Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 79.djvu/870

 830

PUBLIC LAW 89-198-SEPT. 22, 1965

[79

STAT.

Public Law 89-198 September 22, 1965 [H. R. 8333]

Armed Forces. C a s h awards program. 70A Stat. 88.

Armed Forces operations.

U.S. Government operations.

A c c e p t a n c e provisions.

Available funds.

Limitation.

AN ACT To amend title 10, United States Code, to provide for the establishment of a program of cash awards for suggestions, inventions, or scientific achievements by members of the armed forces which contribute to the eflSciency, economy, or other improvement of Government operations.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That chapter 57 of title 10, United States Code, is amended— (1) by adding the following new section at the end thereof: "§ 1124. Cash awards for suggestions, inventions, or scientific achievements " (a) The Secretary of Defense, or the Secretary of the Treasury with respect to the Coast Guard when it is not operating as a service in the Navy, may authorize the payment of a cash award to, and incur necessary expense for the honorary recognition of, a member of the armed forces under his jurisdiction who by his suggestion, invention, or scientific achievement contributes to the efficiency, economy, or other improvement of operations or programs relating to the armed forces. " (b) Whenever the President considers it desirable, the Secretary of Defense, and the Secretary of the Treasury with respect to the Coast Guard when it is not operating as a service in the Navy, are authorized to pay a cash award to, and incur necessary expense for the honorary recognition of, a member of the armed forces who by his suggestion, invention, or scientific achievement contributes to the efficiency, economy, or other improvement of operations of the Government of the United States. Such award is in addition to any other award made to that member under subsection (a). "(c) An award mider this section may be paid notwithstanding the member's death or separation from the armed force concerned, but only if the suggestion, invention, or scientific achievement forming the basis for the award was made while he was on active duty. " (d) A cash award under this section is in addition to the pay and allowances of the recipient. The acceptance of such an award shall constitute— "(1) an agreement by the member that the use by the United States of any idea, method, or device for which the award is made may not be the basis of a claim against the United States by the member, his heirs, or assigns, or by any person whose claim is alleged to be derived through the member; and "(2) a warranty by the member that he has not at the time of acceptance transferred, assigned, or otherwise divested himself of legal or equitable title in any property ri^ht residing in the idea, method, or device for which the award is made. "(e) Awards to, and expenses for the honorary recognition of, members of the armed forces under this section may be paid from (1) the funds or appropriations available to the activity primarily benefiting; or (2) the several funds or appropriations of the various activities benefiting, as may be determined by the President for awards under subsection (b), and by the Secretary concerned for awards under subsection (a). " (f) The total amount of the award, or awards, made under this section for a suggestion, iiiA-ention, or scientific achievement may not exceed $25,000, regardless of the inimber of persons who may be entitled to share therein. " (g) Awards under this section shall be made under regulations to be prescribed by the Secretary of Defense, or by the Secretary of

