Public Policy

This Policy Alert shares time-sensitive information on the potential consequences of the current federal tax reform proposal on higher education, with particular implications for graduate students.

We take a look at last week's Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation public hearing, during which the potential next administrator of NASA, Rep. James Bridenstine (R-OK), responded to questions.

Enjoy this new feature of the AAS Policy Blog, in which we share a list of upcoming events that fall under the realm of astronomical science policy.

NASA officials have reviewed and responded to the independent review of the Wide-Field Infrared Survey Telescope (WFIRST) mission, currently in Phase A and managed by NASA Goddard Space Flight Center.

The National Science Foundation is seeking community input on existing and future needs for mid-scale ($20-$100 million) research infrastructure projects. The deadline to respond is 8 December 2017.

NASA announced on 28 September that the James Webb Space Telescope will launch between March and June 2019, several months later than the October 2018 target launch date.

The AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellowship program will host a live, text-based chat on Thursday, 12 October, to answer final questions about the program before the 1 November application deadline.

AAS President Christine Jones has sent a letter to Congressional leadership urging swift action on a permanent legislative solution for DACA recipients.

Representative James "Jim" Bridenstine (R-OK) is under consideration for the position of NASA administrator, and his responses to an initial questionnaire from the Senate are available to review.

The AAS recently bid farewell to Heather Bloemhard, the sixth Bahcall Public Policy Fellow, and welcomed Ashlee Wilkins to the Society as the new Fellow.