Resumen
This article focuses on the interaction between scientific and policy leaders during a rare but useful workshop on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. In June 2001, about 100 professionals gathered in Washington, D.C., to discuss ways to strengthen the U.S. Congress's ability to make good decisions on issues involving science and technology There was general agreement at the workshop that Congress does need a group of advisors working directly under Congressional control. Arguments made in this workshop about the ideal form and purpose of a new organization will continue among both policymakers and technologists. There are pros and cons to each option, and reasonable minds can differ. However, the first and more important question is whether something ought to be done. Many citizens have expressed concern about the influence of money in politics; an imbalance of information can be every bit as corrupting. Things are unlikely to change unless voters, especially those with scientific and technical expertise, express their opinions.