NATIONAL OCEANOGRAPHIC PROGRAM LEGISLATION 631 



actual increase in level of effort. The supplemental appropriations 

 by President Kennedy explicitly increased funding to expand and 

 replace the fleet that was made up almost exclusively of over-age 

 converted ships, new shore facilities and new education and training 

 programs. Survey and research programs were also somewhat in- 

 creased (Reference 9, page 1). For funding trends, see Part III 

 following these notes. 



Note 12. In supporting the Marine Science and Research Act of 

 1961 (Reference 12), the Committee hsted 15 benefits from an ex- 

 panded program of oceanographic research in both the seas and the 

 Great Lakes. The bill included a statement of national poHcy that 

 a sustained program of scientific studies, sm'veys, education, and train- 

 ing were vital to defense, to rehabihtation of commercial fisheries, and 

 increased utihzation of marine resources, Kving, chemical, and mineral; 

 development of a better scientific knowledge of the world around us 

 and to expand the Nation's commerce and navigation. The bill also 

 legislated a coordinating mechanism. 



The report includes statements by executive agencies opposing the 

 bill on the grounds that the administration was already accelerating 

 oceanographic research budgets, that coordination was the responsi- 

 bihty of the newly founded FCST, so that aU of the objectives of the 

 bill would be accompUshed without the need for new legislation. 



Note 13. According to the President's letter of transmittal dated 

 March 29, 1962, the Director, OST, is expected to advise and assist 

 the President as the President may request with respect to — 



"1. Major pohcies, plans, and programs of science and tech- 

 nology of the various agencies of the Federal Government, giving 

 appropriate emphasis to the relationship of science and technology 

 to national secmity and foreign pohcy, and measure for furthering 

 science and technology in the Nation. 



"2. Assessment of selected scientific and technical develop- 

 ments and programs in relation to their impact on national 

 pohcies. 



"3. Review, integration, and coordination of major Federal 

 activities in science and technology, giving due consideration to 

 the effects of such activities on non-Federal resources and 

 institutions. 



"4. Assuring that good and close relations exist with the 

 Nation's scientific and engineering communities so as to further 

 in every appropriate way their participation in strengthening 

 science and technology in the United States and the free world. 

 "5. Such other matters consonant with law as may be assigned 

 by the President to the Office." 

 Responsibihties for Government-wide planning and coordination in 

 basic research and education had been the responsibihty of the 

 National Science Foundation. But since such pohcies transcend 

 agency fines and since the Foundation is at the same organizational 

 level as other agencies, new arrangements were instituted that per- 

 mitted the President to utifize his Executive Office for advice and 

 assistance on Government-wide issues in science and technology. 



