654 



HIMOin Ol 111! COMMUTE] ON SCIENCJ AND TI (HNOLOGY 



order, and identify and discuss some principal evolving national 

 issues as seen by leading science policy experts. It had been planned to 

 unite former President Ford, Dr. Press, some of the President's science 

 ad\ isers of the past, as well as other outstanding members of the scienti- 

 fic community. However, Teague's illness forced the cancellation of 

 the hearings. Instead, a two-volume compendium of papers was 

 published. 



The results of the long years of work by the committee had indeed 

 paid off in providing the White House with the tools of leadership and 

 coordination in the important area of science and technology. To the 

 average Member of Congress, however, the issues raised in 1977 and 

 L978 as to whether the President was carrying out the intent of Con- 

 gress, organization-wise, took a back seat to such problems as inflation, 

 peace in the Middle East, and the future availability of energy. The 

 couplet of Alexander Pope, while not directl) applicable, represented 

 a general reaction : 



For forms of government let fools contest 

 Whate'er is best administered is best. 



In 1979, Fuqua embarked on a new era of cooperation with the 

 Whitc House, Dr. Press and OSTP. Differences over interpretation of the 

 1976 act were minimized, and strong efforts were made to avoid pro- 

 cedural conflicts. 



Yet the committee could take pride in having enacted a law which 

 seemed destined to survive as a rallying point and statutory basis 

 for reaffirming the importance of science and technology in the highest 

 levels of Government. 



