Technology Assessment Service for Congress Explored

With technology's pervasiveness and important role in most aspects of the policy agenda before Congress, the need for accurate, nonpartisan information on technology may never have been greater. Two approaches to meeting the need were the topic of Technology Assessment: Identifying the Needs of Congress, a recent forum co-hosted by ASME International and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).



The forum provided an opportunity for an exchange of information on technology assessment legislation currently proposed in the House and Senate. Forum speakers included Rep. Rush Holt (D-NJ); Jonathan Epstein, Congressional Fellow, Senator Jeff Bingaman's (D-NM) office; and, Amy Fraenkel, Counsel, U.S. Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee. Attendees included representatives from various scientific, engineering and technology organizations.



There are currently two bills pending in Congress that would help address the need for improved technology assessment for Congress. Rep. Holt has introduced H.R. 2148 to reauthorize the Congressional Office of Technology Assessment, and Senator Ernest F. Hollings (D-SC) has introduced legislation to establish a "Science and Technology Assessment Service."

ASME's Council on Public Affairs recently issued a position statement supporting the development of improved mechanisms to provide timely, accurate and unbiased information to the Congress on issues involving science, engineering and technology. The position statement, Establishment of a Technology Assessment Arm of Congress (#02-18), is available to review at http://www.asme.org/gric/ps/ps02.html  For more information, please contact Reese Meisinger, Director, Public Affairs at meisingerr@asme.org.