to avoid unnecessary duplication or overlapping of research activities. . 4. Technology Assessment Board (a) Appointment of members of Board by Congressional leadership Section 4(a) of the Technology Assessment Act of 1972 ( 2 U.S.C. 473(a) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (1), by striking appointed by the President pro tempore of the Senate and inserting appointed jointly by the Majority Leader and the Minority Leader of the Senate