Oklahoma Senator offers amendment to End Federal Support for Political Science Programs

Oklahoma Republican Sen. Tom A. Coburn introduced an amendment that caused controversy Wednesday aiming to cut off federal support of the National Science Foundation's political science program.

Several political science organizations such as the American Political Science Association responded to concerns sent via e-mail and Twitter about the amendment in works offered by Coburn.

"Political Science would be better left to pundits and voters," Don Tatro, Coburn's press secretary said. "Federal research dollars should go to scientists who work on finding solutions for people with severe disabilities or the next generation biofuels, or engineering breakthroughs."

For more information about the amendment being pushed by Coburn visit www.chronicle.com.