Bioscience Briefing
For info about biomedical funding, animal research and other bioscience issues, click here.
Legislation Watch
So-called "Pet Safety Bills" don't protect pets but they do pose a threat to medical research. More information
Science Policy Announcements
For the latest news from the APS Science Policy click here.
Resource Book Now Available
Click here for more info on The APS Resource Book for the Design of Animal Exercise Protocols.
How to Contact Congress
Scheduling and preparing for a meeting
Personal meetings in their Washington, DC or home district offices are very effective ways to communicate your views and establish relationships with your elected representatives. To set up a meeting, call the lawmaker's office, tell them who you are, and that you'd like to set up a meeting with your representative or the staff member who handles the issue you'd like to address. Office personnel are used to taking such calls, and will do their best to accommodate your request. Busy schedules often keep lawmakers from being able to meet with their constituents personally, but members of their staff handle policy issues and will communicate your views to their bosses.
To prepare for your meeting, make sure you know what message you want to communicate. Is there a specific bill that you want them to vote for or against? Do they hold a view that you disagree with, and you'd like a chance to explain your perspective as a scientist? Make sure you are prepared to explain the issue in terms that a non-scientist can understand, and tell them clearly and concisely why you are there. It can also be helpful to know your legislators' record on the issue you are there to discuss. To learn how your elected officials have voted on recent issues of interest to the research community, go to http://capwiz.com/faseb/home/ and search for your lawmakers.
The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB) has produced a training video on how to advocate on Capitol Hill, available from its advocacy tips page. It can give you a good idea of what to expect and how to present your point of view.