Establishment of the Astronomy and Astrophysics Advisory Committee  


NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION AUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2002, Public Law
107-368, Dec.19, 2002

An Act To authorize appropriations for fiscal years 2003, 2004, 2005,
2006, and 2007 for the National Science Foundation, and for other
purposes. 

SEC. 23. ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS ADVISORY COMMITTEE.

(a) Establishment.  The Foundation and the National Aeronautics and
Space Administration shall jointly establish an Astronomy and
Astrophysics Advisory Committee (in this section referred to as the
Advisory Committee). 

(b) Duties.  The Advisory Committee shall 

            (1) assess, and make recommendations regarding, the
coordination of astronomy and astrophysics programs of the Foundation
and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration;

            (2) assess, and make recommendations regarding, the status
of the activities of the Foundation and the National Aeronautics and
Space Administration as they relate to the recommendations contained
in the National Research Council's 2001 report  entitled ``Astronomy
and Astrophysics in the New Millennium'',  and the recommendations
contained in subsequent National  Research Council reports of a
similar nature; and

            (3) not later than March 15 of each year, transmit a
report to the Director, the Administrator of the National Aeronautics
and Space Administration, and the Committee on Science of the House of
Representatives, the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation of the Senate, and the Committee on Health, Education,
Labor, and Pensions of the Senate on the Advisory Committee's findings
and recommendations under paragraphs (1) and (2).

(c) Membership.  The Advisory Committee shall consist of 13 members,
none of whom shall be a Federal employee, including 

            (1) 5 members selected by the Director;

            (2) 5 members selected by the Administrator of the
National Aeronautics and Space Administration; and

            (3) 3 members selected by the Director of the Office of
Science and Technology Policy.

(d) Selection Process.  Initial selections under subsection c shall be
made within 3 months after the date of the enactment of this Act.
Vacancies shall be filled in the same manner as provided in subsection c.

(e) Chairperson.  The Advisory Committee shall select a chairperson from
among its members.

(f) Coordination.  The Advisory Committee shall coordinate with the
advisory bodies of other Federal agencies, such as the Department of
Energy, which may engage in related research activities.

(g) Compensation.  The members of the Advisory Committee shall serve
without compensation, but shall receive travel expenses, including per
diem in lieu of subsistence, in accordance with sections 5702 and 5703
of title 5, United States Code.

(h) Meetings.  The Advisory Committee shall convene, in person or by
electronic means, at least 4 times a year.

(i) Quorum.  A majority of the members serving on the Advisory
Committee shall constitute a quorum for purposes of conducting the
business of the Advisory Committee.

(j) Duration.Section 14 of the Federal Advisory Committee Act shall
not apply to the Advisory Committee.