ABSTRACT
This chapter outlines a model based on the creation of a dedicated organization within the legislative branch that we believe best satisfies both criteria. It describes political, technical, and contextual oversight mechanisms for the agency and its projects that should ensure their credibility. Ensuring the relevance of agency work to the congressional legislative agenda suggests that the agency should be given assignments by congressional committees, where the substantive work of Congress is largely conducted. This plan not only moves it outside Congress, with all the drawbacks already cited, but also gives it to an institution with its own mission and constituency, creating the potential for divided loyalty or conflict of interest. Advice provided directly from scientists to policymakers is likely to be given privately and may therefore be politicized. The model it has outlined bears a striking resemblance to the Office of Technology Assessment (OTA).
