Following the money on HR801

Two days ago, I issued an urgent call to action concerning HR801, re-introduced by Congressional Representative John Conyers (D-MI), which would essentially reverse the NIH Open Access policy. I have much respect for Representative Conyers, especially on his health care policies. Thus, I was greatly disturbed upon hearing of this development.

I wanted to know why Conyers would do such a thing, and began investigating the money trail on Conyers' campaign contributions (thanks Alex for the idea!). What I came upon sank my heart. According to Open Secrets, Conyers' third single largest campaign contributor in 2008 was the American Intellectual Property Law Association (AIPLA), whose "Key Bills of the 111th Congress" include HR801. Surprised? Shouldn't be. Money talks, and big money talks that much louder.

The AIPLA, like the bill it hawks, has a deceptive name. It seems the association is more interested in limiting public access to research it funded than protecting "intellectual property". Perhaps the AIPLA should consider the fact that, in essence, the research is the "intellectual property" of the taxpayers whose money went into it. But of course this private organization has the interest of its members closest to its mission; I only had hoped that Conyers would do the same for his constituents. Perhaps it is no wonder that the Congressional job approval rating averages less than 30%.

But don't let this news dishearten you. Conyers can't pass the bill on his own, no matter how much money he has behind him. Contact your Representatives and appeal to the better angels of their nature. Stop HR801 now, and in 2010 we can elect responsible persons to represent us.

Nathan