I've heard that before. The only things that get funded are whatever is currently politically popular.

> using clear competency measures

I.e. meet the politically correctness criteria.

> Absolutely not.

Read history books :-)

> the same model as the SCOTUS

Which is clearly political in their decisions. Consider Roe v Wade. Either its enactment, or its overturning, is political. Can't both be apolitical.