3 1 investigations, experiments, demonstrations, and studies re2 lated to the aging process and the diseases and other special 3 health problems and needs of the aged, except that the Secre4 tary shall determine the areas in which and the extent to 5 which he will carry out such purposes of section 301 through 6 the Institute or another institute established by or under 7 other provisions of this Act, or both of them, when both such 8 institutes have functions with respect to the same subject. 9 matter. The Secretary may also provide training and instruc10 tion and establish traineeships and fellowships, in the In11 stitute and elsewhere, in matters relating to study and investigation of the aging process and the diseases and other special 13 health problems and needs of the aged. The Secretary may 12 14 provide trainees and fellows participating in such training and 15 instruction or in such traineeships and fellowships with such 16 17 stipends and allowances (including travel and subsistence expenses) as he deems necessary, and, in addition, provide 18 for such training, instruction, and traineeships and for such 19 fellowships through grants to public or other nonprofit 20 institutions." 92D CONGRESS 1ST SESSION S. 1925 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES MAY 21, 1971 Mr. WILLIAMS introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Labor and Public Welfare A BILL To promote the advancement of research in aging through a comprehensive and intensive program for the systematic study of the aging process in human beings. 1 Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representa2 tives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, 3 That this Act may be cited as the "Research on Aging Act". 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 II FINDINGS SEC. 2. The Congress hereby finds and declares (1) that the aging process usually results in the gradual deterioration of memory, certain aspects of learning, and loss of sensory acuity; (2) that concern about the infirmities of age are substantial factors in psychological distress and psychiatric disorders; 23 222 2 (3) that there is not yet a comprehensive program in the United States to study aging at the most funda mental level of its biological origins, in a systematic and intensive manner; (4) that the aging process involves social and economic problems for a substantial proportion of aging Americans; (5) that despite the current Federal research effort, the effects of the aging phenomenon on virtually every aspect of life, and the complexity and magnitude of forces affecting aging persons, require a unified national approach to research on aging; (6) that there is a need (A) to establish research priorities; (B) to stimulate research in subareas, the exploration of which is essential to an understanding of aging; and (C) to expand the level of support allocated to the studies of scientists whose current research efforts are relevant to the processes of aging; and (7) that there is a need for an organized effort to encourage the involvement of additional scientists and capable students in research on aging. ESTABLISHMENT OF COMMISSION SEC. 3. There is hereby established a commission to be 24 known as the Aging Research Commission (hereinafter 25 called the "Commission"). 1 2 3 FUNCTIONS OF THE COMMISSION SEC. 4. (a) The Commission shall be responsible for 3 preparing a long-range program, to be known as the geron4 tological research plan, designed to promote intensive co5 ordinated research into the biological, medical, psychological, 6 social, and economic aspects of aging. Such plan shall be 7 submitted to the President and the Congress on or before 8 June 30, 1970. 9 (b) In order to prepare such plan, the Commission is 10 authorized and directed to carry out the following pre11 liminary activities: 12 (1) to gather, analyze, and interpret timely and 13 authoritative information and statistical data concerning developments and programs on the biological, medical, psychological, social, and economic aspects of aging; (2) compiling studies relating to such develop ments and programs; (3) appraising the various programs and activities of the United States pertaining to the causes and con sequences of aging and evaluating whether such programs and activities contribute to our understanding of aging and our efforts to ameliorate the problems of aging; (4) developing priorities for programs to increase our knowledge of the various aspects of aging; and (5) making and furnishing such studies, reports, ties, and legislation, to achieve a greater insight into all 4 1 and recommendations, with respect to programs, activi 2 3 4 5 aspects of aging. ORGANIZATION OF THE COMMISSION SEC. 5. (a) The Commission shall be composed of 6 seven members to be appointed by the President, by and 7 with the advice and consent of the Senate. The Commission 8 shall include at least one member from each of the follow9 ing backgrounds: biological science, clinical medicine, the 10 behavioral and social sciences, and economics. Each person 11 nominated for appointment shall, as a result of his training, 12 experience, and attainments, be exceptionally qualified to 13 formulate and appraise programs and activities related to 14 aging. 15 (b) The President shall designate one of the members 16 of the Commission to serve as Chairman and one to serve as 17 Vice Chairman. The Chairman shall receive compensation at 18 the rate prescribed for level II of the Executive Schedule under section 5313 of title 5, United States Code. Each of the 20 other four members shall receive compensation at the rate 21 prescribed for level IV of the Executive Schedule under sec22 tion 5315 of such title. 222 23 (c) Vacancies shall be filled in the same manner in 24 which the original appointments were made. Any vacancy in |