ABSTRACT
Many analysts readily admit that important materials-related problems do exist, but maintain that such problems are not as serious as other problems with which national policymakers must deal. Many arguments are entertained both for and against the need for a national policy for materials. The establishment and pursuit of a national policy for materials could help shed light upon many of the nation's most pressing materials-related problems. One of the more outstanding examples of congressional leadership in attempting to develop a national policy for materials management was the National Materials and Minerals Policy, Research and Development Act of 1980, enacted despite continued resistance and opposition on the part of the executive branch that stopped just short of presidential veto. The professional materials community consists largely of various professional societies and scientific and technical organizations that have a direct or peripheral interest in materials.
