, \1\\ NAM] AND EXPANDED W mourn FORTH] COMMITTEI 707 



randum to "All Professional Staff,'' dated February 8, 1974, which read 

 in its entirety: 



\s j ou can well imagine, there is much maneuvering going on with regard to the 

 jurisdictional evaluations oi the Select Committee on Committees. 



Since we in the staff are not privy to all the positions taken by the Chairman and 

 Members of our Committee, there should be no opinions expressed or discussions held 

 b) Staff members relative to the Select Committee's recommendations. 



Perhaps Swigert intended for this memorandum to mean that staff 

 members should not speculate with the news media, although this is 

 not clear. In any event, it was akin to an officer assembling his unit 

 on the parade ground and handing down an edict that henceforth all 

 latrine rumors must cease immediately. It was difficult to carry on 

 intensive planning, when the committee was at the crossroads and 

 could contemplate a bright and challenging future, without some 

 weighing of possible alternatives. 



SCIENCE COMMITTEE RECOMMENDED AS MAJOR COMMITTEE 



In March 1974, the Boiling committee made its recommenda- 

 tions. They brought joy to the Science Committee, to be raised once 

 again to the status of a major, exclusive committee — one of the 15 

 nominated for that prized category. Beyond existing jurisdiction, the 

 March bill extended authority over all research and development in 

 energy (including nonmilitary nuclear and thermonuclear energy), 

 environmental, civil aviation, and scientific prototypes; that is, work- 

 ing models. Authority was added over oceanic and atmospheric sciences 

 and sea grant programs. Although the committee was already exercis- 

 ing jurisdiction over science policy and technology assessment, these 

 functions were specifically spelled out in the bill accompanying the 

 report. The Boiling committee also set up a new function called 

 "special oversight," which authorized general investigations without 

 legislation, and specifically singled out the following R. & D. over- 

 sight areas for assignment to the Science Committee: biomedical, agri- 

 cultural, military and water research and development. 



The rationale offered for these decisions was indeed heartening. 

 The March report noted : 



As far as practicable, the related components of science and technology arc 

 united in a single committee that can provide the necessary expertise and develop 

 comprehensive and coherent policies. 



After listing the various new categories of work being assigned to the 

 Science Committee, the Boiling committee added: 



The select committee proposes to place all other elements of scientific research 

 and development under the jurisdiction of this committee. It further proposes to give 

 the committee a responsibility not previously assigned to any committee of Con- 

 gress — over-all review of Federal research and development. * * * 



