[Deschler's Precedents, Volume 4, Chapters 15 - 17]
[Chapter 17. Committees]
[D. Jurisdiction of Committees]
[Â§ 47. Committee on Science and Astronautics]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]


[Page 2998-3004]
 
                               CHAPTER 17
 
                               Committees
 
                         C. COMMITTEE PROCEDURE
 
Sec. 47. Committee on Science and Astronautics

    The Committee on Science and Astronautics was established on July 
21, 1958,(16) although it did not commence operations until 
January 1959. The committee was vested with jurisdiction formerly 
accorded a Select Committee on Astronautics and Space Exploration 
established the previous March,(1) as well as the subject of 
science scholarships and matters relating to the Bureau of Standards 
(transferred from the Committee on Interstate and Foreign 
Commerce).(2)
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16. 104 Cong. Rec. 14513, 14514, 85th Cong. 2d Sess. The name of the 
        committee was changed to the Committee on Science and 
        Technology effective Jan. 3, 1975. H. Res. 988, 120 Cong. Rec. 
        34447-70, 93d Cong. 2d Sess., Oct. 8, 1974.
 1. After the new standing committee was created, no Members were 
        elected to it during the remainder of the second session of the 
        85th Congress. The Members appointed to the select committee 
        continued to serve on that committee until the end of the 
        session.
 2. House Rules and Manual Sec. 719 (1973). See House Rules and Manual 
        Sec. 687 (1979).
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    It should be noted that, initially, the committee's primary purpose 
was to oversee the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) 
and the nonmilitary national space program.(3) Indeed,

        [O]ne of the major legislative problems involved in creating 
    NASA was to distinguish the aeronautical and space activities to be 
    conducted by NASA from those to be conducted by the Department of 
    Defense. This distinction was made in the Act by excluding 
    ``activities peculiar to or primarily associated with the 
    development of weapons systems, military operations, or the defense 
    of the United States (including the research and development 
    necessary to make effective provision for the defense of the United 
    States) . . .'' (42 U.S. Code, sec. 2451(b)).(4)
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 3. Spencer M. Beresford, ``Monographs on the Committees of the House 
        of Representatives'' (93d Cong. 2d Sess., Dec. 13, 1974), 
        committee print, p. 135.
 4. Id. at p. 136.
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    The jurisdiction of the Committee on Science and Astronau

[[Page 2999]]

tics pursuant to the 1973 rules (5) read as follows:
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 5. Rule XI clause 18, House Rules and Manual Sec. 718 (1973). See Rule 
        X clause l(r), House Rules and Manual Sec. 687 (1979).
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        (a) Astronautical research and development, including 
    resources, personnel, equipment, and facilities.
        (b) Bureau of Standards, standardization of weights and 
    measures and the metric system.
        (c) National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
        (d) National Aeronautics and Space Council.
        (e) National Science Foundation.
        (f) Outer space, including exploration and control thereof.
        (g) Science Scholarships.
        (h) Scientific research and development.

    Pursuant to its responsibilities, the committee oversees and 
reports the annual authorization bills for the National Aeronautics and 
Space Administration and the National Science Foundation.
    The committee has reported on such subject matters as: 
(6)
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 6. Spencer M. Beresford, ``Monographs on the Committees of the House 
        of Representatives'' (93d Cong. 2d Sess., Dec. 13, 1974), 
        committee print, p. 134.
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        (1) International space cooperation;
        (2) Ocean and atmospheric sciences;
        (3) Satellite programs (weather, communications, earth 
    resources);
        (4) Science fellowships and research grants;
        (5) Science policy;
        (6) Scientific and technical manpower; and
        (7) Technology assessment.

    Further insight into the committee's jurisdictional expanse is seen 
in the following list of legislative subject categories: (7)
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 7. Id. This list was prepared by the staff of the Select Committee on 
        Committees [enumeration added].
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        (1) Measurement systems;
        (2) Metric system;
        (3) Research and development: (a) Aeronautical (by or for the 
    National Aeronautics and Space Administration Civil Aviation); (b) 
    Astronautical, generally; and (c) Scientific (except that required 
    for the national defense);
        (4) Science and technology;
        (5) Science fellowships;
        (6) Science policy;
        (7) Science scholarships;
        (8) Scientific centers;
        (9) Scientific measurements and observations;
        (10) Scientific programs;
        (11) Scientific resources including manpower;
        (12) Space, outer (Control, exploration, space programs);
        (13) Technology assessment; and
        (14) Weights and measures.

