Computing Researchers Fly-in to D.C. to Make the Case for Computing

By Brian Mosley, CRA Policy Analyst

On September 11, 21 computing researchers from across the country visited Washington, D.C. to make the case for federally funded computing research. The volunteers, traveling from as near as Virginia and Maryland, and as far away as Wyoming and Montana, participated in over 50 House and Senate meetings. Their message to Congress was very simple: Federally supported computing research is vital to the nation’s future. Using their own research and individual stories as support, and reinforced with additional information from CRA, they made the “Federal case” for computing to Members of Congress and their staff. Those Members of Congress now know more about the expertise and interesting (and important) computing work that occurs in their districts and states, and our participants have a sense of just who represents them in Congress.  And they’ve hopefully started a lasting dialogue on both sides.

If you would like to participate in a future Congressional Visit Day, or are in Washington, D.C. and would like to visit your representative’s office, please contact Brian Mosley (bmosley@cra.org/cra) in the CRA Government Affairs Office. CRA can provide expert training, messaging, and materials, and we would also be happy to accompany you to your Congressional meetings.