Press Releases

Hickenlooper, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Protect Integrity of Public Science

May 14, 2026

Hickenlooper is the only peer-reviewed scientist currently serving in the U.S. Senate

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper, along with 20 of his Senate colleagues, introduced legislation to protect public scientific research and reports from the influence of political and special interests.

“Science plays a critical part in nearly every aspect of our lives. It should be kept nonpartisan and fact-based so we can continue making groundbreaking discoveries, keeping people healthy, and maintaining U.S. leadership in research,” said Hickenlooper. 

Specifically, the Scientific Integrity Act will:

  • Formalize and reinforce policies that require federal agencies that conduct or fund scientific research to maintain clear scientific integrity principles, including establishing Scientific Integrity Officers at relevant agencies; 
  • Affirm that science dictates policy, and that scientific research should be free from the pressure of politics, ideology, or financial influence; and
  • Hold public scientists to high standards and guarantee their rights and protections under the law.

As the only peer-reviewed scientist in the U.S. Senate, Hickenlooper continues to fight efforts by the Trump administration to undermine settled science, vocalizing the importance of science in our day-to-day lives and demanding full funding for research institutions like the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR). Hickenlooper is a former geologist and a member of the U.S. Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee. 

For full text of the legislation, click HERE

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