Stop Politicizing Science: Pass the Scientific Integrity Act

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Both the public and policymakers rely on scientific research to ensure the protections Americans want on important issues, from clean water, safe food and medicine, and consumer products that won’t harm us, to protection from extreme weather events like floods and droughts and other damaging effects of climate change. The best science-informed policies rely on the basic principle of “scientific integrity:” that the science is independent and impartial. But in the face of the Trump administration’s increasing political interference, the integrity of the conduct, communication, and management of scientific research are under threat. Let’s tell Congress to stand up for science and pass the Scientific Integrity Act, S.4545.

Background

American scientific research has a long and proud history. The founders of this nation, along with their efforts to establish a democracy, were very aware of the importance of new knowledge and scientific knowledge. This blend of political ideals and curiosity about the natural world founded a rich tradition of American scientific research that has yielded magnificent benefits and greatly expanded the boundaries of human knowledge. Until recently, Congress has exercised its Constitutional power to continue this tradition, whether by creating new federal science institutions, setting standards for scientific advancement, or allocating funding to science agencies.

Why Now?

The United States’ role as a “scientific powerhouse” is now under threat. Arbitrary funding cuts and assaults on agency independence by this administration have destabilized American scientific research, potentially setting technology, health care, and the economy back decades.

Science shapes our future. Resolving issues about the role of artificial intelligence, adapting to climate change, and even strengthening our democracy depend on sound research and scientific integrity. Now is the time to ensure that the safety of our lives, the environment, and the climate will be based on truth and not the preferences of politicians.

Jewish Perspectives

My mother made me a scientist,” recalled physicist Israel Isaac Rabi, Nobel Prize laureate. "Izzy," she would say, "did you ask a good question today?" This contemporary true Jewish midrash helps explain why we can take pride in the outsized number of Jewish Nobel laureates, especially in science and medicine.

For generations, we have exercised the habits of asking questions, learning a different alphabet, reading Torah over and over, and wrestling with its meaning through Talmudic debate. We are a people who stay up late to confront difficult questions, challenge assumptions, and attempt the seemingly impossible. “Trust but verify” is another of our mantras. We have an obligation to uncover and follow the facts, even when the process is laborious, inconvenient, or contested. When the facts are clear, our Jewish obligation is clear as well; to confront the truth and act upon it.

Learn More

White House report calls for big changes to “calcified” U.S. science system, Science.org

How the U.S. became a science superpower, UC Berkeley Letters & Science

History of Federal Science Funding, American Historical Association

Protecting American Science from Political Interference, Union of Concerned Scientists

Jewish Earth Alliance Senate Call/Comment Script

Hello. My name is [Name], and I'm a constituent from [City, State] and a member of Jewish Earth Alliance.

I'm calling to urge Senator [Name] to support the S.4545, the Scientific Integrity Act, and to push for a hearing on this bill.

This bill protects federal scientists from political interference and retaliation, and requires agencies to keep research and data free from censorship or manipulation. That matters to me because I rely on trustworthy federal science, whether it’s weather forecasts, climate research, food safety, or clean air and water standards.

From January 2025 to August of this year, there were over 604 documented attacks on federal science, disrupting public health research and weakening protections people rely on every day.

As a Jew, I believe that the wisdom of how to repair ourselves, our society, and the world emerges from both science and religion. 

A hearing would help build momentum and give this bill the attention it needs to move forward. Can I count on you to support the Scientific Integrity Act bill, S.4545, and push for a hearing?

Please let me know how you intend to vote on this bill. Thank you.

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