[House Report 106-146]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
106th Congress Report
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
1st Session 106-146
======================================================================
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE AND RELATED AGENCIES AUTHORIZATION ACT OF 1999
_______
May 18, 1999.--Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the
State of the Union and ordered to be printed
_______
Mr. Sensenbrenner, from the Committee on Science, submitted the
following
R E P O R T
together with
MINORITY VIEWS
[To accompany H.R. 1553]
[Including cost estimate of the Congressional Budget Office]
The Committee on Science, to whom was referred the bill
(H.R. 1553) to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2000
and fiscal year 2001 for the National Weather Service,
Atmospheric Research, and National Environmental Satellite,
Data and Information Service activities of the National Oceanic
and Atmospheric Administration, and for other purposes, having
considered the same, report favorably thereon with an amendment
and recommend that the bill as amended do pass.
CONTENTS
Page
I. Amendment.......................................................2
II. Purpose of the Bill.............................................5
III. Background and Need for Legislation.............................5
IV. Summary of Hearings.............................................6
V. Committee Actions...............................................8
VI. Summary of Major Provisions of the Bill.........................9
VII. Section-By-Section Analysis and Committee Views................16
VIII. Cost Estimate..................................................20
IX. Congressional Budget Office Cost Estimate......................21
X. Compliance with Public Law 104-4...............................22
XI. Committee Oversight Findings and Recommendations...............22
XII. Oversight Findings and Recommendations by the Committee on
Government Reform..............................................23
XIII. Constitutional Authority Statement.............................23
XIV. Federal Advisory Committee Statement...........................23
XV. Congressional Accountability Act...............................23
XVI. Changes in Existing Law Made by the Bill, as Reported..........23
XVII. Committee Recommendations......................................24
XVIII.Minority Views.................................................25
XIX. Proceedings of Committee on Science Markup.....................26
I. Amendment
The amendment is as follows:
Strike out all after the enacting clause and insert in lieu
thereof the following:
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``National Weather Service and Related
Agencies Authorization Act of 1999''.
SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.
For purposes of this Act, the term--
(1) ``Administrator'' means the Administrator of the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; and
(2) ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of Commerce.
SEC. 3. NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE.
(a) Operations, Research, and Facilities.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to the Secretary to enable the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration to carry out the Operations, Research, and
Facilities activities of the National Weather Service $617,897,000 for
fiscal year 2000 and $617,897,000 for fiscal year 2001, to remain
available until expended. Of such amounts--
(1) $449,441,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $450,411,000 for
fiscal year 2001 shall be for Local Warnings and Forecasts;
(2) $2,200,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $2,200,000 for fiscal
year 2001 shall be for Advanced Hydrological Prediction System;
(3) $619,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $619,000 for fiscal
year 2001 shall be for Susquehanna River Basin Flood Systems;
(4) $35,596,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $35,596,000 for
fiscal year 2001 shall be for Aviation Forecasts;
(5) $4,000,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $4,000,000 for fiscal
year 2001 shall be for Weather Forecast Offices (WFO)
Facilities Maintenance;
(6) $37,081,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $37,081,000 for
fiscal year 2001 shall be for Central Forecast Guidance;
(7) $3,090,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $3,090,000 for fiscal
year 2001 shall be for Atmospheric and Hydrological Research;
(8) $39,325,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $39,325,000 for
fiscal year 2001 shall be for Next Generation Weather Radar
(NEXRAD);
(9) $7,573,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $7,573,000 for fiscal
year 2001 shall be for Automated Surface Observing System
(ASOS);
(10) $38,002,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $38,002,000 for
fiscal year 2001 shall be for Advanced Weather Interactive
Processing System (AWIPS); and
(11) $970,000 for fiscal year 2000 shall be for two 1,000-
watt National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Weather
Radio transmitters, to be located in Jasper and Marion
Counties, Illinois, and nine 300-watt National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration Weather Radio transmitters, to be
installed in appropriate locations throughout the State of
Illinois, and for maintenance costs related thereto.
(b) Procurement, Acquisition, and Construction.--There are authorized
to be appropriated to the Secretary to enable the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration to carry out the Procurement, Acquisition,
and Construction activities of the National Weather Service $69,632,000
for fiscal year 2000 and $70,120,000 for fiscal year 2001, to remain
available until expended. Of such amounts--
(1) $9,560,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $9,060,000 for fiscal
year 2001 shall be for Next Generation Weather Radar (NEXRAD);
(2) $4,180,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $6,125,000 for fiscal
year 2001 shall be for Automated Surface Observing System
(ASOS);
(3) $22,575,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $21,525,000 for
fiscal year 2001 shall be for Advanced Weather Interactive
Processing System (AWIPS);
(4) $11,100,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $12,835,000 for
fiscal year 2001 shall be for Computer Facilities Upgrades;
(5) $8,350,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $8,350,000 for fiscal
year 2001 shall be for Radiosonde Replacement;
(6) $500,000 for fiscal year 2000 shall be for National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Operations Center
Rehabilitation; and
(7) $13,367,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $12,225,000 for
fiscal year 2001 shall be for Weather Forecast Office (WFO)
Construction.
(c) Duties of the National Weather Service.--
(1) In general.--To protect life and property, the Secretary,
through the National Weather Service, except as provided in
paragraph (2), shall be responsible for--
(A) forecasts and shall serve as the sole official
source of weather and flood warnings;
(B) the issuance of storm warnings;
(C) the collection, exchange, and distribution of
meteorological, hydrological, climatic, and
oceanographic data and information;
(D) the preparation of hydrometeorological guidance
and core forecast information; and
(E) the issuance of marine and aviation forecasts and
warnings.
(2) Competition with private sector.--The National Weather
Service shall not provide, or assist other entities to provide,
a service (other than a service described in paragraph (1)(A)
or (B)) if that service is currently provided or can be
provided by commercial enterprise, unless--
(A) the Secretary finds that the private sector is
unwilling or unable to provide the service; or
(B) the service provides vital weather warnings and
forecasts for the protection of lives and property of
the general public.
