INTRODUCTION

The close of the 1960's is characterized by a growing skepticism about the potentials of science and technology which is manifested in a near zero growth rate of federally supported research. This is in part derived from the gradual erosion of the political foundation for science together with the growing lack of public confidence in the promises of the scientific community. Symbolically, science and technology has always been a two-edged sword. Knowledge is amoral and can be either used fruitfully or misused. In addition, the more sophisticated we, as a nation, become, the more we realize that a social price is frequently paid for scientific progress. Harmful and often unpredicted side-effects accrue from the application of technological know-how.

The fruits of the nation's scientific effort have greatly enhanced man's understanding of and ability to control himself and his environment. But with greater understanding come larger responsibilities. It is therefore imperative, now more than ever, that scientific knowledge be applied more judiciously and prudently, and with a greater sensitivity to optimizing the short and long-term effects on society.

Every legitimate effort should be taken to increase the financial support for the sciences, especially the social sciences. To this end, open and viable debate should precede conscious decision-making and, at the same time, serve to inform the public of the importance of scientific research-the importance of which should be reflected in national budgetary priorities.

The Senate Subcommittee on Government Research of the Committee on Government Operations was created in March, 1966, in order to exercise oversight on federally sponsored research and development programs. Senate Resolution 227, of the 90th Congress, 2d Session, authorized the subcommittee to inquire into the efficiency and economy of these programs and activities. In exercising this mandate, the subcommittee has attempted to stimulate debate on national science policy issues, focus on specific national problems, identify related policy issues, and explore and examine alternatives for solving these issues. While taking note of the vast number of scientific fields and programs, the subcommittee has proceeded in a selective manner so that subjects could be covered in sufficient depth and detail. During the 90th Congress, 2d Session, the subcommittee held hearings on: (1) S. J. Res. 145, a bill to create a National Commission on Health Science and Society; and (2) "Deprivation and Personality: A New Challenge to Human Resources Development." Also, the subcommittee, in conjunction with the Ford Foundation and Óklahoma State University, co-sponsored a National Manpower Conference on "The Rural to Urban Population Shift."

At the request of the Subcommittee on Government Research, Mrs. Barbara A. Luxemberg and other members of the Science Policy Research Division of the Legislative Reference Service, Library of Congress, prepared "An Inventory of Congressional Concern with Research and Development, 90th Congress, 2d Session" as the fourth part of a continuing effort to catalog the myriad congressional publications relating to science and technology.

This publication is similar in purpose and scope to the previous bibliography. A minor difference appears in the treatment of publications concerning agency appropriations and authorizations. Almost all government agencies fund some research and development related to their agency mission. Such activities are routinely included as minor parts of agency appropriation requests. For this reason, the bibliography includes only those publications concerning appropriations for agencies devoting a substantial amount of their budget to research and development. Thus, publications included are those concerning the Department of Defense, Public Works, Independent Offices, and the Department of Health, Education and Welfare authorizations and appropriations. Not included in the bibliography, but worthy of mention because they do discuss funds for some research and development, are publications on authorizations and appropriations for the following: the Executive Offices, and the Departments of Agriculture, the Interior, Commerce, and Transportation.

The bibliography is a systematically documented reference work listing all congressional hearings, reports, documents, and public laws on science policy affairs. The large number of entries (471) representing a wide variety of subjects, is indicative of the intensity and magnitude of Congressional interest in science policy affairs.

A definition of science policy affairs will serve to indicate the scope of the bibliography. The phrase "science policy affairs" refers to that portion of the political arena in which occurs the interaction of science and society. More specifically, it is the process by which science and politics meet. The political, social, economic, legal and ethical implications of scientific and technological developments are often profound and frequently of a nature that creates problems and issues which require prompt attention. Also, the political and social underpinnings of Federal support for research and development tend to shift with the changing will and social consciousness of the nation.

One fact worth stressing is that the political base of support for research and development can and will erode if unattended, ignored, or misunderstood. This appears to have happened recently to the great detriment of scientific research-plaguing it with inadequate funding. Now more than ever, the national mandate for science, which will be reflected by the level of financial support, should be continually strengthened if the nation is to maintain its position of world leadership in science. Finally, funds for science and technology cannot grow unless there is more responsiveness to social needs.

This compendium is intended to include all congressional publications relating to science policy affairs. The 471 entries selected from the "Monthly Catalog of United States Government Publications" are divided into several categories, including the following: hearings concerning proposed legislation or legislative oversight; reports on bills, including authorizations and appropriations; conference reports;