The effects of these decisions on society and on scientists are far-reaching. This will be the second year for this program. The AMS is a scientific and professional organization serving the atmospheric and related science community. It was established in 1919 and now publishes eight well-respected scientific journals and an abstract journal, in addition to the AMS Bulletin, and sponsors and organizes over a dozen scientific conferences each year. The program places highly qualified, accomplished scientists, engineers, and other professionals within the offices of individual Members of Congress and committees for a one-year assignment.
Fellows perform in much the same way as regular staff members.
The Fellows bring to the Congress new insights, fresh ideas, extensive knowledge, and education in a variety of disciplines. Not only are the Fellows provided with the opportunity to make a significant public service contribution, but they also obtain firsthand experience in the legislative and political process. In short, the Fellows offer their special knowledge, skills, and competence and receive the opportunity to acquire experience and the chance to contribute to the formulation of national policy. The Fellow may have the opportunity to participate in, and make significant contributions to public policy making within Congress on issues such as water policy, global change, energy policy, defense technologies, AIDS, pollution, communications technologies, and many, many more. As noted earlier, Fellows perform every type of work normally asked of the permanent congressional staff, whether they are in individual offices or with committees.