Whereas, scientific and technological strength is closely associated with the economic and political strength of this Nation; Whereas, the increasingly global nature of scientific and technological activities has broadened opportunities for both competition and cooperation in these activities; Whereas, the Congress is increasingly concerned with a number of issues related to international cooperation and competition in science and technology, including the role of cooperative science and technology in global development; the balance between international cooperation and national security; exchange of scientific and technological personnel; and access to scientific and technological facilities and nowledge; Whereas, the Department of State's Science and Technology Officers have for many years provided the U.S. Government with excellent information and advice on these and other matters, both in the United States and abroad; Whereas, the Department of State's Science and Technology Officers carry out a variety of functions in an extraordinarily competent manner, including providing liaison between scientific communities in the U.S. and overseas, informing the U.S. government of foreign science and technology policies and developments, participating in international negotiations, and managing cooperative bilateral science and technology programs; Whereas, the Department of State's Science and Technology Officers are often outnumbered by their counterparts from other nations, placing the U.S. at a distinct disadvantage in terms of monitoring and influencing intemational science and technology; Whereas, periodic informal meetings between the Congress and the Department of State's Science and Technology Officers have yielded timely, relevant and valuable guidance and perspective with respect to foreign policy considerations; Whereas, it is the desire of the Congress to ensure that the corps of Science and Technology Officers abroad and at the Department of state remain strong not only in its scientific abilities, which are of high quality, but also in number, so that U.S. policy on science, technology and diplomacy may be well coordinated. Now, therefore, be it resolved, 1. That the Congress congratulates the Department of State's Science and Technology Officers on executing their duties in a meritorious manner under difficult circumstances; 2. That the Congress urges the Secretary of State to make every offort to enhance the number and professional standing of Science and Technology Officers in order to reflect greater emphasis upon science and technology in the U.S. diplomatic agenda as stated pursuant to Title V of P.L. 95-426, the Science, Technology and American Diplomacy Act; and 3. That the Congress and the Department of State maintain, and take steps to expand, both formal and informal communications with regard to science, technology and diplomacy. Chairman FASCELL. H. Con. Res. 369 was introduced by our distinguished colleague Mr. Roe of New Jersey who is the chairman of the Science and Technology Committee. And they have approved this, have they, staff? I see. Obviously, they are for it if the Chairman is. So I have agreed to join in sponsoring this resolution as our two committees have worked so closely together over the years to promote the 1979 initiative, which is Title V of the Foreign Relations Act which emphasizes the importance of the interrelationship of science and technology in American diplomacy, and my predecessor the former chairman who was the sponsor of that original effort for the inclusion of Title V and it has been an initiative which the Foreign Affairs Committee and the Committee on Science and Technology have pursued diligently throughout the years in the very simple understanding, assumption, belief that in the world of science because of not only telecommunications, but because of other scientific advancements and progress, that's essentiality between close interrelationship of science and diplomacy is inevitable in that it would be a mistake not to have for the United States that kind of relationship and hence the reason for Title V. And especially with international competition being what it is, it seemed to us in both committees and the leadership that we needed to be more aggressive in employing science and technology in order to improve our industrial competitiveness and that we had to rely more on our science attachés overseas to monitor and to influence, if they could, international science and technology events in which the United States was interested or could be a part of. Because that emphasis has paid off the recognition has been adopted in the department because the professionalism has been improved and we see definite progress in the Administration towards a Congressional initiative. It was felt by the chairman of the Science and Technology Committee, and I'm happy to join him in that effort to sponsor this resolution, to express our appreciation. We do that because there are a lot of congressional initiatives that never see the light of day and when we get one it not only sees the light of day but is fully cooperated with in this manner, we would like to say so. And that's what this resolution does. Chairman FASCELL. And anybody else who wants to talk on the subject now has the floor. Any comment and discussion? [No response.] Chairman FASCELL. If not the question is on approving H. Con. Res. 369. All those in favor signify by saying aye. [A chorus of ayes.] Chairman FASCELL. All those opposed no. [No response.] Chairman FASCELL. The ayes have it the resolution is agreed to. [Whereupon, the committee proceeded to other business.] CONSIDERATION OF MISCELLANEOUS BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS House Concurrent Resolution 371 and H.R. 5389 TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 1988 HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Washington, DC. The committee met in open markup session, at 9:35 a.m., in room 2172, Rayburn House Office Building, Hon. Dante B. Fascell (chairman) presiding. Chairman FASCELL. The next order of business is H.R. 5389. The Chief of Staff will report the bill. Mr. BRADY. H.R. 5389, concerning disaster assistance for Bangladesh. Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives―― Chairman FASCELL. Without objection, further reading of the resolution will be dispensed with, printed in the record in full and open for amendment. [H.R. 5389 follows:] (347) |