Higher Ed Reacts with Shock and Condemnation as Trump Incites Mob to Terrorize U.S. CapitolHorror, shock, and calls for peace reverberated on Wednesday as college leaders, along with the rest of the nation, watched a violent mob—incited by President Trump—disrupt a key moment in the peaceful transfer of power in the nation’s capital. Throngs of rioters streamed into the Capitol, halting the certification of the 2020 presidential election for hours and scattering lawmakers and their staffs. The repudiation of the mayhem came from all corners of higher education. Scores of college presidents spoke out. More than 200 political scientists called for Trump’s immediate removal from office. Education Secretary Betsy DeVos, one of the longest-serving members of Trump’s cabinet, called for an end to the “disruptions and violence.” ( The Chronicle of Higher Education - Jan. 6, 2021)
*** See also, the following related news items:
| |
U.S. Law Sets Stage for Boost to Artificial Intelligence Research
The National Artificial Intelligence Initiative Act (NAIIA) of 2020, which became law last week, aims to bolster AI activities at more than a dozen agencies. Its directives include a study of how to create a national research cloud that would build on CloudBank[, an NSF-funded effort . . . that subsidizes access to commercial cloud services]. It also calls for an expansion of a network of research institutes launched last summer, and the creation of a White House AI office and an advisory committee to monitor those efforts. The NAIIA authorizes spending but doesn’t appropriate money. If funded, however, it would significantly ramp up federal AI investments. ( Science Magazine - Jan. 6, 2021)
| |
House, Space, Science, and Technology Leaders Introduce the "Supporting Early-Career Researchers Act"
House Space, Science, and Technology Committee Chair Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX) and Ranking Member Frank Lucas (R-OK) on Monday introduced H.R. 144, the “ Supporting Early-Career Researchers Act.” The measure would create a new program at the National Science Foundation to help prevent the loss of research talent as a result of the pandemic. “We must act now to avoid losing an entire generation of talented scientists and engineers from our research pipeline,” Johnson said of the measure while calling for bipartisan support. In the 116th Congress, the committee held a hearing on the previous version of H.R. 144 and H.R. 7308, the “Research Investment to Spark the Economy Act.” ( Association of American Universities - Jan. 6, 2021)
| |
Trump’s New Rule Restricting EPA’s Use of Certain Science Could Have Short Life
President Donald Trump’s administration yesterday finalized a controversial rule that would make it more difficult for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to use major health studies to guide pollution regulations. But the new rule—which has been fiercely opposed by the scientific community—could have a short life. The apparent victory by Democrats yesterday in two Senate races in Georgia is expected to give the party control of the U.S. Senate, and lawmakers could use a rarely invoked law to revoke the rule by a simple majority vote. Health scientists have warned that the new EPA policy, which has been under development for years and takes effect today, will interfere with current and future research if it stays in place. ( Science Magazine - Jan. 6, 2021)
| |
Follow the Office of Federal Relations on Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube!
| |
|