M-36 Scientific researchers

That, in the opinion of the House, federal departments and agencies conducting scientific research should identify, develop, and implement communication policies that: (a) actively support and encourage federal scientists to speak freely to the media and the public about scientific and technical matters based on their official research, including scientific and technical ideas, approaches, findings, and conclusions; (b) allow federal scientists to present viewpoints that incorporate their expert or personal opinions provided that they specify that they are not speaking on behalf of, or as a representative of, their department or agency; (c) ensure that public affairs or communications officers, elected officials, and Ministerial staff do not restrict, limit, or prevent federal scientists from responding to media requests in a timely and accurate manner; (d) prohibit public affairs or communications officers, elected officials, and Ministerial staff from directing federal scientists to suppress or alter their findings; and (e) affirm the right of federal scientists to review, approve, and comment publicly on the final version of any proposed publication that significantly relies on their research, identifies them as an author or contributor, or purports to represent their scientific opinion.