Category Archives: Congress

Algorithms, China, Congress, and us

Most of what you read in the news about Congress’s activities these days focuses on the debt limit, the infrastructure bill, reconciliation and generally passing bills to accomplish Biden’s legislative agenda to Build Back Better. Oh, and then there is … Continue reading

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What you missed over the summer—Part 2

  I know that most of you reading this are or will be teaching this fall and that probably means in-person for the first time in a while (and all the academic and emotional implications this carries), and with mask … Continue reading

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Washington Update on the first months of the Biden presidency and new Congress

  We are now a few months into the Biden/Harris administration, and the 117th Congress. Here is a quick overview of some highlights for the math community. Legislation President Joe Biden signed a \$1.9 trillion pandemic response package into law … Continue reading

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The massive omnibus funding bill and what it means for the math community

  As always, this post reflects only my own views. This post is a bit late. In the days before Christmas, President Trump signed into law final appropriations of \$1.4 trillion for fiscal year 2021 (FY21). This includes roughly \$900 … Continue reading

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COVID & Racism, their effects on the university scientific enterprise and what Congress is doing (or not doing) about them

  What a summer we have had. The killing of George Floyd and others has sparked renewed outrage over systemic racism in our country. Protests and demonstrations across the nation are calling for real change. The pandemic continues unabated at … Continue reading

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Remembering John Lewis; African Americans in Congress

  Over the past two months we have seen renewed energy to address systemic racism in this country. This is very good and I am ever-optimistic that we can make many small steps forward, and maybe even some larger ones. … Continue reading

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Which Members of Congress have a say over the NSF?

Another shutdown has been avoided. Science did well in the final deal, and this includes \$8.1 billion for the NSF for the fiscal year 2019 (FY2019); this is the first time the NSF has received appropriations over \$8 billion and … Continue reading

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The election outcome and what it means for mathematicians

  This post contains three parts: a long section on the newly elected members of Congress and the potential committee shake-ups that will affect the NSF and other science agencies; a shorter section on redistricting legislation that passed on November … Continue reading

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Good news! Great reports now available to all!

  CRS reports are now public!! What in the world is she talking about, you ask? What is “CRS” and who cares about their reports? Please do read on….. Say you want to learn more about the role of the … Continue reading

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Recess in Washington; Science Appropriations Update

August is normally a time when all Congressional members return to their home districts. In DC, their staff members continue to work – meeting constituents, drafting legislation – and they have the opportunity to take more reflective time to consider … Continue reading

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