(3) Amendments.--The Act of October 1, 1890 (26 Stat. 653) is
amended--
(A) by striking section 3 (15 U.S.C. 313); and
(B) in section 9 (15 U.S.C. 317), by striking ``, and
it shall be'' and all that follows, and inserting a
period.
(4) Report.--Not later than 60 days after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the
Committee on Science of the House of Representatives and the
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the
Senate a report detailing all National Weather Service
activities which do not conform to the requirements of this
subsection and outlining a timetable for their termination.
SEC. 4. ATMOSPHERIC RESEARCH.
(a) Operations, Research, and Facilities.--
(1) In general.--There are authorized to be appropriated to
the Secretary to enable the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration to carry out the Atmospheric Research
Operations, Research, and Facilities environmental research and
development activities of the Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric
Research $173,250,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $173,250,000 for
fiscal year 2001, to remain available until expended.
(2) Climate and air quality research.--Of the amounts
authorized under paragraph (1), $126,200,000 for fiscal year
2000 and $126,200,000 for fiscal year 2001 shall be for Climate
and Air Quality Research, of which--
(A) $16,900,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $16,900,000
for fiscal year 2001 shall be for Interannual and
Seasonal Climate Research;
(B) $34,600,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $34,600,000
for fiscal year 2001 shall be for Long-Term Climate and
Air Quality Research;
(C) $69,700,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $69,700,000
for fiscal year 2001 shall be for Climate and Global
Change; and
(D) $5,000,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $5,000,000
for fiscal year 2001 shall be for Global Learning and
Observations to Benefit the Environment (GLOBE).
(3) Atmospheric programs.--Of the amounts authorized under
paragraph (1), $47,050,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $47,050,000
for fiscal year 2001 shall be for Atmospheric Programs, of
which--
(A) $36,600,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $36,600,000
for fiscal year 2001 shall be for Weather Research;
(B) $4,350,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $4,350,000
for fiscal year 2001 shall be for Wind Profiler; and
(C) $6,100,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $6,100,000
for fiscal year 2001 shall be for Solar-Terrestrial
Services and Research.
(b) Procurement, Acquisition, and Construction.--There are authorized
to be appropriated to the Secretary to enable the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration to carry out the Atmospheric Research
Procurement, Acquisition, and Construction environmental research and
development activities of the Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric
Research $10,040,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $14,160,000 for fiscal
year 2001, to remain available until expended. Of such amounts--
(1) $5,700,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $8,000,000 for fiscal
year 2001 shall be for the Geophysical Fluid Dynamics
Laboratory Supercomputer; and
(2) $4,340,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $6,160,000 for fiscal
year 2001 shall be for the Advanced Composition Explorer (ACE)
Follow-On Satellite/GEOSTORM.
SEC. 5. NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL SATELLITE, DATA AND INFORMATION SERVICE.
(a) Operations, Research, and Facilities.--
(1) In general.--There are authorized to be appropriated to
the Secretary to enable the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration to carry out the Operations, Research, and
Facilities environmental research and development and related
activities of the National Environmental Satellite, Data and
Information Service $103,092,000 for fiscal year 2000 and
$103,092,000 for fiscal year 2001, to remain available until
expended.
(2) Satellite observing systems.--Of the amounts authorized
under paragraph (1), $59,236,000 for fiscal year 2000 and
$59,236,000 for fiscal year 2001 shall be for Satellite
Observing Systems, of which--
(A) $2,000,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $2,000,000
for fiscal year 2001 shall be for Global Disaster
Information Network (GDIN);
(B) $4,000,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $4,000,000
for fiscal year 2001 shall be for Ocean Remote Sensing;
and
(C) $53,236,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $53,236,000
for fiscal year 2001 shall be for Environmental
Observing Services.
(3) Environmental data management systems.--Of the amounts
authorized under paragraph (1), $43,856,000 for fiscal year
2000 and $43,856,000 for fiscal year 2001 shall be for
Environmental Data Management Systems, of which--
(A) $31,521,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $31,521,000
for fiscal year 2001 shall be for Data and Information
Services; and
(B) $12,335,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $12,335,000
for fiscal year 2001 shall be for Environmental Data
Systems Modernization.
(b) Procurement, Acquisition, and Construction.--
(1) In general.--There are authorized to be appropriated to
the Secretary to enable the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration to carry out the Procurement, Acquisition, and
Construction environmental research and development and related
activities of the National Environmental Satellite, Data and
Information Service $413,657,000 for fiscal year 2000 and
$476,183,000 for fiscal year 2001, to remain available until
expended.
(2) Systems acquisition.--Of the amounts authorized under
paragraph (1), $410,612,000 for fiscal year 2000 and
$473,803,000 for fiscal year 2001 shall be for Systems
Acquisition, of which--
(A) $140,979,000 for fiscal year 2000 and
$114,594,000 for fiscal year 2001 shall be for the
procurement and launch of, and supporting ground
systems for, Polar Orbiting Environmental Satellites
(POES), K, L, M, N, and N,;
(B) $80,100,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $113,600,000
for fiscal year 2001 shall be for the procurement and
launch of, and supporting ground systems for, the
National Polar-Orbiting Operational Environmental
Satellite System (NPOESS); and
(C) $189,533,000 for fiscal year 2000 and
$245,609,000 for fiscal year 2001 shall be for the
procurement and launch of, and supporting ground
systems for, Geostationary Operational Environmental
NEXT follow-on Satellites (GOES N-Q).
(3) Construction.--Of the amounts authorized under paragraph
(1), $3,045,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $2,380,000 for fiscal
year 2001 shall be for National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration Operations Center Rehabilitation Construction.
SEC. 6. FACILITIES.
There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to enable
the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to carry out the
Operations, Research, and Facilities environmental research and
development and related activities required to meet recurring
facilities operations costs associated with the David Skaggs Research
Center in Boulder, Colorado, $3,850,000 for fiscal year 2000 and
$3,850,000 for fiscal year 2001.
SEC. 7. ELIGIBILITY FOR AWARDS.
