Committee on Astronomy and Public Policy (CAPP)

Membership is open to all interested AAS members, regardless of their status or background.

History: Established as Committee on Astronomy and Public Policy; merged with Committee on Communications to become Committee on Public Policy (June 1982, 160th Meeting); present name adopted at 161st Meeting, Jan. 1983; committee reactivated (165th Meeting).

Members: Appointed by the AAS President with the advice and consent of the Board of Trustees. Board of Trustee Liaisons appointed by President, with approval of the Board of Trustees; they serve ex officio.

Term: One year, June to June, from the close of one Annual Members' Meeting to the close of the next Annual Members' Meeting.

Chair: One year, June to June, from the close of one Annual Members' Meeting to the close of the next Annual Members' Meeting.

Charge: The committee shall communicate frequently in order to keep itself informed of current development in government science policies. It shall formulate and carry out initiatives of an informational and advocacy nature with governmental agencies and congressional committees. It shall bring frequently to the attention of the Board of Trustees the results of its activities and possible courses of action that Board may take. It shall maintain liaison with other professional societies which are engaged in closely related informational activities.

Mission: The mission of the AAS Committee on Astronomy and Public Policy is to support and develop policies that advance the astronomical sciences in the United States.