This report examines the impact of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985, on the FY86 budget of selected research and development (R&D) programs. The analysis of the report focuses on the likely scope of reprogramming, and its potential impact on each program or agency in general. The qualitative program analysis also tried to determine what research areas were likely to suffer most under Gramm-Rudman-Hollings and if the different R&D agencies planned to cut the number of research grans or the size of each grant and how either action might affect their programs.,Abstract -- Introduction -- Department of Commerce. National Bureau of Standards ; National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration ; Office of Productivity, Technology and Innovation -- Department of Energy. Energy Supply Research and Development Activities ; Nuclear Fission ; Nuclear Waste Disposal Fund ; Basic Energy Sciences ; Energy Conservation Programs ; Electric Energy Systems and Energy Storage ; DOE Solar and Renewables ; Magnetic Fusion Energy ; Uranium Enrichment Activities ; General Science and Research Activities ; Fossil Energy Research and Development ; Expected Impact of Gramm-Rudman-Hollings -- Department of Interior. Bureau of Mines ; Minerals and Materials Research, Information, and Analysis -- Department of Transportation. Research Development ; FAA Research, Engineering and Development-Trust Fund -- Environmental Protection Agency. Research and Development Programs -- Federal Emergency Management Agency. United States Fire Administration ; National Fire Academy ; National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program -- National Aeronautics and Space Administration -- National Science Foundation.,CRS 86-538 SPR,"January 31, 1986.",SuDoc# 14. 18/3

Some members of the news media are interested in the possible use of a remote sensing satellite system for news gathering, referred to here as Mediasat. The technology is available to build and operate it, but it is not clear whether there is sufficient demand to finance a Mediasat system. This paper addresses issues relating to Mediasat, including: national security limits on sensor technology, international reaction to Mediasat, and existing legislation on private remote sensing satellites. Currently, the Unites States has a limit on the resolution of sensors that can fly on civilian satellites. If the media wants to fly higher resolution sensors, they may have to challenge these national security restrictions. However, if the United States does not develop higher resolution satellites, some fear that other countries will, causing the United states to lose its lead in civilian remote sensing satellite technology. The Land Remote-Sensing Commercialization Act of 1984 designated the Department of Commerce as the licensor of new remote sensing satellites, and reinforces the role of the Deparment of Defense in overseeing national security interests in the licensing process. There is some concern that the Department of Commerce or Defense might invoke national security limitations when they were not necessary, thus restricting the freedom of the press. Other countries could react negatively to the publication of more detailed remote sensing images of their countries. Although there have been proposals for an international system to operate an advanced remote sensing or reconnaissance satellite for peaceful purposes, these proposals have not proceeded.