(a) In General.--The Administrator shall exclude from consideration
for grant agreements made after fiscal year 1999 by the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, under the activities for which
funds are authorized under this Act, any person who received funds,
other than those described in subsection (b), appropriated for a fiscal
year after fiscal year 1999, under a grant agreement from any Federal
funding source for a project that was not subjected to a competitive,
merit-based award process, except as specifically authorized by this
Act. Any exclusion from consideration pursuant to this section shall be
effective for a period of 5 years after the person receives such
Federal funds.
(b) Exception.--Subsection (a) shall not apply to the receipt of
Federal funds by a person due to the membership of that person in a
class specified by law for which assistance is awarded to members of
the class according to a formula provided by law.
(c) Definition.--For purposes of this section, the term ``grant
agreement'' means a legal instrument whose principal purpose is to
transfer a thing of value to the recipient to carry out a public
purpose of support or stimulation authorized by a law of the United
States, and does not include the acquisition (by purchase, lease, or
barter) of property or services for the direct benefit or use of the
United States Government. Such term does not include a cooperative
agreement (as such term is used in section 6305 of title 31, United
States Code) or a cooperative research and development agreement (as
such term is defined in section 12(d)(1) of the Stevenson-Wydler
Technology Innovation Act of 1980 (15 U.S.C. 3710a(d)(1))).
SEC. 8. INTERNET AVAILABILITY OF INFORMATION.
The Administrator shall make available through the Internet home page
of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration the abstracts
relating to all research grants and awards made with funds authorized
by this Act. Nothing in this section shall be construed to require or
permit the release of any information prohibited by law or regulation
from being released to the public.
II. Purpose of the Bill
The purpose of H.R. 1553 is to authorize appropriations for
fiscal year 2000 and fiscal year 2001 for the National Weather
Service (NWS), Atmospheric Research, and National Environmental
Satellite, Data and Information Service (NESDIS) activities of
the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
III. Background and Need for the Legislation
NOAA was created on October 3, 1970, by President Nixon's
Reorganization Plan No. 4 of 1970 to consolidate many of the
Nation's civil programs related to the oceans and atmosphere.
NOAA's stated mission is ``to describe and predict changes in
the Earth's environment, and to conserve and manage the
Nation's coastal and marine resources to ensure sustainable
economic opportunities.''
The NOAA programs for which the Committee on Science has
sole jurisdiction include NWS, NESDIS, and NOAA's Office of
Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR) Climate and Atmospheric
programs. In addition, the Committee has jurisdiction over the
associated line accounts for the aforementioned programs under
the Facilities and Construction accounts.
Since its creation, NOAA has obtained most of its program
funding through direct appropriation without annual legislative
authorization. In the 98th Congress, legislation authorizing
NOAA activities for FY 1984, S. 1097, was vetoed on October 19,
1984. In the 99th Congress, the Consolidated Omnibus Budget
Reconciliation Act of 1986 (Public Law 99-272) authorized
various NOAA activities, including nautical and aeronautical
chart programs, marine research and monitoring, ocean pollution
research, and weather modification research. During the 100th
Congress, provisions authorizing FY 1989 appropriations for
NOAA's satellite, atmospheric, and weather programs (previously
approved by the House of Representatives and the Senate as S.
1667) were included in Title IV of S. 2209, the National
Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act for FY
1989, which was signed into law on November 17, 1988 (Public
Law 100-685).
During the 102nd Congress, the first comprehensive NOAA
authorization bill was approved and signed into law, the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Authorization
Act of 1992 (Public Law 102-567). With three exceptions, Public
Law 102-567 only authorized funding for fiscal years (FYs) 1992
and 1993. These exceptions include portions of the Next
Generation Weather Radar (NEXRAD) program and the Geostationary
Operational Environmental Satellites I, J, K, L, and M (GOES I-
M), which are authorized to completion. No comprehensive NOAA
authorization bills have been signed into law since the 102nd
Congress.
In the 104th Congress, a one-year NOAA authorization bill
(H.R. 3322), which focused on NOAA's weather, satellite, and
atmospheric programs, passed the House but was not acted on in
the Senate. And in the 105th Congress, a two-year authorization
bill (H.R. 1278) was reported by the Committee on Science and
the Committee on Resources, but was not acted on by the House.
IV. Summary of Hearings
The Subcommittee on Energy and Environment of the Committee
on Science held a hearing on February 24, 1999 to hear
testimony on the Administration's FY 2000 budget request
forNOAA. Appearing as witnesses before the Subcommittee were: Dr. D.
James Baker, Under Secretary for Oceans and Atmosphere, U.S. Department
of Commerce, and Administrator, NOAA; Mr. Joel C. Willemssen, Director,
Civil Agencies Information Systems, Accounting and Information
Management Division, U.S. General Accounting Office, accompanied by Mr.
L. Nye Stevens, Director, Federal Management and Workforce Issues,
General Government Division, U.S. General Accounting Office; and Dr.
Richard A. Anthes, Chair, National Research Council National Weather
Service Modernization Committee, and President, University Corporation
for Atmospheric Research, Boulder, Colorado.
Dr. Baker testified that NOAA's FY 2000 request is for $2.6
billion in total budget authority, which includes $2.5 billion
in discretionary budget authority. This request collectively
represents a 12.9% increase over the total budget authority
appropriated for FY 1999, and Dr. Baker highlighted the
following items relevant to the programs authorized in this
bill:
Funding to maintain NOAA's supercomputing capacity
at the National Weather Service (NWS) Central Computing
Facility in Suitland, Maryland, and the Forecast Systems Lab
(FSL) in Boulder, Colorado, while acquiring a massively
parallel, scaleable computer to be located at the OAR's
Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Lab (GFDL), in Princeton, New
Jersey.
Recurring lease and/or operations costs at a
number of NOAA facilities coming on-line in FY 1999 and FY
2000, including the David Skaggs Research Center in Boulder,
Colorado.
Adjustments-to-base for pay related and
inflationary cost increases to the NWS, as well as for the FY
2000 pay raise for the remaining Line Offices; and
Funds to begin replacing outdated climate/weather
observing equipment in order to maintain continuity of core
data and services and provides funds for continuing technology
infusion for systems developed under the Weather Service
Modernization.
