ABSTRACT
Obtaining reliable and independent advice on scientific and technological issues has been of growing importance to the US federal government since World War II. Despite the distinct needs of all three branches of government, most observers and commentators have concentrated on the advisory apparatus available to the President. The creation of the Presidential Office of Science and Technology in 1962 and the growing magnitude of federal support for science and technology simply intensified Congress's need for its own bipartisan advisory system. Congress also began to turn to the National Academy of Sciences for independent advice on matters dealing with science and technology. To fulfill its funding and oversight roles properly, Congress must have its own bipartisan science and technology advisory apparatus, free of agency or disciplinary bias. It should not, and cannot, be expected to rely on the expert advice of the Executive agencies on which it must keep both a critical and nurturing eye.
