-- The Bush administration has been accused of persistently manipulating scientific data to serve its ideology and protect interests of political backers.

The charges are contained in a 40-page report by the minority staff of the House Committee on Government Reform, the New York Times reported Friday.

The report accused the administration of compromising the scientific integrity of federal institutions that monitor food and medicine, conduct health research, control disease and protect the environment.

On many topics, including global warming and sex education, the report said, the administration "has manipulated the scientific process and distorted or suppressed scientific findings." ...

--UPI