Mr. Willemssen's testimony discussed, among other things,
the status of the NWS systems modernization. GAO findings
included the following:
Although the NWS is nearing completion of its
systems modernization effort, two significant challenges face
it this year--deploying the Advanced Weather Interactive
Processing System (AWIPS), the final system of the
modernization, and ensuring that all of its mission-critical
systems are Year 2000 compliant. NWS has made progress on the
development and operational testing of the forecaster
workstations and its Year 2000 testing and contingency
planning. However, cost, schedule, and technical risks
associated with the workstations continue to be concerns.
Further, the results of NWS' Years 2000 end-to-end testing and
business continuity and contingency plans are expected to be
delivered soon.
Dr. Anthes' testimony summarized the work to date of the
National Research Council's National Weather Service
Modernization Committee (NWSMC), and focused on the ongoing
modernization and restructuring of the NWS. The NWSMC was
established under a NOAA contract executed with the National
Research Council on December 29, 1989 to monitor the technical
aspects of the modernization and restructuring of the NWS. To
date, the NWSMC has completed 15 reports, three of which were
letter reports--representing a total of more than 10,000 hours
of volunteered time by 37 professionals from a range of
science, engineering, weather and information technologies, and
organizational management specialties, who provided oversight
and independent advice to NOAA and the NWS during the past nine
years.
At this time, the NWSMC finds the following:
Three of the five major technical components of
the modernization--the Weather Surveillance Radar-1998 Doppler
(WSR-88D), more commonly referred to as NEXRAD; to Automated
Surface Observing System (ASOS); and the Next Generation
Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites (GOES-
NEXT)--are in place, operational, and contributing to improved
weather forecasts nationwide.
The fourth component--AWIPS--has experienced
delays caused by a mixture of technical and management
problems, and is now being deployed in a configuration that is
somewhat less capable than originally specified. However, even
with its somewhat reduced capability, it provides a data
integration and communications tools to the forecasters that is
far superior to the old technology in use at weather offices.
The fifth component of the modernization,
supercomputers at the National Centers for Environmental
Prediction, are clearly deficient to meet current and climate
modeling needs. A program to buy a class 8 supercomputer is in
place, but there needs to be a longterm commitment to upgrade
periodically and regularly computers at the National Centers.
Dr. Anthes concluded his testimony by summarizing the
latest NWSMC report, ``A New Vision for the National Weather
Service: Roadmap for the Future.''
V. Committee Actions
As summarized above, the Subcommittee on Energy and
Environment of the Committee on Science heard testimony
relevant to the programs authorized in H.R. 1553 at a hearing
held on February 24, 1999.
On April 26, 1999, Mr. Ken Calvert, Chairman of the
Subcommittee on Energy and Environment, introduced H.R. 1553,
the National Weather Service and Related Programs Authorization
Act of 1999, a bill to authorize appropriations for FY 2000 and
FY 2001 for the NWS, Atmospheric Research, and NESDIS
activities of NOAA.
The Committee on Science met to consider H.R. 1553 on
Thursday, April 29, 1999, and entertained the following
amendments and report language.
Amendment 1.--Mr. Calvert, Chairman of the Science
Committee's Subcommittee on Energy and Environment, offered a
manager's amendment making technical and conforming changes,
which was adopted by voice vote.
Amendment 2.--Mr. Ewing offered an amendment to provide,
within available funds authorized for NWS ORF, $970,000 for two
1,000 watt NOAA Weather Radio transmitters, to be located in
Jasper and Marion Counties, Illinois, and nine 300-watt NOAA
Weather Radio transmitters, to be installed in appropriate
locations throughout the State of Illinois, and for maintenance
costs related thereto. The amendment was adopted by voice vote.
Amendment 3.--Mr. Costello offered an amendment: (1) making
the NWS the sole official source of flood warnings and
responsible for the issuance of marine and aviation forecasts
and warnings; and (2) prohibiting the NWS from providing or
assisting other entities to provide a service--other than
forecasts and weather and flood warnings or the issuance of
storm warnings--unless (A) the Secretary finds that the private
sector is unwilling or unable to provide the service, or (B)
the service provides vital weather warnings and forecasts for
the protection of lives and property of the general public. The
amendment was adopted by voice vote.
Amendment 4.--Mr. Costello offered an amendment providing a
3-percent increase above the levels authorized for FY 2000 for
all ORF accounts in the bill. The amendment was rejected by a
vote of 16 ayes to 18 noes.
Amendment 5.--Mr. Costello offered an amendment providing
$13,500,000 for FY 2000 and $13,500,000 for FY 2001 for NOAA's
High Performance Computing and Communications (HPCC) Program.
After a discussion clarifying that it was the Chairman's
intention for the Committee to act on separate legislation that
will authorize appropriations the HPCC program--including
NOAA's portion--as well as the proposed Information Technology
for the 21st Century Initiative for those agencies under the
Committee's jurisdiction, Mr. Costello withdrew the amendment.
Amendment 6.--Mr. Kuykendall offered an amendment requiring
the NOAA Administrator to make available through NOAA's
Internet home page abstracts relating to all research grants
and awards made with funds authorized by this Act, with the
proviso that nothing in the amendment shall be construed to
require or permit the release of any information prohibited by
law or regulation from being released to the public. The
amendment was adopted by voice vote.
Amendment 7.--Mr. Wu offered report language regarding the
unique geography of the Astoria/Warrenton Airport at the Port
of Astoria, Oregon and the challenges it represents for the
NWS. The language was adopted by voice vote.
With a quorum present, Mr. Costello moved that the
Committee favorably report the bill, H.R. 1553, as amended, to
the House with the recommendation that bill as amended do pass,
that the staff be instructed to prepare the legislative report
and make necessary technical and conforming changes, and that
the Chairman take all necessary steps to bring the bill before
the House for consideration. The motion was approved by voice
vote.
