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.
Getting Ready:
A Quick Guide
To Meeting with Your Legislators
Before meeting with a Member of Congress, it is helpful to know a few basic facts about the legislator and the district. This page provides a quick guide to gathering that information along with some general talking points for a Congressional meeting. When planning a meeting, do not be discouraged if you meet with a staff person instead of your lawmaker; members of staff handle policy issues and will communicate your views to your legislator.
Knowing something about the Member will give you some idea about how to approach your conversation. Of particular interest are the Member's background, party, ideology, voting record, tenure in Congress, and whether the Member belongs to a Committee that plays a role in biomedical research funding or other issues.
You can locate biographical information on the Member from one or more of the websites listed at the bottom of this page. As you read, keep in mind how the factors listed below may shape the Member's view on research issues.
About the Legislator
Biography
- Name
- Party Affiliation (Democrat/Republican/Independent)
- Ideology (liberal/conservative/moderate)
- Educational background
- Year elected
District Information
- Research institutions in the district
- Type of district (urban/suburban/rural/mix)
- Major industries and other large employers
Positions in Congress
- Committee Assignments
- Leadership Positions (committees chaired, etc.)
Research Connections
- Public positions on biomedical research issues
- Personal connection to biomedical research
General Talking Points
- As a researcher, I appreciate the support Congress has provided for biomedical research through the NIH, NSF, VA, NASA, and other agencies.
- Ample scientific opportunities remain to justify sustained funding growth in all biological sciences across all agencies.
- Medical progress continues to depend upon the use of animal models of humane diseases. Researchers recognize that humane care of animals is essential to sound scientific research.
- Thanks for your time, and I invite you to contact me in the future on medical research issues.
Web Links for Congressional Biographies
- For a quick overview try The FASEB Legislative Action Center (includes biographies and key bioscience legislation votes)
- For official biographies look at the Member's website under