THE ATOMIC ENERGY ACT OF 19461 With Amendments Through the Eighty-Second Congress AN ACT For the development and control of atomic energy. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, DECLARATION OF POLICY (42 U. S. C. 1801) declaration. SECTION 1. (a) FINDINGS AND DECLARATION.-Research Findings and and experimentation in the field of nuclear chain reaction have attained the stage at which the release of atomic energy on a large scale is practical. The significance of the atomic bomb for military purposes is evident. The effect of the use of atomic energy for civilian purposes upon the social, economic, and political structures of today cannot now be determined. It is a field in which unknown factors are involved. Therefore, any legislation will necessarily be subject to revision from time to time. It is reasonable to anticipate, however, that tapping this new source of energy will cause profound changes in our present way of life. Accordingly, it is hereby declared to be the policy of the people of the United States that, subject at all times to the paramount objective of assuring the common defense and Paramount security, the development and utilization of atomic en- objective. ergy shall, so far as practicable, be directed toward improving the public welfare, increasing the standard of living, strengthening free competition in private enterprise, and promoting world peace. (b) PURPOSE OF ACT.-It is the purpose of this Act to Purpose; major effectuate the policies set out in section 1 (a) by provid- programs. ing, among others, for the following major programs relating to atomic energy: The Atomic Energy Act of 1946 (Public Law 585. 79th Cong., 60 Stat. 755-75; 42 U. S. C. 1801-1819 (1946 ed.)). (For legislative history index to Public Law 585, 79th Cong., see index to S. 1717 in appendix D, p. 39.) The sections of the act which have been amended are as follows: Sec. 2 (a) (2), July 3, 1948. by Public Law 898, 80th Cong., 62 Stat. 1259; 42 U. S. C. 1802 (1946 ed.). Secs. 2 (c) and 2 (d), Oct. 11, 1949. by Public Law 347, 81st Cong.. 63 Stat. 762; 42 U. S. C. 1802 (1946 ed.). Secs. 2 (a) (2) and 2 (a) (4) (A), Sept. 23, 1950, by Public Law 820, 81st Cong., 64 Stat. 979: 42 U. S. C. 1802 (1846 ed.). Sec. 5 (a) (3), Oct. 30, 1951, by Public Law 235. 82d Cong., 65 Stat. 692. 42 U. S. C. 1805 (1948 ed.). and sec. 10 (a). Oct. 30, 1951, by Public Law 235, 82d Cong., 65 Stat. 692; 42 U. S. C. 1810 (1946 ed.). Seca. 10 (b) (5) (B) (i) and (B) (ii), Apr. 5, 1952, by Public Law 298, 82d Cong. (66 Stat. 44, ch. 159). (1) Private research. Control of Federal research and development. (1) A program of assisting and fostering private research and development to encourage maximum scientific progress;* (2) A program for the control of scientific and technical information which will permit the dissemination of such information to encourage scientific progress, and for the sharing on a reciprocal basis of information concerning the practical industrial application of atomic energy as soon as effective and enforceable safeguards against its use for destructive purposes can be devised; (3) A program of federally conducted research and development to assure the Government of adequate scientific and technical accomplishment; (4) A program for Government control of the production, owner- duction, ownership, and use of fissionable material to assure the common defense and security and to insure the broadest possible exploitation of the fields; and ship, and use of fissionable material. Administration. Membership. Appointment of Terms of office. (5) A program of administration which will be consistent with the foregoing policies and with international arrangements made by the United States, and which will enable the Congress to be currently informed so as to take further legislative action as may hereafter be appropriate. ORGANIZATION (42 U. S. C. 1802) SEC. 2 (a) ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION. (1) There is hereby established an Atomic Energy Commission (herein called the Commission), which shall be composed of five members. Three members shall constitute a quorum of the Commission. The President shall designate one member as Chairman of the Commission. (2) Members of the Commission shall be appointed by Commissioners. the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. In submitting any nomination to the Senate, the President shall set forth the experience and the qualifications of the nominee. The term of office of each member of the Commission taking office prior to June 30, 1950, shall expire at midnight on June 30, 1950. The term of office of each member of the Commission taking office after June 30, 1950, shall be five years, except that (A) the terms of office of the members first taking office after June 30, 1950, shall expire, as designated by the President at the time of the appointment, one at the end of one year, one at the end of two years, one at the end of three years, one at the end of four years, and one at the end of five years, after June 30, 1950; and (B) any member appointed to fill a vacancy occurring prior to the expiration of the term for which his predecessor was appointed, shall be appointed for the remainder of such term. Ány member of the Commission may be removed by the President for inefficiency, neglect of duty, or malfeasance in office. Each member, except the Chair- Compensation. man, shall receive compensation at the rate of $18,000 per annum; and the Chairman shall receive compensation at the rate of $20,000 per annum. No member of the Commission shall engage in any other business, vocation, or employment than