Mr. Sensenbrenner asked and received unanimous consent
that: (1) the bill be reported in the form of a single
amendment in the nature of a substitute reflecting amendments
adopted; (2) that pursuant to clause 1 of Rule XXII of the
Rules of the House of Representatives, the Chairman may offer
such motions as may be necessary in the House to go to
conference with the Senate on H.R. 1553 or a similar Senate
bill; and (3) Members have two subsequent calendar days in
which to submit supplemental, minority or additional views on
the measure.
VI. Summary of Major Provisions of the Bill
As shown in Table 1, H.R. 1553 authorizes a total of
$1,391,418,000 for FY 2000 and $1,458,552,000 for FY 2001 for
the NWS, the Atmospheric Research programs of OAR, NESDIS, and
related Facilities, including (1) $687,529,000 for FY 2000 and
$688,017,000 for FY 2001 for the NWS; (2) $183,290,000 for FY
2000 and $187,410,000 for FY 2001 for Atmospheric Research
within the NOAA Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research
(OAR); (3) $516,749,000 for FY 2000 and $579,275,000 for FY
2001 for the NESDIS; and (5) $3,850,000 for each of FYs 2000
and 2001 for Facilities. A detailed breakdown of the
authorizations contained in the bill is contained in Table 2.
Excluded from this authorization legislation is NOAA's High
Performance Computing and Communications Program, which will be
authorized under separate authorization legislation. Also
excluded are any additional authorizations for GOES I-M, which
were authorized to completion by the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration Authorization Act of 1992 (Public
Law 102-567).
TABLE 1.--H.R. 1553--NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE AND RELATED AGENCIES AUTHORIZATION ACT OF 1999: SUMMARY
[In thousands of dollars]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FY 2000 FY 2001
recommendation recommendation
FY 1999 FY 2000 compared with FY 2001 compared with
Program/activity appropriation FY 2000 request recommendation (+ or -) FY recommendation (+ or -) FY
1999 2000
appropriation appropriation
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
National Weather Service.......................... 658,653 687,529 687,529 +28,876 688,017 +488
Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research........ 168,850 196,790 183,290 +14,440 187,410 +4,120
National Environmental Satellite, Data and 574,994 593,831 593,831 +18,837 637,890 +44,059
Information Service (NESDIS) Budget Authority....
Less GOES I-M PAC Budget Authorization........ -82,376 -77,082 -77,082 +5,294 -58,615 +18,467
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NESDIS Budget Authorization....................... 492,618 516,749 516,749 +24,131 579,275 +62,526
Facilities........................................ 3,000 3,850 3,850 +850 3,850 0
Construction...................................... 7,220 0 0 -7,220 0 0
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, H.R. 1553 Budget Authority........... 1,412,717 1,482,000 1,468,500 +55,783 1,517,167 +48,667
Total, H.R. 1553 Budget Authorization....... 1,330,341 1,404,918 1,391,418 +61,077 1,458,552 +67,134
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TABLE 2.--H.R. 1553--NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE AND RELATED AGENCIES AUTHORIZATION ACT OF 1999
[In thousands of dollars]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FY 2000 FY 2001
recommendation recommendation
FY 1999 FY 2000 compared with FY 2001 compared with
Program/activity/appropriation account appropriation FY 2000 request recommendation (+ or -) FY recommendation (+ or -) FY
1999 2000
appropriation appropriation
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE (NWS)
Operations, Research and Facilities (ORF)
Appropriation
Operations and Research:
Local Warnings and Forecasts.................. 357,034 450,411 449,441 +92,407 450,411 +970
MARDI..................................... 64,036 0 0 -64,036 0 0
Radiosonde Replacement.................... 2,000 0 0 -2,000 0 0
Advanced Hydrological Prediction System... 0 2,200 2,200 +2,200 2,200 0
Susquehanna River Basin Flood Systems..... 1,250 619 619 -631 619 0
Aviation Forecasts........................ 35,596 35,596 35,596 0 35,596 0
WFO Maintenance........................... 0 4,000 4,000 +4,000 4,000 0
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal................................ 459,916 492,826 491,856 +31,940 492,826 +970
Central Forecast Guidance................. 35,574 37,081 37,081 +1,507 37,081 0
Atmospheric and Hydrological Research..... 2,964 3,090 3,090 +126 3,090 0
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Operations and Research ORF 498,454 532,997 532,027 +33,573 532,997 +970
Budget Authority.......................
=====================================================================================================
Systems Acquisition:
Public Warning and Forecast Systems:
Next Generation Weather Radars (NEXRAD)... 38,346 39,325 39,325 +979 39,325 0
Automated Surface Observing System (ASOS). 7,116 7,573 7,573 +457 7,573 0
Advanced Weather Interactive Processing 12,189 38,002 38,002 +25,813 38,002 0
System (AWIPS)/NOAAPort..................
NOAA Weather Radio Transmitters........... 0 0 970 +970 0 -970
Computer Facility Upgrades................ 4,600 0 0 -4,600 0 0
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Systems Acquisition ORF Budget 62,251 84,900 85,870 +23,619 84,900 -970
Authority..............................
=====================================================================================================
Total, NWS ORF Budget Authority......... 560,705 617,897 617,897 +57,192 617,897 0
=====================================================================================================
Procurement, Acquisition and Construction (PAC)
Appropriation
Systems Acquisition:
NEXRAD........................................ 7,000 9,560 9,560 +2,560 9,060 -500
ASOS.......................................... 3,855 4,180 4,180 +325 6,125 +1,945
AWIPS......................................... 67,667 22,575 22,575 -45,092 21,525 -1,050
Computer Facility Upgrades.................... 9,900 11,100 11,100 +1,200 12,835 +1,735
Radiosonde Replacement........................ 0 8,350 8,350 +8,350 8,350 0
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Systems Acquisition PAC Budget 88,422 55,765 55,765 -32,657 57,895 +2,130
Authority..................................
