The Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB) wrote to all members of the House of Representatives expressing its opposition to the Government Spending Accountability (GSA) Act (HR 4631).
Because it reduces taxpayer funding for conferences. Accountability always works that way; it's great for someone else.
They claim to support the bill's goal and the desire to ensure that federal agencies are using their resources responsibly and efficiently but FASEB President Judith S. Bond PhD believes that, "if adopted, HR 4631 would impede the professional development of government scientists, hamper the ability of research agency staff to monitor scientific developments and make appropriate funding decisions based on new research, and reduce communication among researchers."
In addition, she pointed out that "this bill would also place new restrictions on the ability of federal agencies to support conferences aimed at advancing the national research agenda."
The FASEB letter states that it is important for federal agencies to support scientific meetings and conferences. Many volunteer-led organizations serving patients, the public, and the research community administer multiple conferences per year.
Bond emphasized the value of these meetings to the government and the public. "These conferences facilitate the public dissemination of research findings and support the training and professional development of the next generation of scientists.
By partnering with private organizations, federal agencies are able to reach broader audiences at a lower cost while promoting the public private partnership that has been a key part of the successful research enterprise."