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SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION     1617

OCEANOGRAPHY LEGISLATION

The Board of Regents at its meeting January 24, 1963, voted to defer until this meeting any action on an expanded program of research in oceanography. Relevant legislation now pending in the Congress includes H.R. 2653 introduced by Mr. Cannon on January 24, 1963, and H.R. 3499 introduced by Mr. Dingell on February 7, 1963. No report from the Smithsonian Institution has been requested by the Committee on House Administration on either bill. H.R. 2653 (Cannon) is the draft bill which was considered by the Board of Regents in its January meeting. 

The principal advantage of H.R. 2653 (Cannon) over H.R. 3499 (Dingell) is the reasonable limitation imposed on the Institution's depository authority. This limitation provides that the specimens shall be deposited only when they are no longer needed for investigations in progress and to the extent that the Regents deem the preservation of such collections to be appropriate. This limitation is reassuring to scientists in other institutions.

Dr. Hunsaker raised an objection to the Institution's awarding scholarships. Mr. Bow felt that it is unwise at this time to press for any new programs that would cost money. After discussion, on motion by Mr. Bow, seconded by Dr. Greenewalt, and carried it was 

VOTED to defer action until the next meeting of the Board of Regents on any expanded program of research in oceanography.

STATUS OF LEGISLATION ON POLICING AMENDMENT (H.R. 3052 AND S. 809)

The Secretary stated that this bill was simply to authorize the policing of the new buildings. A favorable report was expected soon from the Bureau of the Budget. 

STATUS OF LEGISLATION ON CANAL ZONE BIOLOGICAL AREA (H.R. 3053 and S. 808)

The Secretary reported this to be an important matter although it does not involve a large amount of money. The purpose of the legislation is to eliminate the existing limitation of $10,000 on the amount authorized to be appropriated for administration of the Canal Zone Biological Area. A favorable report had been cleared by the Bureau of the Budget and sent to the House Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries on March 22, 1963.