=====================================================================================================
Construction:
NOAA Operations Center (NORC) Rehabilitation.. 0 500 500 +500 0 -500
NWS WFO Construction.......................... 9,526 13,367 13,367 +3,841 12,225 -1,142
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Construction PAC Budget Authority.... 9,526 13,867 13,867 +4,341 12,225 -1,642
=====================================================================================================
Total, NWS PAC Budget Authority............. 97,948 69,632 69,632 -28,316 70,120 +448
=====================================================================================================
Total, NWS Budget Authority/Authorization... 658,653 687,529 687,529 +28,876 688,017 +488
=====================================================================================================
OFFICE OF OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC RESEARCH (OAR)
Operations, Research and Facilities (ORF)
Appropriation
Climate and Air Quality Research:
Interannual and Seasonal Climate Research..... 14,900 16,900 16,900 +2,000 16,900 0
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal.................................... 14,900 16,900 16,900 +2,000 16,900 0
=====================================================================================================
Long-Term Climate & Air Quality Research...... 30,000 34,600 34,600 +4,600 34,600 0
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
High Performance Computing and 12,000 13,500 0 -12,000 0 0
Communications...........................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal................................ 42,000 48,100 34,600 -7,400 34,600 0
=====================================================================================================
Climate and Global Change..................... 63,000 69,700 69,700 +6,700 69,700 0
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GLOBE......................................... 2,500 5,000 5,000 +2,500 5,000 0
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal.................................... 65,500 74,700 74,700 +6,700 74,700 0
=====================================================================================================
Total, Climate and Air Quality Research..... 122,400 139,700 126,200 +1,300 126,200 0
=====================================================================================================
Atmospheric Programs:
Weather Research.............................. 36,100 36,600 36,600 +500 36,600 0
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wind Profiler............................. 4,350 4,350 4,350 0 4,350 0
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal................................ 40,450 40,950 40,950 +500 40,950 0
=====================================================================================================
Solar-Terrestrial Services and Research....... 6,000 6,100 6,100 +100 6,100 0
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Atmospheric Programs............. 46,450 47,050 47,050 +600 47,050 0
=====================================================================================================
Total, OAR ORF Budget Authority......... 168,850 186,750 173,250 +1,900 173,250 0
=====================================================================================================
Procurement, Acquisition and Construction (PAC)
Appropriation
Systems Acquisition:
Geophysical Fluid Dyn. Lab (GFDL) 0 5,700 5,700 +5,700 8,000 +2,300
Supercomputer................................
Advance Composition Explorer (ACE) Satellite 0 4,340 4,340 +4,340 6,160 +1,820
Follow-on/GEOSTORMS..........................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, OAR PAC Budget Authority............. 0 10,040 10,040 +10,040 14,160 +4,120
=====================================================================================================
Total, OAR Budget Authority/Authorization... 168,850 196,790 183,290 +14,440 187,410 +4,120
=====================================================================================================
NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL SATELLITE, DATA AND
INFORMATION SERVICE (NESDID)
Operations, Research and Facilities (ORF)
Appropriation
Satellite Observing Systems:
Global Disaster Information Network (GDIN).... 0 2,000 2,000 +2,000 2,000 0
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ocean Remote Sensing.......................... 4,000 4,000 4,000 0 4,000 0
Enviornmental Observing Services.............. 53,300 53,236 53,236 -64 53,236 0
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Satellite Observing Systems ORF 57,300 59,236 59,236 +1,936 59,236 0
Budget Authority...........................
=====================================================================================================
Enviornmental Data Management Systems (EDMS):
Data and Informatino Services................. 33,550 31,521 31,521 -2,029 31,521 0
Environmental Data Systems Modernization...... 16,335 12,335 12,335 -4,000 12,335 0
Regional Climate Centers...................... 2,750 0 0 -2,750 0 0
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, EDMS ORF Budget Authority............ 52,635 43,856 43,856 -8,779 43,856 0
=====================================================================================================
Total, NESDIS ORF Budget Authority.......... 109,935 103,092 103,092 -6,843 103,092 0
=====================================================================================================
Procurement, Acquisition and Construction (PAC)
Appropriation
Systems Acquisition:
Polar Spacecraft and Launching:
Polar-Orbiting Operational Environmental 149,917 140,979 140,979 -8,938 114,594 -26,385
Satellites (POES) K-N....................
National Polar-Orbiting Environmental 50,000 80,100 80,100 +30,100 113,000 +33,500
Satellite System (NPOESS)................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Polar Spacecraft and Launching... 199,917 221,079 221,079 +21,162 228,194 +7,115
=====================================================================================================
Geostationary Spacecraft and Launching:
Geostationary Operational Environmental
Satellites:
(GOES) I-M........................... 82,376 77,082 77,082 -5,294 58,615 -18,467
GOES N-Q.............................. 182,766 189,533 189,533 +6,767 245,609 +56,076
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Geostationary Spacecraft and 265,142 266,615 266,615 +1,473 304,224 +37,609
Launching..........................
=====================================================================================================
Total, Systems Acquisition PAC 465,059 487,694 487,694 +22,635 532,418 +44,724
Budget Authority...................
Less GOES I-M PAC Budget -82,376 -77,082 -77,082 +5,194 -58,615 +18,467
Authorization......................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Systems Acquisition PAC 382,683 410,612 410,612 +27,929 473,803 +63,191
Budget Authorization...............
=====================================================================================================
Construction:
NOAA Operations Center (NORC) Rehabilitation.. 0 3,045 3,045 +3,045 2,380 -665
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Construction PAC Budget Authority.... 0 3,045 3,045 +3,045 2,380 -665
=====================================================================================================
Total, NESDIS PAC Budget Authority.......... 465,059 490,739 490,739 +25,680 534,798 +44,059
Total, NESDIS PAC Budget Authorization...... 382,683 413,657 413,657 +30,974 476,183 +62,526
Total, NESDIS Budget Authority.............. 574,994 593,831 593,831 +18,837 637,890 +44,059
Total, NESDIS Budget Authorization.......... 492,618 516,749 516,749 +24,131 579,275 +62,526
FACILITIES
Operations, Research and Facilities (ORF)
Appropriation
NWS WFO Facilities Maintenance.................... 3,000 0 0 -3,000 0 0
David Skaggs Research Center (Boulder, CO) 0 3,850 3,850 +3,850 3,850 0
Facilities Operations............................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, FACILITIES ORF Budget Authority/ 3,000 3,850 3,850 +850 3,850 0
Authorization..............................
