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Foster Introduces Legislation to Improve Government Access to Scientific Information

November 12, 2019

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 will 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), Congressman Jerry McNerney (D-CA), and Congresswoman Dina Titus (D-NV).

"In order to make well-informed policy decisions, federal agencies need to be equipped with up-to-date information, especially scientific literature," said Congressman Foster. "Many 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."

"Technology is rapidly evolving. It's essential that the federal government and federal workers have access to vital scientific data and literature to perform their jobs effectively," said Congressman Takano. "I've teamed up with Rep. Bill Foster to introduce the WISE Government Act to provide the federal government the resources it needs to keep pace with today's emerging technologies. This is an important step toward making the federal government more tech literate and better equipped to make well-informed decisions for the American people."

"Many federal employees have a harder time accessing up to date scientific literature than employees at universities or colleges," said Congressman Quigley. "It is critical that federal agencies have the ability to use cutting-edge scientific resources to make the most well-informed decisions that can keep up with a rapidly changing world. The WISE Act is essential for making sure our employees can make the very best decisions for the wellbeing of the American public."

A copy of the bill is available here.

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