Lawmakers Urge POTUS to Nominate OSTP Director Amid Ethical Concerns
This article features Government Accountability Project’s whistleblower client, Rachel Wallace, and was originally published here.
Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, urged President Biden on Monday to submit a nominee to direct the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP). The request comes after committee leadership sent a bipartisan letter in recent weeks requesting the White House attempt to fill the position as soon as possible.
Since President Biden took office, OSTP has taken on several priorities, including reinvigorating government processes for scientific integrity, preparing for future pandemics, and exploring the implications of artificial intelligence on human rights. Yet, controversy surrounding the office’s leadership and recent reports of ethical violations have largely overshadowed these initiatives.
Since Eric Lander resigned in February amid allegations of bullying and a hostile work environment, Alondra Nelson has served as the acting director of OSTP. However, Senator Wicker contended that OSTP continues to experience a toxic workplace, despite Lander’s resignation, given reports from employees.
“Until this post is filled, OSTP’s leadership will be encumbered by the lingering allegations of misconduct against Dr. Lander and the senior leadership that still remains at OSTP,” Senator Wicker wrote, “If the...
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