As we await the opening of the 2nd session of the 97th Congress [which began on Jan. 24 -- Ed.], a lull in activity affords me the chance to communicate some views on my experience as the 1981-1982 AGU Congressional Science Fellow.  In trying to avoid repetition of what previous fellows have written, I specifically refer you to the two articles written by last year's fellow Carroll Ann Hodges (Eos, 62, March 3, 1981, p. 89; 63, Feb. 2, 1982, p. 137).

Two questions naturally arise with regard to Congressional Science Fellows: Who becomes a fellow?  Why does one become a fellow?

Among the current group of fellows, approximately half are new or recent Ph.D.'s.  Of those who have been out of graduate school for a while, about half are from academic positions, a third from industry, and the remainder from government laboratories, etc.  All share an interest in the political and legislative process, but with widely varying degrees of actual experience.  A few have been involved in political campaigns; most have little real political experience.

Numerous reasons are given for becoming a fellow.  An almost universal desire to use one's particular talents to benefit the legislative decision-making process is one reason.  Fellows generally share the view that more technical information is necessary in Congress, and the direct participation of scientists and engineers is an excellent approach.

Additional motivation comes from what one expects to do after the fellowship program is completed.  Most fellows plan to use the experience to improve their employment prospects in specific areas or to expand their activities in the public sector.  Some hope to obtain regular congressional staff or committee positions.  Others hope for positions in a federal department or agency or perhaps in state government.  Still others want to work for industry in a lobbying or legislative liaison role.  And some expect to go back to their previous positions with new insights and knowledge to impart to colleagues, students, etc.

Finally, the fellowship is viewed as an opportunity to learn, firsthand, how decisions are made and how policies are formulated.  Fellows participate in the integration of technical information into the legislative process, and they see how technical information is weighed against other considerations when votes are cast.

Regardless of motivation, fellows agree that their year on Capitol Hill is educational, exciting, and satisfying.  Although it is usually impossible to pinpoint any effect we may have on the system, it seems clear that there is some, and that the gradual build-up of scientists with congressional experience will benefit the country and science.  Of equal importance is the exposure of Members of Congress to scientists on a more proximate basis so that they can understand better the scientific approach to problems.  Even though the fellowship programs will educate only a very small fraction of the scientific community in the ways of legislation and politics, a much larger proportion of Congress will get exposed to scientific thinking.

How does a fellow select a position?

Carroll Ann Hodges describes this process quite well.  I will add just a few observations.  If one has a particular 'agenda,' or area of interest, the committee system provides a welcome focus for the search process.  Members or senators who serve on particular committees have interests or responsibilities reflected in their committee assignments.  Although they may have staff to cover those areas, it is possible to find a situation where your expertise and assistance are welcome, or with luck, you may find a gap in staffing.  Alternatively, committee staffs can almost always use extra help.

My interest in energy and environment gave me a wide range of options.  There was also a great demand for someone with an energy background, and only one or two of the group of 34 fellows had that focus.  Consequently, it was a matter of choosing from a number of attractive possibilities.  Ultimately,  I chose to serve with a member of the House who is on the Energy and Commerce Committee and on the subcommittees on Fossil and Synthetic Fuels and Energy Conservation and Power.

Congressman Al Swift is from the Second District of Washington State, comprising the area west of the Cascade crest and north of Seattle to the Canadian border.  Since my graduate education was at the University of Washington, I had some knowledge of the area and its particular characteristics.

Swift was the House sponsor of the Pacific Northwest Electric Power Planning and Conservation Act, which provides a regional mechanism for electric power planning that emphasizes cost effective measures and gives top priority to conservation.  His involvement in this legislation, and his position on the energy subcommittees were important considerations in my choice.  The fact that he is a moderate, pragmatic legislator was also a factor.  Finally, the office had just lost their principal staffer in the energy area, so there was an opening.

Since joining the office I have acted as the legislative assistant on energy and am essentially a full-fledged member of the staff.  From conversations with other fellows, I would say this is probably not generally the case.  I was quite lucky to find a receptive congressman and staff where a position needed filling.  The essence of the search process is to locate such situations.

I will be communicating more in the future about my activities on the Hill.  For now, I must get back to clearing the pile of material that accumulated over Christmas break.

George Shaw, AGU's fifth Congressional Fellow.

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