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-212- amount of trust funds be spent on an annual basis to pay for current programs to lessen the need for Federal appropriations. These concerns were also expressed by the Senate Committee in its action on the Institution's fiscal year 1979 appropriation. These items have been addressed in other materials provided to the Board of Regents at the September 1978 and January 1979 meetings. The Institution will continue to work with the appropriate committees of the Congress on any additional appropriate actions that might be necessary to explain the Institution. 2. "Requiring that the Smithsonian Institution submit future Federal appropriation requests with comparative private fund availability projections on a side-by-side basis for the Committee's consideration in determining Federal funding levels" Action Taken. As described under item 2 of the GAO recommendations to the Board of Regents, the Institution has taken additional steps to show and explain the amounts and uses of all funds in a comparative way in its budget justifications to the Congress. To strengthen internal management and Congressional oversight, the Investigative Staff recommends the Committee further consider: 1. "Having the Board of Regents publish a set of bylaws that contain specific thresholds for management discretion in Smithsonian Institution program and project initiation, reprogramming of private funds from activities specified in the budget, establishment of a definitive program funding source policy and a mechanism for Regents approval of organizational change. The bylaws should also specify the authorities vested in the Executive Committee as well as the full Board of Regents" Action Taken. A draft of proposed bylaws of the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution is currently being prepared and will be sent to you after review by the Executive Committee. 2. "Limiting the appointment of members of the Board of Regents to 12 years or two consecutive terms to increase Regent participation and provide additional periodic policy and program stimulation" Action Taken. This recommendation was considered by the Board of Regents at its September 1978 meeting and the Regents were asked to consider these questions and make their views known to the Executive Committee of the Board of Regents. The Investigative Staff also recommends that the Committee consider: "Authorizing the Smithsonian Institution to continue to compete as a 'private' educational activity for grants and contracts from