SPACE SCIENCE AND APPLICATIONS IN THE 1970'S 349 



"This particular cut distresses me," echoed Milford. He labeled 

 the cut as "bad economy." 



Winn was even sharper in his criticism. He challenged the way the 

 Hechler subcommittee had cut the tracking authorization to counter- 

 balance increases in aeronautics: 



I just hope that this wouldn't be the way our committee would trv to dipsy- 

 doodle funds back and forth to make room for their increases. But I am more concerned, 

 and I want to stress again, I think we ought to pay more attention — and some of the 

 members of the full committee were not here when the Chairman read the letter from 

 Dr. Fletcher that involved this — and I, for one, just cannot support a $10 million 

 decrease in Tracking and Data Acquisition. 



This colloquy then ensued: 



Mr. Hechler. I think it's very, very unfortunate that the subcommittee, which 

 is charged with the responsibility of making recommendations, had absolutely no 

 knowledge of this communication from Dr. Fletcher until the very minute the chair- 

 man of the full committee read it, and I don't stand on ceremony or protocol. It just 

 seems to me that if our subcommittee is going to make a judgment or recommendation 

 that we ought to have the benefit of at least some small caucus to discuss the details 

 in this issue. 



Mr. Winn. I would be glad to move to the Chairman that we adjourn so that 

 you can have a small caucus if that would help you. 



Mr. Teague [the chairman]. The Chairman would state that he has no idea when 

 I received this communication. Yesterday morning they contacted me. They didn't 

 get in touch with me until afternoon, and I understand that Mr. Mosher got a copy 

 of the same communication. * * * This item can't be put off, and I would like you to 

 have a chance, and you should have had a chance. 



Hechler was convinced, after backpedaling in the face of the 

 criticism from both Democrats and Republicans, that a vote at the time 

 would certainly have reversed the subcommittee's action. Spotting 

 an opening in the last comment of Chairman Teague, Hechler observed: 



I think the inference of the gentleman is entirely correct, that perhaps we should 

 have an opportunity in our subcommittee to review this letter that Dr. Fletcher sent 

 up to the full committee, because I think that's the only orderly manner on which 

 we can proceed. 



By unanimous consent, the vote on the tracking cut was deferred until 

 the next meeting of the full committee on May 1, 1973. When the 

 Hechler subcommittee convened, its chairman did not have to say a 

 word; there was a voluble unanimity among both Democratic and 

 Republican members who strongly urged that the new information 

 from Dr. Fletcher did not justify changing the recommendation. 



By the time the full committee met on May 1, the entire atmos- 

 phere had radically altered. In Chairman Teague's absence, Hechler 

 was asked to chair the full committee, and he reported the unanimous 

 action taken by his subcommittee. Some active advance lobbying by 



- 5-79-25 