=====================================================================================================
CONSTRUCTION
Procurement, Acquisition and Construction (PAC)
Appropriation
Boulder Laboratory Above Standard Cost............ 6,370 0 0 -6,370 0 0
National Centers for Environmental Prediction 850 0 0 -850 0 0
(NCEP)...........................................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Construction PAC Budget Authority/ 7,220 0 0 -7,220 0 0
Authorization..............................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, ORF Budget Authority/Authorization... 842,490 911,589 895,589 +53,099 895,589 0
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, PAC Budget Authority................. 570,227 570,411 570,411 +184 619,078 +48,667
Less GOES I-M PAC Budget Authorization.. -82,376 -77,082 -77,082 +5,294 -58,615 +18,467
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, PAC Budget Authorization............. 487,851 493,329 493,329 +5,478 560,463 +67,134
Total, H.R. 1553 Budget Authority........... 1,412,717 1,482,000 1,468,500 +55,783 1,517,167 +48,667
Total, H.R. 1553 Budget Authorization....... 1,330,341 1,404,918 1,391,418 +61,077 1,458,552 +67,134
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
VII. Section-by-Section Analysis and Committee Views
Section 1. Short Title
Section 1 cites the Act as the ``National Weather Service
and Related Agencies Authorization Act of 1999.''
Section 2. Definitions
Section 2 defines: (1) the ``Administrator'' as the
Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration; and (2) the ``Secretary'' as the Secretary of
Commerce.
Section 3. National Weather Service
Subsection 3(a) authorizes $617,897,000 for each of FYs
2000 and 2001, to remain available until expended, to carry out
the Operations, Research, and Facilities (ORF) activities of
the NWS, including--(1) $449,441,000 for FY 2000 and
$450,411,000 for FY 2001 for Local Warnings and Forecasts; (2)
$2,200,000 for each of FYs 2000 and 2001 for the Advanced
Hydrological Prediction System; (3) $619,000 for each of FYs
2000 and 2001 for Susquehanna River Basin Flood Systems; (4)
$35,596,000 for each of FYs 2000 and 2001 for Aviation
Forecasts; (5) $4,000,000 for each of FYs 2000 and 2001 for
Weather Forecast Offices (WFO) Facilities Maintenance; (6)
$37,081,000 for each of FYs 2000 and 2001 for Central Forecast
Guidance; (7) $3,090,000 for each of FYs 2000 and 2001 for
Atmospheric and Hydrological Research; (8) $39,325,000 for each
of FYs 2000 and 2001 for NEXRAD; (9) $7,573,000 for each of FYs
2000 and 2001 for ASOS; (10) $38,002,000 for each of FYs 2000
and 2001 for Advanced Weather Interactive Processing System;
and (11) $970,000 for two 1,000 watt NOAA Weather Radio
transmitters, to be located in Jasper and Marion Counties,
Illinois, and nine 300-watt NOAA Weather Radio transmitters, to
be installed in appropriate locations throughout the State of
Illinois, and for maintenance costs related thereto.
Subsection (3)(b) authorizes $69,632,000 for FY 2000 and
$70,120,000 for FY 2001, to remain available until expended, to
carry out the Procurement, Acquisition, and Construction (PAC)
activities of the NWS, including--(1) $9,560,000 for FY 2000
and $9,060,000 for FY 2001 for NEXRAD; (2) $4,180,000 for FY
2000 and $6,125,000 for FY 2001 for ASOS; (3) $22,575,000 for
FY 2000 and $21,525,000 for FY 2001 for AWIPS; (4) $11,100,000
for FY 2000 and $12,835,000 for FY 2001 for Computer Facilities
Upgrades; (5) $8,350,000 for each of FYs 2000 and 2001 for
Radiosonde Replacement; (6) $500,000 for FY 2000 for NOAA
Operations Center Rehabilitation; and (7) $13,367,000 for FY
2000 and $12,225,000 for FY 2001 for WFO Construction.
Subsection 3(c) provides (1) that the Secretary of
Commerce, through the National Weather Service, except as
provided in paragraph (2), shall be responsible for--(A)
forecasts and shall serve as the sole official source of
weather and flood warnings; (B) the issuance of storm warnings;
(C) the collection, exchange, and distribution of
meteorological, hydrological, and climatic data and
information; (D) the preparation of hydrometeorological
guidance and core forecast information; and (E) the issuance of
marine and aviation forecasts and warnings.
Subsection 3(c)(2) stipulates that the NWS will not
provide, or assist other entities to provide a service--other
than forecasts and weather and flood warnings or the issuance
of storm warnings--unless (A) the Secretary finds that the
private sector is unwilling or unable to provide the service,
or (B) the service provides vital weather warnings and
forecasts for the protection of lives and property of the
general public.
Subsection 3(c)(3) amends the Act of October 1, 1890 (26
Stat. 653) accordingly.
Subsection 3(c)(4) requires the Secretary submit a report
to Congress no later than 60 days after the enactment of this
Act detailing all NWS activities that do not conform to the
requirements of this subsection and outlining a timetable for
their termination.
Committee views
Astoria/Warrenton Airport
The Committee notes the unique geography of the Astoria/
Warrenton Airport at the Port of Astoria, Oregon and the
challenges it represents for the National Weather Service. It
is the Committee's hope that the Director of the National
Weather Service should work with airport officials to ensure
that the newly installed ASOS, in conjunction with pilot and
ground observations, allows the NWS to effectively carry out
its mission in the region. Moreover, the Director shall ensure
that a local representative is trained in making reports for
NWS in the event of an ASOS failure. If these additional pilot
and ground observations fail to address the special needs of
this airport, further solutions should be investigated and
implemented.