    As the precedents reveal, the committee's jurisdiction has extended 
to such matters as the establishment of a Council on Environmental 
Quality,(8) expression of congressional support for an inter

[[Page 3000]]

national biological program,(9) and U.S. participation in 
the World Science Pan-Pacific Exposition.(10)
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 8. Sec. 47.2, infra.
 9. Sec. 47.3, infra.
10. Sec. 47.4, infra.
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    It should be borne in mind, moreover, that the focal point of the 
committee's jurisdiction has shifted over the years from primary 
concern with astronautical matters to a far broader emphasis on 
scientific research and development, in general. Thus, the committee 
has recently reported on such matters as computer technology and 
genetic engineering. And, of course, as new technological advances take 
place, the committee's jurisdiction expands, accordingly.
    In 1973, the committee maintained the following six subcommittees:

        (1) Subcommittee on Aeronautics and Space Technology;
        (2) Subcommittee on Energy;
        (3) Subcommittee on International Cooperation in Science and 
    Space;
        (4) Subcommittee on Manned Space Flight;
        (5) Subcommittee on Science, Research, and Development;
        (6) Subcommittee on Space Science and Applications.

    The Subcommittees on Aeronautics and Space Technology, Manned Space 
Flight, and Space Science and Applications were fundamentally concerned 
with NASA and its authorization bills. The Subcommittee on Science, 
Research, and Development dealt with authorizing legislation for the 
National Science Foundation. The Subcommittees on Energy and 
International Cooperation in Science and Space were largely 
investigative and nonlegislative in nature.
    In the Committee Reform Amendments of 1974, the Committee on 
Science and Technology obtained legislative jurisdiction over civil 
aviation research and development, environmental research and 
development, energy research and development (except nuclear research 
and development which remained with the Joint Committee on Atomic 
Energy), and the National Weather Service. The amendments also vested 
in the committee oversight jurisdiction over all laws, programs and 
government activities involving nonmilitary research and 
development.(11)
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11. H. Res. 988, 120 Cong. Rec. 34447-70, 93d Cong. 2d Sess., Oct. 8, 
        1974, effective Jan. 3, 1975.
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    When the legislative jurisdiction of the Joint Committee on Atomic 
Energy was abolished in the 95th Congress, the Committee on Science and 
Technology obtained jurisdiction over all energy re

[[Page 3001]]

search and development, including nuclear research and 
development.(12)
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12. H. Res. 5, 123 Cong. Rec. 53-70, 95th Cong. 1st Sess., Jan. 4, 
        1977. 
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Creation of the Committee; Acquisition of Functions of Other Committees

Sec. 47.1 Transferring certain functions of the Committees on Armed 
    Services and Interstate and Foreign Commerce, the House amended its 
    rules to create a new standing committee to take over and continue 
    the work started by the Select Committee on Astronautics and Space 
    Exploration to be known as the ``Committee on Science and 
    Astronautics.''

    On July 21, 1958,(1) Speaker Sam Rayburn, of Texas, 
recognized Mr. Richard Bolling, of Missouri, who, by direction of the 
Committee on Rules, called up House Resolution 580 and asked for its 
immediate consideration. The resolution was read by the Clerk, as 
follows:
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 1. 104 Cong. Rec. 14513, 85th Cong. 2d Sess.
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        Resolved, That the Rules of the House of Representatives are 
    hereby amended as follows:
        Rule X, clause 1, is hereby amended by inserting after (p) the 
    following:
        ``(q) Committee on Science and Astronautics, to consist of 25 
    members.'' . . .
        Rule XI, clause 11, is hereby amended to read as follows:
        ``11. Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce.
        ``(a) Interstate and foreign commerce generally.
        ``(b) Civil aeronautics.
        ``(c) Inland waterways.
        ``(d) Interstate oil compacts and petroleum and natural gas, 
    except on the public lands.
        ``(e) Public health and quarantine.
        ``(f) Railroad labor and railroad retirement and unemployment, 
    except revenue measures relating thereto.
        ``(g) Regulation of interstate and foreign communications.
        ``(h) Regulation of interstate and foreign transportation, 
    except transportation by water not subject to the jurisdiction of 
    the Interstate Commerce Commission.
        ``(i) Regulation of interstate transmission of power, except 
    the installation of connections between Government waterpower 
    projects.
        ``(j) Securities and exchanges.
        ``(k) Weather Bureau.''
        Rule XI is further amended by inserting after clause 16 the 
    following:
        ``17. Committee on Science and Astronautics.
        ``(a) Astronautical research and development, including 
    resources, personnel, equipment, and facilities.
        ``(b) Bureau of Standards, standardization of weights and 
    measures, and the metric system.

[[Page 3002]]

        ``(c) National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics.
        ``(d) National Science Foundation.
        ``(e) Outer space, including exploration and control thereof.
        ``(f) Science scholarships.
        ``(g) Scientific research and development.''

    Immediately thereafter, Mr. Bolling offered this amendment:

        Amendment offered by Mr. Bolling: On page 2, line 24, strike 
    out line 24 through the remainder of the resolution and in lieu 
    thereof insert the following:
        ``(c) National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
        ``(d) National Aeronautics and Space Council.
        ``(e) National Science Foundation.
        ``(f) Outer space, including exploration and control thereof.
        ``(g) Science Scholarships.
        ``(h) Scientific research and development.''

