919 
budgetary constraints over the past 3 years and there has not been a 
shift in emphasis from services to research. There just has not been 
additional money being appropriated to improve our services in the 
manner which we would like. But this is also true of our research. 
We carry out the programs that are approved by Congress through 
its appropriations process. Over the past 3 years the moneys that 
it has given us for research and development have been significantly 
lower than those that they have given us for our operating services. 
During these 3 years our requests to Congress for funds have similarly 
been heavily weighted in favor of services. We carry out the programs 
as approved by the Congress, sir. 
Mr. Mosuer. Mr. Chairman, one other question, or comment. 
Certainly, these gentlemen have presented us with a very impressive 
and perhaps optimistic outline of the activities and programs that the 
Department of Commerce already is conducting and intends to con- 
duct in support of the many goals and priorities established by the 
Stratton commission. 
Now, in presenting that impressive list of the jobs that you are 
already doing and your capacities to do these things, Mr. Tribus, are 
you implying that perhaps the Department of Commerce itself is the 
agency which might take the lead and coordinate this whole effort 
and obviate the necessity for the creation of NOAA ? 
Dr. Trisus. That is a very good question. As I said at the conclusion 
of my testimony, there were some aspects of this that it did not seem 
prudent for me to comment on now, and I think you are getting 
awfully close to the limits of prudence for me. 
Certainly, we have a number of things going on which we think 
would make a good basis for an expansion of our activities to meet 
many of the activities that should be carried out under the NOAA 
concept. 
How far one ought to go in that direction requires consideration of 
many issues that go beyond those that are put on my desk, and there- 
fore I would like to say just at this point that you have correctly inter- 
preted our enthusiasm for going into this area and for working in this 
area, but beyond that I guess I will have to wait until I hear from the 
decisions that are being made now in offices that are somewhat above 
me. 
Mr. Mosuer. Okay, Mr. Chairman. 
Mr. Lennon. Thank you, sir. Mr. Rogers? 
Mr. Rocers. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. 
Mr. Secretary, it is good to see you and, of course, Dr. White, whom 
the committee holds in high regard also. We have had an opportunity 
to work with him. 
I think what you have outlined as the activity of ESSA has im- 
pressed the committee. Since we have followed it over the years, they 
have done an excellent job. 
Has the decision been made in the Department to oppose the forma- 
tion of a separate oceanographic agency, independent ? 
Dr. Trisvus. I don’t think that would be a good way to characterize 
the position of the Department. The position of the Department, as 
the Secretary transmits it on up to the President, and I am not always 
there, of course, when he does this, is that we are ready to-help in any 
way we can in this mission. 
