Science, policy, and partisan politics

Congressional report fuels debate over science and decision making

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The Bush administration has repeatedly manipulated the scientific process and distorted or suppressed scientific findings to advance political and ideological interests, according to a report by House democrats.

Rep. Henry Waxman (D-Calif.) last week released a report prepared by the minority staff of the House Committee on Government Reform, of which he is ranking member. The report and an accompanying Web site were created to expose the administration's "political interference with science," which Waxman claims has led to misleading statements, inaccurate responses to Congress, altered public Web sites, suppressed agency reports, and the gagging of scientists.

"These actions go far beyond the typical shifts in policy that occur with a change" in administrations, the report states. Alleged beneficiaries of Bush's "scientific distortions are important supporters of the president, including social conservatives and powerful industry groups."

The White House charges that Waxman's report was riddled with errors and was politically motivated. ...

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  • Ted Agres

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