841 
ACTION OUTSIDE THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH 
By holding these hearings, the Congress is participating in the 
establishment of priorities. The Congress, and particularly this com- 
mittee in the House, should recognize its important role in helping 
focus attention on our marine program. 
The Congress is a mirror of consensus and if the public is con- 
vineed that the national marine effort is important, it will be reflected 
in your hearings. I want to assure you, Mr. Chairman, that we in the 
executive branch are very carefully studying the testimony being of- 
fered on the Commission report. " ‘ 
A national program refers also to the inclusion of activities outside 
the Government as well as those within it. Many of the public wit- 
nesses who have appeared before this subcommittee to discuss the 
report have stressed the importance of ensuring that the States, local 
communities, smal] business, industry and the universities have a role 
in the formulation and implementation of our activities in the sea. 
The Commission proposed a National Advisory Committee on the 
Oceans to bring these outside interests together. This, too, will be 
studied by the President’s Advisory Council on Executive Organiza- 
tion. 
Whether consultation with the non-Federal sector takes this or 
some other form, continued consultation with these groups is abso- 
lutely essential. 
NATIONAL PRIORITIES 
Where do we go from here? I would like to close by saying that the 
oceans and coastal zone are only important as they meet the priority 
needs of the Nation. The Commission wisely recognized that its 
recommendations were to serve public purposes. 
As we deliberate their recommendations, we will want to insure 
that priorities are directed to the quality of life, the security of our 
people, and resources to meet our needs. 
If the oceans and coastal zone are deemed of priority importance 
to the Nation, within a national set of priorities, we must take the 
necessary steps to get on with the job. 
Lastly, I want to point out that decisions on these proposals affect 
not just today’s concerns but the years to come. We have to recognize 
science and technology as a long-term investment. We look to the 
decade of the seventies and even beyond. 
Therefore, it is important that the Congress and the executive branch 
keep in mind those proposals that must be deferred now because of 
inflation and the consequent budget squeeze, but which have merit for 
the long-term investment in marine affairs. 
We do not intend to stand still, for the oceans are one of man’s great 
resources. They are probably the last new frontier on earth. We will 
develop ocean resources and the coastal zone and strengthen our ability 
to use the sea in both old ways and new. 
T once called the oceans “the fifty-first State.” I believe all of us are 
residents of that “State” by proxy. Together we must be sure that our 
interests are served. 
Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. 
Mr. Lennon. Mr. Mosher? 
