Back in the United States, the New York Times is reporting union leaders representing thousands of scientists at the Environmental Protection Agency are accusing agency heads of bowing to political pressure and allowing harmful chemicals in agricultural pesticides. The call comes ahead of a deadline Thursday for Congress to approve thousands of chemicals the scientists say pose serious risks for fetuses, pregnant women, young children and the elderly. In a new disclosed letter sent in May, union leaders representing 9,000 scientists said the EPA is ignoring principles of sound science and putting the concerns of the agriculture and pesticide industry before the health of US citizens. In some cases, the EPA has allegedly ignored independent scientific studies that contradict those sponsored by the pesticide industry. An EPA specialist involved in the pesticide program told the New York Times: “The pesticide program functions as a governmental cover for what is effectively a private industry licensing program.”