CLS "Capitol Hill Day" a Great Success

On September 16, the Coalition for the Life Sciences (CLS) had the opportunity to bring 18 of its grassroots members to Capitol Hill to meet with their federal representatives. The participating scientists ranged in career level from post-doc to faculty member to department chair. Participants came from as far as California and as close as Georgetown University in Washington, DC.

Capitol Hill Days are a unique opportunity to experience first hand the inner-workings of the Federal government. Participants had the opportunity to discuss their research and relate its impact on the nation’s economy, as well as educate Members of Congress on the importance of funding the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation in order to advance biomedical research. Most importantly, it is an opportunity for researchers to thank their elected officials for their ongoing support and commitment to the scientific enterprise.

The day began early in the morning with a “boot camp” breakfast at which CLS Director Lynn Marquis briefed participants on how to conduct a meeting with Members of Congress. The boot camp is designed to ensure that the day’s meetings are effective and worthwhile. At boot camp, participants had the opportunity to review the CLS’ talking points, answer any remaining questions, and participate in a practice meeting.

The CLS arranged more than 30 meetings for the participants throughout the day with Members of Congress or their key health staff. The participating scientists emphasized the importance of maintaining a dependable and sustainable level of support for the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation, especially given the “cliff” in available dollars that will occur when funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act ceases at the end of eighteen months.

Participants had the opportunity to attend a luncheon briefing of the Congressional Biomedical Research Caucus (CBRC). Dr. Shelley Carson of Harvard University was the featured speaker and spoke on the topic “Does Aging Bring Wisdom?” The CBRC presents several scientific briefings throughout the year in order to inform and educate Congress about the advances made by our investment in medical research. Seventy five Members of the House of Representatives and nine Members of the Senate comprise the CBRC membership with Brian Bilbray (R-CA), Michael Castle (R-DE), Jackie Speier (D-CA), and Rush Holt (D-NJ) serving as co-chairs.

All Capitol Hill participants came away with a new-found appreciation for the intricacies of the workings of the federal government and the legislative process that governs science and research funding policy. Now, the participants can be more comfortable as active scientific citizens and engage their elected officials at home in their district, as well as making it a point to visit when they happen to be in Washington, DC.