GOP war on science – Nunes a loyal soldier

In another disappointing but not surprising vote, California Congressman Devin Nunes of our 22nd District voted in lock-step with the GOP in it's continuing war on science. In this case, it was in support of H.R. 1422, the "EPA Science Advisory Board Reform Act of 2013″. Designed to remove real scientists from the board that advises the EPA on matters before it, and replace some of them with industry representatives, it would also prohibit the very scientists whose work is being studied for it's application to rule-making decisions from advising the EPA.

The GOP is waging war against science, and this is the latest skirmish. The current popular response in Congress is some variation of "… I'm not a scientist…" when asked a question regarding things like Climate Change. The problem? The GOP is doing everything it can to prevent science from being considered when the Federal Government acts. The only people we could nominally consider to be scientists who will be listened to by the Republicans are those in the pay of the industries being regulated. The foxes are trying to secure the account to provide security at the henhouse. They assure us the hens will be perfectly safe.

Nunes' vote to support H.R. 1422 is more evidence of his lack of concern for his constituents, and for his personal goal of political power on the Hill. Voting against the informed operations of the EPA, while being from an area with some of the worst pollution in the country, he continues to demonstrate party loyalty above the needs of those who sent him there.

Next on his agenda, Chairmanship of the House Intelligence Committee. He takes over in January, thanks to his appointment by House Speaker John Boehner. The irony, it burns.

Image by The Washington Post