598 HISTORY OF THE COMMITTE) ON SCIENC1 AND TECHNOLOGY 



report was published in April 1972, entitled "Science Policy: A 

 Working Glossary." The glossary was updated on several occasions, 

 notably in 1973, 1976, and 1978. 



EMPLOYMENT OF SCIENTISTS AND ENGINEERS 



From 1970 through 1974, the subcommittee held hearings on var- 

 ious phases of science, technology, and the economy. In a related area, 

 the subcommittee held extensive hearings in Washington and in Mar- 

 ietta, Ga., and Los Angeles, Calif., on "conversion research and educa- 

 tion." As space and defense programs contracted, tens of thousands of 

 aerospace engineers and technicians were thrown out of work. Chair- 

 man Davis and a number of other Congressmen pushed for legislation 

 to utilize technology in the civil sector of the economy while hope- 

 fully alleviating the problem of unemployed scientists and engineers. 

 Wide disagreement prevailed in the subcommittee concerning the 

 advisability of creating a new Federal bureaucracy designed for what 

 was akin to "scientific welfare." Meanwhile, sparked by Senator 

 Kennedy's leadership, a multibillion-dollar Science Policy and Priori- 

 ties Act, S. 32, was passed by the Senate in 1972, strongly endorsed as 

 a centerpiece in Senator McGovern's Presidential campaign. Senators 

 Kennedy and McGovern pressed Speaker Albert and Chairman Miller 

 to get the Science Committee and the Davis Subcommittee to act on 

 S. 32 in the fall of 1972. 



Senator Kennedy used all his personal charm and persuasiveness 

 to try and sway Miller and Davis. He came over to the House side of 

 the Capitol to have breakfast with Miller in the House Members' 

 dining room. When the scrambled eggs failed to bring home the bacon, 

 Senator Kennedy asked to see Miller privately in his House office. 

 The Senator waited and listened very patiently as Miller gave him a 

 guided tour of his office, pointing out the meaning, history, and signif- 

 icance of each of the gadgets and where they had been obtained. In 

 his customary fashion, Miller studiously avoided getting down to 

 brass tacks to discuss the bill which was the sole purpose of Kennedy's 

 visit. Finally, Kennedy arose and with no outward display of impa- 

 tience thanked Miller in a most courteous fashion for the fascinating 

 conversation. Miller would make no promises. 



The issue soon became entangled with the question of whether 

 the Senate would also move on the OTA bill which the Science Com- 

 mittee badly wanted to see passed. Chairman Miller finally agreed to 

 allow the subcommittee (temporarily chaired by Symington) to hold 

 two days of hearings on S. 32. But it was clear that Miller regarded 

 the hearings as only perfunctory. So did most of the Republicans 

 with the exception of Bell whose congressional district was in the 

 eye of the unemployment hurricane. Since the McGovern influence 



