Scientists are often reluctant to engage with members of Congress and their staff because it can be challenging to bridge the cultural differences between Capitol Hill and academia and perhaps because there is understandable concern about objective data being manipulated for political purposes. However, science and politics have arguably been interrelated since the establishment of this country and need each other as we strive to make breakthroughs and advances to address the grand challenges facing society in an increasingly complex and global world. Consequently, policymakers need input from the scientific community to help make informed decisions and create rational and effective policy.