Peters Joins Colleagues Urging President Trump to Fill Key Science Posts Throughout Administration

Press Release

Senator Gary Peters (D-MI), a member of Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, joined a group of Senators in urging President Trump to appoint well-qualified experts for critical science posts at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) and throughout the federal government.

"Science and technology are central to both the challenges and opportunities America faces in the 21st century," wrote Peters and his colleagues. "Without adequate OSTP staffing, the country will lack key insights from those with deep experience in these fields," adding, "We urge you to nominate well-qualified experts to these and other key science and technology positions within your administration. OSTP leaders must be able to fulfill the Office's mission of providing accurate, relevant and timely scientific and technological advice to the president and help ensure that federal policy is informed by sound science."

Nearly 100 days into his presidency, President Trump still has not appointed a science advisor, director for the White House OSTP, or a Chief Technology Officer. The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, which is reportedly severely short-staffed, is a critical office responsible for advising the President on scientific and technical matters related to national security, the economy, innovation, and many other aspects of American life. Earlier this month, former White House science advisor and OSTP Director John Holdren penned an op-ed explaining why it is so important that the President fill these positions.

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