The Issue: To ensure the work of federal scientists will not be subject to political manipulation there needs to be transparency in the decision-making process.

Why it Matters: Independent science is critical to protecting public and environmental health. For example, suppression and distortion of scientific research led the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to approve drugs such as Vioxx, Avandia, and Ketek that later proved to be harmful. More transparency in the decision-making process is needed at all federal agencies to ensure that the work of federal government scientists is not misused. Transparency will help expose manipulation of science and make other political appointees think twice before altering or distorting scientific documents. 

The Solution: The scientific rationale for decisions that are based on science, such as the decision to approve a prescription drug or list a species on the endangered species list, should be made public. Also, the name of each officer or employee who participated in the decision should be public. If scientists have significant concerns about the decision they should have the opportunity to make their concerns public. The public deserves an explanation about why they concerns of scientists have been ignored if the decision is supposed to be based on science.

Recently, the president signed into law legislation that will open to scrutiny the way the FDA reviews drugs and monitors drug safety. The law requires the agency to publicize the documents leading up to the drug approval, as well as whether there was any dissent and from whom. This will help ensure that the FDA relies on scientific research in making decisions about new drugs. View the UCS press release to learn more.