that of serving as a member of the Commission." (3) The principal office of the Commission shall be in the District of Columbia, but the Commission or any duly authorized representative may exercise any or all of its powers in any place. The Commission shall hold such meetings, conduct such hearings, and receive such reports as may be necessary to enable it to carry out the provisions of this Act. (4) There are hereby established within the Com mission- office in Disbia. trict of Co (A) a General Manager, who shall discharge such General Manof the administrative and executive functions of the ager. Commission as the Commission may direct. The General Manager shall be appointed by the Commission, shall serve at the pleasure of the Commis 2 The provision of sec. 2 (a) (2) relating to the terms of office of members of the Atomic Energy Commission was amended on July 3, 1948, by Public Law 898, 80th Cong. (62 Stat. 1259, 42 U. S. C. 1802 (1946 ed.)) to read as shown above in italics. (See S. 2589 (Apr. 30, 1948) and S. Rept. 1342 (May 17, 1948) and minority views (May 24, 1948); see also Ĥ. R. 6402 (Apr. 30, 1948) and H. Rept. 1973 (May 18, 1949) and urinority views (May 24, 1948).) (For legislative history index to Public Law 898, 80th Cong., see index to H. R. 6402 in appendix D, p. 39.) The provision of sec. 2 (a) (2)_relating to compensation to be received by members of the Atomic Energy Commission was amended on Sept. 23, 1950, by Public Law 820, 81st Cong. (64 Stat. 979, 42 U. S. C. 1802 (1946 ed.) ) to read as shown above in italics. (See S. 3437 (Apr. 17, 1950) and S. Rept. 2493 (Aug. 30, 1950): see also H. R. 8103 (Apr. 19, 1950).) (For legislative history index to Public Law 820, 81st Cong., see index to S. 3437, in appendix D, p. 40.) In the basic Atomic Energy Act (Public Law 585, 79th Cong., 60 Stat. 755-775; 42 U. S. C. 1801-1819 (1946 ed.)) sec. 2 (a) (2), read as shown below. The language subsequently changed by Public Law 898 and Public Law 820 is shown in italics. "(2) Members of the Commission shall be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. In submitting any nomination to the Senate, the President shall set forth the experience and the qualifications of the nominee. The term of office of each member of the Commission taking office prior to the expiration of two years after the date of enactment of this Act shall expire upon the expiration of such two years. The term of office of each member of the Commission taking office after the expiration of two years from the date of enactment of this Act shall be five years, except that (A) the terms of office of the members first taking office after the expiration of two years from the date of enactment of this Act shall expire, as designated by the President at the time of appointment, one at the end of three years, one at the end of four years, one at the end of five years, one at the end of six years, and one at the end of seven years, after the date of enactment of this Act; and (B) any member appointed to fill a vacancy occurring prior to the expiration of the term for which his predecessor was appointed, shall be appointed for the remainder of such term. Any member of the Commission may be removed by the President for inefficiency, neglect of duty, or malfeasance in office. Each member, except the Chairman, shall receive compensation at the rate of $15,000 per annum; and the Chairman shall receive compensation at the rate of $17,500 per annum. No member of the Commission shall engage in any other business, vocation, or employment than that of serving as a member of the Commission." Divisions; directors. Exercise of Commission's powers. General Terms of reference. Military Liaison Committee. sion, shall be removable by the Commission, and shall receive compensation at a rate fixed in the Commission's discretion but not to exceed $20,000 per annum.3 The (B) a Division of Research, a Division of Production, a Division of Engineering, and a Division of Military Application. Each division shall be under the direction of a Director who shall be appointed by the Commission, and shall receive compensation at the rate of $14,000 3a per annum. Director of the Division of Military Application shall be a member of the armed forces. The Commission shall require each such division to exercise such of the Commission's powers under this Act as the Commission may determine, except that the authority granted under section 3 (a) of this Act shall not be exercised by the Division of Research. (b) GENERAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE.-There shall be a General Advisory Committee to advise the Commission on scientific and technical matters relating to materials, production, and research and development, to be composed of nine members, who shall be appointed from civilian life by the President. Each member shall hold office for a term of six years, except that (1) any member appointed to fill a vacancy occurring prior to the expiration of the term for which his predecessor was appointed, shall be appointed for the remainder of such term; and (2) the terms of office of the members first taking office after the date of the enactment of this Act shall expire, as designated by the President at the time of appointment, three at the end of two years, three at the end of four years, and three at the end of six years, after the date of the enactment of this Act. The Committee shall designate one of its own members as Chairman. The Committee shall meet at least four times in every calendar year. The members of the Committee shall receive a per diem compensation of $50 for each day spent in meetings or conferences, and all members shall receive their necessary traveling or other expenses while engaged in the work of the Committee. (c) MILITARY LIAISON COMMITTEE.