§473 Technology Assessment Board

Summary

Creates a board of 13 members. Six are Senators picked by the President pro tempore — three from the majority party and three from the minority party. Six are Members of the House picked by the Speaker — three from the majority party and three from the minority party. The Director is also on the board but cannot vote. If a seat becomes empty, the rest of the board can keep working and the empty seat is filled the same way it was first filled. The board picks a chair and a vice chair at the start of each Congress. The chair and vice chair switch between the Senate and the House each Congress. In even-numbered Congresses the House members on the board pick the chair; the vice chair is picked from the other chamber. The board can meet during sessions, recesses, or adjournments of Congress. With a majority vote it can require witnesses and documents (including by subpoena), take testimony, administer oaths, arrange printing, and spend money it needs. It can make its own rules, but it cannot send out any recommendation unless a majority agrees. Subpoenas may be signed by the chair or a voting member the chair names, and the chair or any voting member may swear in witnesses.