Issue Position: Science and Technology

Issue Position

Issue Position: Science and Technology

Solid scientific research and a state-of-the-art technological infrastructure are vital components of the health and economic well-being of Illinois and the nation. It's important to keep scientific research free of political interference. We also need to continually invest in science and technology to maintain American innovation and keep pace with the rest of the world.

Stem Cell Research

Our nation needs a greater investment in stem cell research. Millions of people with debilitating diseases and disabilities could one day benefit from embryonic stem-cell therapy or the therapies that come from stem cell-based research. The potential of this research is giving hope to those with Parkinson's disease, diabetes, spinal cord injuries, autoimmune diseases, osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, and cancer, among others.

The Bush Administration's current policy is causing the United States to fall behind in the global race for stem cell therapies, endangering our status as the world's frontrunner for medical research, and denying the promise of treatment to millions of sick Americans. Many countries have fewer restrictions on embryonic stem cell research than the United States. We cannot compete globally without the full support of the federal government, which is the primary source of funds for basic biomedical research. Other sources of funding, such as private and state-based funding, are beneficial, but they cannot compensate for the current limits on federally funded research. We must be ethical in our pursuit of medical breakthroughs for families suffering from disease, and I support legislation to ensure that such guidelines are firmly in place.

Broadband

One of my top priorities in the area of rural development is promoting the expansion of high-speed, high-quality Internet service in rural areas. Like good roads, schools, and hospitals, broadband access is a critical piece of infrastructure which impacts local health, educational, and economic outcomes. Internet access also affects our ability to remain nationally competitive; towns and communities without broadband access are at a competitive disadvantage.

I am fighting to bring resources to Illinois to expand existing broadband networks and to create new networks. I am also the lead sponsor of federal legislation to create statewide public/private partnerships to map and provide service to under-served areas. In this era of technology dependence, broadband access is no longer a luxury. It is an economic necessity to which all residents of the state should have access.

Scientific Integrity

Scientists and staff performing federally funded research need to be able to freely share the results of their work with the American public. Unfortunately, in the current Administration, some political appointees have exerted unprecedented authority in reviewing and changing important documents when the science appears not to support Administration policy. I am working to end political influence on the way scientific research is reported and discussed.

For example, I introduced legislation in the last Congress that would restore scientific integrity to the federal government by prohibiting political interference in federally-funded science, protecting whistleblowers and requiring all agencies to report annually to Congress on any scientific integrity issues that arise. I also amended a bill on the Senate floor to ensure scientific advisory committee candidates are not asked to disclose their political affiliation, opinions or voting history. When the federal government seeks expert medical and technical advice, it should look for the very best experts, regardless of their political affiliation and views.

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