Issue 21 (November 29)

The National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine’s (NASEM) Committee on Population (CPOP) and Committee on National Statistics (CNSTAT) are leading a consensus study to identify gaps in knowledge on the influences on economic and social mobility in the U.S. Recognizing the prevalence of inequalities in income, wealth, health, and life across the U.S., the study will seek to understand how such inequalities are influenced by policy interventions and how they vary across different population groups. NASEM invites nominations for individuals to serve on the committee. Expertise is sought in the following areas: economics, sociology, demography, statistics/methodology, psychology, political science, public policy, evaluation, and population geography. Nominations will close on December 16.

While some races still need to be called, notably, the Senate race in Georgia, there are some things we can be certain about now that we are past the November midterm elections. For example, come January 3 and the swearing-in of the 118^th Congress:

• Republicans will take control of the House of Representatives for the first time since 2018.
• Even with the change in party in the House and the still unknown outcome in the Senate, razor thin party margins will continue, resulting in bipartisanship, gridlock, and sometimes both.
• Several champions for science will not be returning next year, requiring that all advocates engage with new elected officials about the value of our work.
• House and Senate committees overseeing funding and policy related to science will see new leadership and members.

COSSA discussed some of these changes and possible committee and leadership shakeups during the November 17 post-election Headlines webinar. A recording is available here.

COSSA will be closely monitoring the activities and appointments of the 118^th Congress and will be calling on members to engage with elected officials early in 2023.

Congress returned to Washington after the November midterm elections to a long list of year end to-dos. Two pieces of must-pass legislation still pending include the fiscal year (FY) 2023 appropriations bills and the FY 2023 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). As is common, either bill could become the vehicle for other legislative priorities (such as aid to Ukraine) that Congress is hoping to enact before the end of the calendar year. However, the path to the finish line has not yet been made clear. Current funding for the federal government expires on December 16. While we expect lawmakers to complete work on FY 2023 appropriations this year through passage of an omnibus spending package, another short-term continuing resolution may be needed to give Congress a few more days to put it together. It is unclear at this time what else, if anything, may be attached to a final FY 2023 funding package. Follow COSSA’s appropriations coverage here.

Lawmakers are also hoping to pass bills in these last few weeks related to marriage equality and election reform. The Respect for Marriage Act (H.R. 8404) could see passage in the Senate in the coming days after which it will return to the House for a final vote. In addition, the Presidential Election Reform Act (H.R. 8873) is also being considered in the Senate and could see a vote before the end of the year. This bill, which comes in direct response to the January 6 insurrection at the Capitol, is intended to clarify the role of the Vice President with respect to certifying state results in presidential elections, among other provisions.

With only a dozen or so working days left in the year, Congress is expected to log several late nights. Stick with COSSA’s coverage for the latest developments.

The U.S. Census Bureau and US Bureau of Economic Analysis have released a request for comments related to the collection of data from the public “to fulfill their data security requirements when providing access to restricted use microdata related to evidence building.” As part of the agencies’ ongoing implementation of the Foundations for Evidence-Based Policymaking Act of 2018 (or Evidence Act), the White House of Office Management and Budget (OMB) established a Standard Application Process (SAP) for researchers to use when requesting access to confidential government data assets. The request for comment related data security requirements seek to understand if the proposed collection of information is necessary, the accuracy of the estimate of the burden and ways to reduce it, and ways to enhance the quality and use of the information. Comments are due by January 9, 2023.

The Office of Evaluation Sciences (OES) within the General Services Administration (GSA) has announced they are accepting applications for their 2023 Annual Fellowships. OES is a team comprised of social science researchers that helps federal agencies evaluate and use evidence in their practice. OES Fellows join the office for a minimum of one year in Washington, DC or remotely. Applications are being accepted for Fellowships and Federal Details and will be accepted through January 11, 2023. More information is available on the OES website.

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) recently released a new report, Reducing Racial Inequality in Crime and Justice: Science, Practice, and Policy. The report addresses disparities faced by people of color in the criminal justice system that result from systemic racism and the policies and practices that reinforce it. It highlights evidence-based policy interventions, focusing on reforming the criminal justice system and developing strategies to strengthen community reforms. Recommendations for reforming the criminal justice system include eliminating cash bail, reducing drug incarceration and felony sentences, discarding the death penalty, and more, while community reforms include health and early development strategies, improving economic opportunities, and increasing public investments. The report reinforces the need for evidence-based intervention and acknowledges the need for continued research and policy advancements to address these issues.

COSSA is excited to welcome the Division for Research of the Council for Exceptional Children as its newest member! The CEC Division for Research (CEC-DR) is “dedicated to the advancement of research related to the education of individuals with disabilities and/or who are gifted,” and focuses on engaging and linking practitioners to research in special education. COSSA’s full membership list can be found here. Information on how to join is on the COSSA website.