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Congressional Involvement - The Legislators 



(1) Involvement of Federal legislators: Federal agencies operate under 

 the direction of more than forty authorization, oversight and 

 appropriation Committees and Subcommittees of the House of 

 Representatives and Senate. In light of the breadth of national 

 missions driving ocean sciences, a strategic focus for broad 

 Congressional interests is urgently needed. A Congressional task force 

 would provide a forum of information exchange for addressing broad 

 strategies for more effective coordination of ocean science and 

 techjiology issues. It will also provide an opportunity for members of 

 Congress to understand the oceans impact on the many business and 

 social sectors that are associated with national defense, economic 

 growth, and quality of life. Task force membership should cut across 

 many if not all of the cognizant Congressional bodies. Individual 

 agency programs aiid budgets would continue to be addressed as they 

 are today, but under the broad rubric of strategic coordination where 

 appropriate to efficient execution of programs. 



(2) Ocean Partnership Legislation: The oceanographic community is not 

 limited in its ideas for implementation of new partnerships. The visibility 

 required to launch this partnership initiative can be accorrunodated 

 through the development of a Congressional ocean task force. Backing 

 must come in the form of substantive support, arguably in the form of 

 supporting legislation. Legislation supporting the definition, 

 development and implementation of partnerships in oceanography will 

 provide the impetus needed at a critical time. Without svich an integrated 

 Congressional task force approach, the proposed National Ocean 

 Leadership Council would have little meaning and the current 

 fractionated system would be forced to continue on its less than cost- 

 effective path. 



The United States is looked upon by the world as a leader in both technology and 

 policy for the marine environment. Nearly thirty years ago this nation took a bold 

 step forward in redefining our national investment in ocean sciences, through the 

 implementation of the recommendations of the Stratton Commission. The time 

 for the reexamination of our Nation's posture towards ocean science and technology 

 is upon us. I hope that the hearing today will serve as the first step in this process. 

 There is a grand opportunity for us to work together and build a better future for our 

 Nation. Tne answers to many of our most pressing problems can be found in our 

 greatest natural resource, the oceans. 



