House Appropriators Recognize Value of Professional Scientific Societies

The House of Representatives recently passed the Fiscal Year 2018 Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill.  The committee report that accompanied the bill recognized the importance of professional societies and specifically mentions AFS.

The report highlights the valuable role professional societies hold in assuring sound scientific management principles are applied to resources management through strengthening competencies of the federal workforce. Federal employees benefit greatly from participation in professional societies, which provide opportunities for continuing education, access and contribution to scientific journals, and meaningful interaction with other professionals.  Such networking is key to enhancing collaboration between federal, state, and local governments and non-governmental organizations.

Increasing federal employee participation in professional societies of any discipline can substantially contribute to maximizing the efficiency and efficacy of an agency’s ability to serve the American people. Professional societies are committed to supporting their members throughout each stage of their career and offer opportunities for professional development—such as certification programs and leadership training—and ways to invest in the next generation. They can also be a driving force behind initiatives to promote a diverse, thriving workforce and engage all members of the profession.

Societies like ours enable professionals to enhance their networks and broaden their understanding of prominent issues relevant to their field through annual conferences. These professional interactions and collaborations can help to cultivate innovative thinking, facilitate scientific debate, and spur new discoveries.

AFS thanks the House appropriators including Rep. Rodney Frelinghuysen (R-N.J.) and Nita Lowey (D-N.Y.) for recognizing the essential role of professional societies in supporting federal employees.

View the report here.  See page 7 for the language on professional societies.