    Referring to the amendment, he stated that it was ``in effect a 
perfecting amendment so that the language of the resolution which 
establishes the new committee will conform to the act which is to 
become law, which was passed by both the House and the other body last 
week establishing this National Administration on Aeronautics and 
Science. This is to make the rules of the House conform to this act 
which is about to become law.''
    Asked to elaborate further with respect to the resolution itself, 
Mr. Bolling explained that it amended the rules of the House to provide 
for the establishment of a new standing legislative committee to be 
known as the Committee on Science and Astronautics. The committee would 
consist of 25 members and would have jurisdiction over the exploration 
and control of outer space and astronautic research and development, 
including resources, personnel, equipment, and facilities.
    The standing committee would take over, and continue, the work 
started by the House Select Committee on Astronautics and Space 
Exploration. Certain functions of the Committee on Interstate and 
Foreign Commerce and the Armed Services Committee would be transferred 
to this committee; namely legislation relating to the scientific 
agencies--the Bureau of Standards, the National Advisory Committee for 
Aeronautics and the National Science Foundation. The chairmen of the 
Interstate and Foreign Commerce Committee and the Armed Services 
Committee agreed with these proposed transfers. The committee would 
also cooperate with the Executive in the operation of the Space Agency.
    Further discussion of the resolution proceeded briefly, after which 
the Chair put the question on the

[[Page 3003]]

amendment which was agreed to, and the resolution, as amended, was then 
agreed to.(2)
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 2. Id. at p. 14514.
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    Parliamentarian's Note: On Mar. 5, 1958,(~3~) the House 
passed House Resolution 496, creating the Select Committee on 
Astronautics and Space Exploration, consisting of 13 members authorized 
and directed to conduct a complete study and investigation ``with 
respect to all aspects and problems relating to the exploration of 
outer space and the control, development, and use of astronautical 
resources, personnel, equipment, and facilities.'' House Resolution 496 
directed the select committee to report to the House by June 1, 1958, 
or the earliest practical date thereafter, but not later than Jan. 3, 
1959. After the new standing committee was created, no Members were 
elected to it nor were any bills referred to it during the remainder of 
the second session of the 85th Congress. The Members appointed to the 
select committee continued to serve on that committee until the end of 
the session.
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 3. 104 Cong. Rec. 3443, 85th Cong. 2d Sess.
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Establishing Council on Environmental Quality

Sec. 47.2 Under the rules in effect in the 90th Congress, the Committee 
    on Science and Astronautics and not the Committee on Interior and 
    Insular Affairs had jurisdiction of a bill to establish a Council 
    on Environmental Quality to study environmental changes and their 
    effect on man.

    On Apr. 17, 1967,(4) Wayne N. Aspinall, of Colorado, 
Chairman of the Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs, obtained 
unanimous consent to have his committee discharged from further 
consideration of the bill (H.R. 7796), and to have it rereferred to the 
Committee on Science and Astronautics.
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 4. 113 Cong. Rec. 9708, 90th Cong. 1st Sess.
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International Biological Program

Sec. 47.3 In the 91st Congress, the Committee on Science and 
    Astronautics and not the Committee on Foreign Affairs had 
    jurisdiction of a joint resolution expressing the support of 
    Congress for the international biological program, established 
    under the auspices of the International Council of Scientific 
    Unions and sponsored in the United States by the National Academy 
    of Sciences.

[[Page 3004]]

    On Apr. 29, 1969,(5) Thomas E. Morgan, of Pennsylvania, 
Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, obtained unanimous 
consent to have his committee discharged from further consideration of 
the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 589), and to have it rereferred to the 
Committee on Science and Astronautics.(~6~)
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 5. 115 Cong. Rec. 10745, 91st Cong. 1st Sess.
 6. H.J. Res. 589 was reported by the Committee on Science and 
        Astronautics on June 11, 1969 (H. Rept. No. 91-302).
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World Science Pan-Pacific Exposition

Sec. 47.4 The Committee on Science and Astronautics and not the 
    Committee on Foreign Affairs had jurisdiction of bills, messages, 
    and communications dealing with the participation of the United 
    States in the World Science Pan-Pacific Exposition.

    On June 24, 1959,(7) Thomas E. Morgan, of Pennsylvania, 
Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, obtained unanimous 
consent to have his committee discharged from further consideration of 
the bills (H.R. 7431, H.R. 7434, H.R. 7435, H.R. 7436, H.R. 7438, H.R. 
7440, and H.R. 7443), and to have them rereferred to the Committee on 
Science and Astronautics. Immediately thereafter, a message from the 
President was similarly referred.
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 7. 105 Cong. Rec. 11810, 86th Cong. 1st Sess.
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