Viewpoint: Yes, the Dingell investigation was an abuse of congressional power that hindered the objectivity of a scientific investigation.

Viewpoint: No, the Dingell investigation of scientific fraud was not unjustified because peer review and self-regulation cannot work alone in maintaining scientific integrity.

Although scientists agree that they should be accountable to the federal government for the funds they receive, they object to the concept that members of Congress can evaluate the merits of scientific experiments, or settle debates about scientific concepts and the interpretation of research results. In an attempt to pass judgment on science, members of Congress could use their power to determine the course of scientific research or direct research funds to their own...