Should the NSF Charter Be Revised?

Congressman Emilio Q. Daddario (D.-Conn.) has introduced a bill (H.R. 13696) with a potential for influence upon the future of chemistry and other sciences. That bill would revise the charter of the National Science Foundation. Scientists, by their actions, political and otherwise, have a good deal of influence over where federal money for research support goes. The degree of their influence is subject to argument, but the money has much to do with where science goes. NSF is a center of battle over spending for science, and is designed to have as its charge the health and best interests of science in the U.S., as well as the progress of science in the best interests of the U.S. It needs all the strength that can reasonably be accorded its proper function. Mr. Daddario believes NSF ought to be able to speak with a strong voice as senior partner for science ...