ASN Government Relations
ASN is the premier scientific professional society that
brings together the world's top researchers to advance our
knowledge and application of nutrition. ASN serves as the
authoritative voice informing Congress and the Administration of
the need and value for continued support of nutrition research
through federal
government advocacy. ASN educates policymakers on
advances in nutrition science and the importance of
developing legislation and regulations that are based
in science. The Society's members, working throughout
academia, industry, clinical practice and
government, conduct research that allows individuals to
live healthier and more productive lives.
The ASN Public
Policy Committee (PPC)'s mission is to develop well-informed
nutrition policy decisions through objective consideration of the
scientific evidence.The PPC's function, as it appears in the ASN
Committee Operations Manual, is to anticipate and respond to
issues of national and international importance for ASN; to
recommend to the Board of Directors potential collaborations
with other organizations or coalitions as appropriate; to
support testimony and the development of agreed-upon
legislation as needed. The PPC identifies the
legislative and/or regulatory issues most relevant to the
membership and creates a focused agenda to reflect those needs
each congressional cycle.
Current Priority Areas:
Nutrition Research Funding
- Advocate for funding for basic, clinical, applied and translational nutrition research, focusing on major federal sources such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), both intramural and extramural programs.
- Advocate for funding for nutrition monitoring activities conducted jointly by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) National Center for Health Statistics and the USDA Agricultural Research Service.
- Support funding for research on, prevention of and treatment for chronic diseases, including obesity, type 2 diabetes and other chronic conditions that are urgent public health issues.
- Seek to carve out more funding for nutrition research from existing pools. Guide the development of priorities for nutrition research where possible.
- Address nutrition research components in legislation as needed, including but not limited to, legislation related to a White House Conference on Nutrition and Childhood Obesity Awareness Month.
- Identify success stories to illustrate outcomes of nutrition research and identify gaps and need for future funds.
- Continue to work in coalitions and partnerships where appropriate to advance nutrition research funding.
Nutrition Science Regulatory Issues
- Promote improved coordination of nutrition programs and research across all federal agencies.
- Work proactively on issues within the Farm Bill reauthorization that relate to nutrition, health, and diet, including the Nutrition and Research titles. Focus will be on nutrition research, monitoring, and obesity prevention.
- Ensure science-based legislation to build and strengthen the evidence base for federal dietary guidance (such as the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, MyPlate, Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs), etc.) and nutrition monitoring.
- Work through coalitions and partnerships with likeminded organizations to advance nutrition research and the sound application and translation of nutritional science in legislation.
Outreach to Congress and Federal Agencies
- Develop champions for ASN, nutrition and nutrition research funding on Capitol Hill.
- Meet and foster relationships with key agency officials who have influence over science, nutrition policy and research funding.
- Promote the appointment of nutrition scientists, especially ASN members, and other qualified individuals to serve in key positions, as appropriate.
- Engage more ASN members in advocacy efforts.
Other
- Continue to nominate ASN members to federal advisory boards, committees, and panels as opportunities arise.
- Continue to seek partnerships with other food/nutrition/public health organizations.