Policy Blog

The AAS Public Policy team uses the Policy Blog to communicate with the membership about current events in the science policy world. Most policy blog posts are written by the John N. Bahcall Public Policy Fellow.

AAS Message on Arecibo

3 Dec 2020
Arecibo Observatory's iconic 305-meter radio/radar telescope collapsed this week — a devastating loss for the scientific community and the people of Puerto Rico.

Information about Executive Order 13950

24 Nov 2020
An executive order issued on 22 Sep. to prevent and punish diversity training for federal agencies, federal contractors, and federal grant recipients is expected to be rescinded during the incoming Biden administration.

Senate Appropriations for FY 2021

19 Nov 2020
The Senate Appropriations Subcommittees have finalized their fiscal year 2021 appropriations. Here are some details on the funding for NASA and other federal agencies that support the astronomical sciences.

AAS Member to Serve on Biden-Harris NASA Review Team

11 Nov 2020
AAS member Jedidah Isler (Dartmouth College) has been named to the Biden-Harris NASA review team, which will work to understand the operations of the agency and help ensure a smooth transition to the new administration.

NASA Science to Host Community Town Hall

11 Nov 2020
NASA’s Science Mission Directorate will hold a community town hall with Thomas Zurbuchen and his leadership team on 17 November to discuss updates to NASA’s science programs and share the current status of activities.