Lobbying Law Should Not Hinder Science Advocacy, Observers Say

Advocacy, Observers Say conveying benefits of research. LET'S LOBBY: William Wells calls lobbying "perfectly legitimate" and urges scientists "to be at the table". Science lobbyists maintain that a new federal lobbying-reform law will not impede their advocacy efforts in Washington, D.C. What does worry them, however, is that many scientists still do not realize the importance of speaking to policy-makers and the public about the benefits of science and the importance of funding it. The Lobb

Written byThomas Durso

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Advocacy, Observers Say conveying benefits of research.

LET'S LOBBY: William Wells calls lobbying "perfectly legitimate" and urges scientists "to be at the table".

Science lobbyists maintain that a new federal lobbying-reform law will not impede their advocacy efforts in Washington, D.C. What does worry them, however, is that many scientists still do not realize the importance of speaking to policy-makers and the public about the benefits of science and the importance of funding it.

The Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995, passed overwhelmingly by the House and Senate and signed enthusiastically by President Clinton, took effect January 1. Among its requirements are that lobbyists register with Congress and report for whom they lobby and how much they receive for such activities (see story on page 9).

The measure marks the first reform of lobbying in 40 years. Supporters cheered its passage and claimed it would clean up lobbyist-lawmaker interaction, a relationship ...

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