Foster Introduces Legislation to Make Scientific Resources Available to Employees at Federal Agencies

Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) introduced the Well-Informed, Scientific, & Efficient (WISE) Government Act to better equip federal agencies with the scientific literature necessary to make well-informed policy decisions. This legislation would require the Government Services Administration to work with the Library of Congress, agency libraries, and government information services to identify ways to make accessing scientific literature more efficient and to identify short and long-term solutions. The WISE Government Act is cosponsored by Congressman Mark Takano (D-CA), Congressman Mike Quigley (D-IL), and Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC).

"To be able to make well-informed policy decisions, it’s essential that federal agencies are equipped with the most up-to-date information, especially scientific literature," said Congressman Foster. "It’s unacceptable that employees at federal agencies have a harder time accessing scientific literature than employees at most large universities. This must change if we are serious about growing our economy, promoting innovation, and creating a better world for hardworking Americans. The WISE Government Act will help employees at agencies such as the Department of Defense, EPA, State Department, NASA and others access the latest scientific data in an efficient manner."

“Smart policymaking requires access to the best possible information available. That's why I'm proud to join Rep. Bill Foster to reintroduce the WISE Government Act. This bill will ensure federal agencies on the frontlines of some of our most challenging issues—from national security threats to climate change—have access to the scientific literature they need. This type of practical legislation should be a no-brainer to pass," said Congressman Takano.

A copy of the legislation is available here.

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