Comment from Hope Bretscher

[200.432, 200.454, 200.461, 200.206, 200.450] To Whom it May Concern: I am an assistant professor in condensed matter physics. I am writing in my personal capacity to oppose the proposed revisions to sections 200.432, 200.454, 200.461, 200.206, and 200.450 that would restrict typical professional expenses, curtail the communication of scientific results, and place excessive scrutiny on the activities of scientists. Professional societies are important for the research that I do, both in supporting journals/publications, creating networks and supporting professional development, supporting development of the norms of the research community. I think these networks are important to continue to both provide professional services as well as advocate for researchers. I think conferences are a very important aspect of scientific research and exchange. Small, focused conferences are the most useful, I have found, to network and discuss ideas. These are organized ~1 year in advance, and so it is hard to know or plan out what you will attend. It is important thus to be able to adjust and decide what conferences to attend. Scientific knowledge is vital to progress of knowledge- it is very vital to have access to this information. Knowledge is what science is about- right now the best way we share this is in publications. I strongly advocate for reform - but these measures restrict our current form without trying to put forward other forms of sharing knowledge. I believe access to scientific knowledge and networks are important for creating community and a shared research agenda. Destroying these communities and avenues for finding knowledge puts at risk the dominance of US Science.