The Government Affairs Committee recommends policy positions on specific government issues to the SAA Board of Directors and provides archaeological expertise from the membership on a wide range of issues and from various parts of the country to support archaeological interests on Capitol Hill. The committee also identifies opportunities for SAA to support important state and local government preservation initiatives affecting archaeological sites. These activities are directed by the Manager, Government Affairs
Advisory Committee: composed of a char and 15 members, including at least two students. Ideally, an individual serves as chair of the full committee for the 2 years that coincide with a particular Congress (which always begins in January of an odd-numbered year). This individual begins a term on the committee (as chair-designate) at the annual meeting prior to the start of that Congress, serves as chair during that two-year Congress. The manager, Government Affairs serves as staff liaison to the committee and subcommittee.
In the interest of collaboration on government affairs issues, the Board invites a representive from sister societies/organizations the American Cultural Resources Association, Archaeology Division of the American Anthropological Association, the Society for Historical Archaeology and the National Association of Tribal Historic Preservation Officers to join the Government Affairs Committee in an ex oficio capacity and participate in its meetings.
2022 Spring Committee Report (2022)
2023 Spring Committee Report (2023)