At the same congressional hearing, NASA climate scientist James Hansen accused the Bush administration of preventing scientists from freely speaking to the media about global warming.

James Hansen: “Scientists were being asked not to speak to reporters, to tell reports that I can’t speak to you, I have to get permission, and I have to get someone on the phone with me to listen in on our conversation.”

Hansen said political appointees of President Bush had also blocked reports that link rising temperatures or melting sea ice with global warming.