Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 86.djvu/840

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Information, availability.

81 Stat. 54.

PUBLIC LAW 92-484-OCT. 13, 1972

[86 STAT.

(2) where possible, ascertain cause-and-effect relationships; (3) identify alternative technological methods of implementing specific programs; (4) identify alternative programs for achieving requisite goals; (5) make estimates and comparisons of the impacts of alternative methods and programs; (6) present findings of completed analyses to the appropriate legislative authorities; (7) identify areas where additional research or data collection is required to provide adequate support for the assessments and estimates described in paragraph (1) through (5) of this subsection; and (8) undertake such additional associated activities as the appropriate authorities specified under subsection (d) may direct. (d) Assessment activities undertaken by the Office may be initiated upon the request of: (1) the chairman of any standing, special, or select committee of either House of the Congress, or of any joint committee of the Congress, acting for himself or at the request of the ranking minority member or a majority of the committee members; (2) the Board; or (3) the Director, in consultation with the Board. (e) Assessments made by the Office, including information, surveys, studies, reports, and findings related thereto, shall be made available to the initiating committee or other appropriate committees of the Congress. I n addition, any such information, surveys, studies, reports, and findings produced by the Office may be made available to the public except where— (1) to do so would violate security statutes; or (2) the Board considers it necessary or advisable to withhold such information in accordance with one or more of the numbered paragraphs in section 552(b) of title 5, United States Code. TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT BOARD

Membership.

Vacancies.

Chairman and vice chairman.

SEC. 4. (a) The Board shall consist of thirteen members as follows: (1) six Members of the Senate, appointed by the President pro tempore of the Senate, three from the majority party and three from the minority party; (2) six Members of the House of Representatives appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, three from the majority party and three from the minority party; and (3) the Director, who shall not be a voting member. (b) Vacancies in the membership of the Board shall not affect the power of the remaining members to execute the functions of the Board and shall be filled in the same manner as in the case of the original appointment. (c) The Board shall select a chairman and a vice chairman from among its members at the beginning of each Congress. The vice chairman shall act in the place and stead of the chairman in the absence of the chairman. The chairmanship and the vice chairmanship shall alternate between the Senate and the House of Representatives with each Congress. The chairman during each even-numbered Congress shall be selected by the Members of the House of Representatives on the Board from among their number. The vice chairman during each

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