the devastation already flooding and burning our communities.

Instead of upholding its mission of environmental protection, EPA seems eager to tie the hands of States that are working to deal with this pollution impact.

This administration has a responsibility to recognize California as a partner and coregulator in this process.

This proposal will undermine American jobs throughout the auto supply chain.

This action would have lasting negative consequences for the American auto industry that needs certainty to compete and for consumers, who will pay more at the pump.