-There shall be a Military Liaison Committee consisting of a Chairman, who shall be the head thereof and of a representative 3 The language of sec. 2 (a) (4) (A) which was amended on September 23, 1950, by Public Law 820, 81st Cong. (64 Stat. 979, 42 U. S. C. 1802 (1946 ed.)) is shown above in italics. (See S. 3437 (Ápr. 17, 1950) and S. Rept. 2493 (Aug. 30, 1950); see also H. R. 8103 (Apr. 19, 1950).) (For legislative history index to Public Law 820, 81st Cong., see index to S. 3437 in appendix D, p. 40.) In the basic Atomic Energy Act (Public Law 585, 79th Cong., 60 Stat. 755-775, 42 U. S. C. 1801–1819 (1946 ed.)) sec. 2 (a) (4) (A) read as shown below. The language subsequently changed or omitted by Public Law 820 is shown in italics. "(4) There are hereby established within the Commission "(A) a General Manager, who shall discharge such of the administrative and executive functions of the Commission as the Commission may direct. The General Manager shall be appointed by the President by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, and shall receive compensation at the rate of $15,000 per annum. The Commission may make recommendations to the President with respect to the appointment or removal of the General Manager." Ja Authorized to be increased to $14,800 by Public Law 375, 82d Congress (65 Stat. 101). For text see appendix Ġ, p. 65. Committee. or representatives of the Departments of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, detailed or assigned thereto, without additional compensation, in such number as the Secretary of Defense may determine. Representatives from each of the three Departments shall be designated by the respective Secretaries of the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Duties of The Committee Chairman shall be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, and shall receive compensation at a rate prescribed by law for the Chairman of the Munitions Board. The Commission shall advise and consult with the Committee on all atomic energy matters which the Committee deems to relate to military applications, including the development, manufacture, use and storage of bombs, the allocation of fissionable material for military research, and the control of information relating to the manufacture or utilization of atomic weapons. The Commission shall keep the Committee fully informed of all such matters before it and the Committee shall keep the Commission fully informed of all atomic energy activities of the Department of Defense. The Committee shall have authority to make written recommendations to the Commission on matters relating to military applications from time to time as it may deem appropriate. If the Committee at any time concludes that any action, proposed action, or failure to act of the Commission on such Statutory apmatters is adverse to the responsibilities of the Depart- peal procedure. ment of Defense, derived from the Constitution, laws, and treaties, the Committee may refer such action, proposed action, or failure to act to the Secretary of Defense. If the Secretary concurs, he may refer the matter to the President, whose decision shall be final.* Authority to recommenda make written tions. of Military (d) APPOINTMENT OF Army, Navy, or Air Force OFFI- Appointment CERS. Notwithstanding the provisions of section 1222 Officers. 4 The language of sec. 2 (c) which was amended on October 11, 1949, by Public Law 347, 81st Cong. (63 Stat. 762, 42 U. S. C. 1802 (1946 ed.) ) is shown in italics. (See S. 2372 (Aug. 3, 1949) and S. Rept. 934 (Aug. 18, 1949); see also H. R. 5884 (Aug. 4, 1949) and H. Rept. 1282 (Aug. 18, 1949).) (For legislative history index to Public Law 347, 81st Cong., see index to S. 2372 in appendix D, p. 39.) In the basic Atomic Energy Act (Public Law 585, 79th Cong., 60 Stat. 755-775, 42 U. S. C. 1801-1819 (1946 ed.)) sec. 2 (c) read as shown below. The language subsequently changed or omitted by Public Law 347 is shown in italics. "(c) MILITARY LIAISON COMMITTEE.-There shall be a Military Liaison Committee consisting of representatives of the Departments of War and Navy, detailed or assigned thereto, without additional compensation, by the Secretaries of War and Navy in such number as they may determine. The Commission shall advise and consult with the Committee on all atomic energy matters which the Committees [sic] deems to relate to military applications, including the development, manufacture, use, and storage of bombs, the allocation of fissionable material for military research, and the control of information relating to the manufacture or utilization of atomic weapons. The Commission shall keep the Committee fully informed of all such matters before it and the Committee shall keep the Commission fully informed of all atomic energy activities of the War and Navy Departments. The Committee shall have authority to make written recommendations to the Commission on matters relating to military applications from time to time as it may deem appropriate. If the Committee at any time concludes that any action, proposed action, or failure to act of the Commission on such matters is adverse to the responsibilities of the Departments of War or Navy, derived from the Constitution, laws, and treaties, the Committee may refer such action, proposed action, or failure to act to the Secretaries of War and Navy. If either Secretary concurs, he may refer the matter to the President, whose decision shall be final." 96318-52- -2 |