A Tour of the Federal Policy Landscape for the AMS Community

This panel will introduce the federal policy landscape as related to the AMS community including perspectives from both the Executive and Legislative branches and the role of the AMS Policy Program in the policy setting. Presentations will explain foundational concepts of science policy such as the budget process and science in the policy process. They will also cover timely issues by discussing the 2013 activities and priorities of the Administration and Congress. Talks will include an overview of the AMS Policy Program, Congressional activity as experienced by the 2013-2014 AMS Congressional Science Fellow, pending legislation and relevant hearings in the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate, the FY14 federal budget outlook, the Administration's natural disaster policy initiatives, and how scientists can engage in the policy process.