THE OVERTON BROOKS YEARS, 1959-61 



59 



and Roger Revelle were joined by Dr. Philip Handler, Chairman of the 

 National Science Board, as a steering committee. This steering com- 

 mittee assisted the committee in assembling and assessing information 

 from 11 Federal departments and agencies, analyzing their international 

 science programs, the limitations and potentialities of each, the fund- 

 ing, problems, and possibilities. Similar activities preceded and fol- 

 lowed most of the panel sessions on a wide variety of topics of concern 

 to the committee. 



In summary, the panel during its operation helped develop a back- 

 ground of scientific, technical, and policy information for the commit- 

 tee which was authoritative, timely and candid. One of the useful by- 

 products of the interchanges was the improved understanding by scien- 

 tists, both American and from other nations, of the legislative process 

 and the manner in which Congress and the Science Committee operated 

 with respect to science and technology. The panel sessions helped to 

 identify spheres of scientific and technological research which offered 

 exceptional promise for the welfare and security of the Nation, and 

 which needed legislative attention. The committee was exposed to up- 

 dated methods of conducting research, and the assembling and analysis 

 of data by modern means. Also, the committee through the panel 

 meetings received updates on issues such as the availability of scientific 

 manpower and educational or training needs; international cooperation 

 and organizations concerned with science and technology; and a general 

 appraisal and assessment of the priorities being followed in the com- 

 mittee's work. 



Naturally, the information and inspiration provided through the 

 panel sessions had differing influences on the various members. Cer- 

 tainly the ease of the dialogue enhanced the mutual respect between 

 Congressmen and the scientific community. 



The final meeting of the Panel on Science and Technology — the 

 13th — took place in a three-day span, January 25-27, 1972. The number 

 13 proved unlucky because the panel did not meet after that date. 

 Various reasons have been advanced for the abandonment of the panel 

 meetings after 1972. Under Chairman Miller, the panel concept devel- 

 oped to its fullest flower, and when Miller left the House of Represent- 

 a tives in 1972 the panel lost its greatest champion. In addition, Repre- 

 sentative Daddario shouldered a vast amount of the burden of arrang- 

 ing, moderating, and providing leadership for the panel, and with his 

 departure in 1971 another strong supporter and active worker was lost. 

 There is no question that the amount of staff time devoted to arranging 

 and following up on the panel meetings constituted a heavy drain away 

 from other duties. Some unfavorable publicity was generated through 

 the contributions of aerospace contractors toward the lunches and re- 

 ceptions for panelists and their guests. 



