What difference would it make to science, or to scientists in America, if the Democrats took control of the House of Representatives?

Credit: K. DIETSCH/UPI/NEWSCOM

The atmosphere in Washington is more politically partisan than I have seen in half a century, and it even affects things like science. I've never believed that science is completely removed from policy or politics. But many scientists would say they are appalled at the way a political game has been made of science, such as intelligent design in the schools, where both the president and some in Congress have said that both this and evolution should be taught. And climate change — until very recently it's been difficult to get anyone to acknowledge that there is climate change and that there is any connection with human activity.

Are scientific issues arising as issues in campaigns around the country?

Not as major issues, but in my district there is a kind of frustration that we've been unable to deal with energy problems — it might be high fuel prices, but somewhere in the voters' minds it is connected with a failure to find alternatives to fossil fuels, and a failure to listen to scientific analysis on climate change and that sort of thing.

Do the Democrats have a programme for science, technology and education — and, if so, what is it?

It may not be as well known or as well understood as we would wish. We do have a good message ['The Innovation Agenda'] released six or eight months ago. It calls for nationwide broadband, a greater investment in research and greatly increasing the number of trained science teachers in the schools.

But isn't it true that, historically, Republicans are likely to spend more money on research and development?

The president has acknowledged that the physical sciences have languished, but in the latest budget, not much has come through. So I'm not willing to elevate him to the hall of fame.

What about involving the public in decision-making? A lot of discussion happens in Europe but it doesn't seem to get much traction in the United States.

I think it is fair to say, and unfortunate to note, that the public is not driving the science agenda. I wish they were. In the United States we have found ourselves in a position where the public says, 'science is for the scientists, but not for me'. Not often do any non-science or non-engineering constituents come to me with science or technology on their list, and I imagine that's true for other members of Congress as well.

You've said that most people in Congress tend to view science as a special interest, albeit an intelligent one. Have you seen much change in how Congress views science?

The public's appreciation of science is no better, and maybe a little worse, than a decade ago. In official Washington, scientific subjects have become really politicized. There should be debate about the policy that is derived from science. But, historically, if science puts limits on the choices that are possible, the politicians would accept that. Now, by treating science as just another topic to be dealt with ideologically, or to be part of political trades, they will even ignore the laws of science.

You decided not to seek a berth on the science committee but to look to more general committees instead. Was that a good choice?

The greatest need here is for scientific expertise in those areas that are not obviously scientific. On funding for NASA or for Antarctic research, we get pretty good scientific advice. But on 'how do we get reliable elections' or 'what is the effect of good transportation planning', which are to most Americans not obviously scientific, we have the greatest need.

Do you find your fellow congressmen receptive to a bit of scientific knowledge?

Yes. People will listen to me on some subjects more than just an average colleague. Am I as influential as I'd like to be? No — but I work at it.

What is your proudest achievement in the Congress?

It has nothing to do with science, and it is not even easy to describe. But it is building a sense of respect for government, or to put it another way, beating back the cynicism about government, at least within my own district.