It's an issue! As someone who's worked on science policy for decades, including time in the Beltway, you cannot develop a robust and world-leading science policy strategy with technologists alone!
Perhaps you don't understand peon. The technologist is there to take orders and execute. You thought you were being given input/a voice at the table? God, no. That's above your station. Now go on, shoo. Let the monied people talk. We'll call you when we need something done.