Committee views
The National Weather Service and the private sector
The Committee supports privatizing specialized weather
services provided by NWS and recommends that the Secretary of
Commerce develop criteria for determining which services should
be privatized. The Committee notes that NWS has a good working
relationship with the commercial weather service sector and
supports the continuation of their relationship. The Committee
recommends that NWS continue its practice of collecting,
exchanging, and distributing weather data and information in
real time and in a non-discriminatory manner.
The Committee believes that NWS should not directly or
indirectly compete with the private sector. The Committee
believes that in carrying-out its duties as described in the
legislation, NWS should not compete with the private sector by
confining its activities to those that protect the lives and
property of the general public. Additionally, the weather
service should not enter into exclusive agreements, fee-based
or otherwise, with any organization, for profit or otherwise,
for distribution of weather data if the orgainzation uses the
data to generate marketable products.
The Committee also reiterates that NWS is the sole official
source of weather and flood warnings. The Committee further
notes, however, that this designation should in no way preclude
private weather forecasters from issuing weather forecasts.
section 4. atmospheric research
Subsection 4(a)(1) authorizes $170,250,000 for each of FYs
2000 and 2001, to remain available until expended, to carry out
the ORF environmental research and development activities of
OAR.
Subsection 4(a)(2) authorizes $126,200,000 for each of FYs
2000 and 2001 for Climate and Air Quality Research, of which--
(A) $16,900,000 for each of FYs 2000 and 2001 is for
Interannual and Seasonal Climate Research; (B) $34,600,000 for
each of FYs 2000 and 2001 is for Long-Term Climate and Air
Quality Research; (C) $69,700,000 for each of FYs 2000 and 2001
is for Climate and Global Change; and (D) $5,000,000 for each
of FYs 2000 and 2001 is for Global Learning and Observations to
Benefit the Environment (GLOBE); and
Subsection 4(a)(3) authorizes $47,050,000 for each of FYs
2000 and 2001 for Atmospheric Programs, of which--(A)
$36,600,000 for each of FYs 2000 and 2001 is for Weather
Research; (B) $4,350,000 for each of FYs 2000 and 2001 is for
Wind Profiler; and (C) $6,100,000 for each of FYs 2000 and 2001
is for Solar-Terrestrial Services and Research.
Subsection 4(b) authorizes $10,040,000 for FY 2000 and
$14,160,000 for FY 2001, to remain available until expended, to
carry out the PAC environmental research and development
activities of OAR, including--(1) $5,700,000 for FY 2000 and
$8,000,000 for FY 2001 for the GFDL Supercomputer; and (2)
$4,340,000 for FY 2000 and $6,160,000 for FY 2001 for the
Advanced Composition Explorer (ACE) Follow-On/GEOSTORM
Satellite.
Committee views
The lack of authorization for NOAA's HPCC program in H.R.
1553 should not be construed as a lack of endorsement of the
program. The Committee intends to act on separate legislation
that will authorize appropriations for the HPCC program--
including NOAA's portion--as well as the proposed Information
Technology for the 21st Century Initiative for those agencies
under its jurisdiction.
section 5. national environmental satellite, data and information
service
Subsection 5(a)(1) authorizes $103,092,000 for each of FYs
2000 and 2001, to remain available until expended, to carry out
the ORF environmental research and development and related
activities of NESDIS.
Subsection 5(a)(2) authorizes $59,236,000 for each of FYs
2000 and 2001 for Satellite Observing Systems, of which--(A)
$2,000,000 for each of FYs 2000 and 2001 is for the Global
Disaster Information Network; (B) $4,000,000 for each of FYs
2000 and 2001 is for Ocean Remote Sensing; and (C) $53,236,000
for each of FYs 2000 and 2001 is for Environmental Observing
Services.
Subsection 5(a)(3) authorizes $43,856,000 for each of FYs
2000 and 2001 for Environmental Data Management Systems, of
which--(A) $31,521,000 for each of FYs 2000 and 2001 is for
Data and Information services; and (B) $12,335,000 for each of
FYs 2000 and 2001 is for Environmental Data Systems
Modernization.
Subsection 5(b)(1) authorizes $413,657,000 for FY 2000 and
$476,183,000 for FY 2001, to remain available until expended,
to carry out the PAC environmental research and development and
related activities of NESDIS.
Subsection 5(b)(2) authorizes $410,612,000 for FY 2000 and
$473,803,000 for FY 2001 for Systems Acquisition, of which--(A)
$140,979,000 for FY 2000 and $114,594,000 for FY 2001 is for
the procurement and launch of, and supporting ground systems
for, Polar Orbiting Environmental Satellites (POES), K, L, M,
N, and N,; (B) $80,100,000 for FY 2000 and $113,600,000 for FY
2001 use for the procurement and launch of, and supporting
ground systems for, the National Polar-Orbiting Operational
Environmental Satellite System (NPOESS); and (C) $189,533,000
for FY 2000 and $245,609,000 for FY 2001 is for the procurement
and launch of, and supporting ground systems for, Geostationary
Operational Environmental NEXT follow-on Satellites (GOES N-Q).
Subsection 5(b)(3) authorizes $3,045,000 for FY 2000 and
$2,380,000 for FY 2001 is for WFO Construction.
Committee views
As was noted above, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration Authorization Act of 1992 (Public Law, 102-567)
authorized to completion the procurement of GOES I-M.
Consequently, H.R. 1553 does include specific authorizations
for GOES I-M. The Committee does, however, support the
Administration's FY 2000 request of $77,082,000, as well as the
FY 2001 estimate of $58,615,000 for GOES I-M.
Section 6. Facilities
Section 6 provides a two-year authorization of $3,850,000
for each of FYs 2000 and 2001 to enable NOAA to carry out the
ORF environmental research and development and related
activities required to meet recurring facilities operations
costs associated with the David Skaggs Research Center in
Boulder, Colorado.
Section 7. Eligibility for Awards
Subsection 7(a) requires the NOAA Administrator to exclude
from consideration for grant agreements made after FY 1999 by
the NOAA, under the programs for which funds are authorized
under this Act, any person who received funds, other than those
described in subsection 7(b), appropriated for a fiscal year
after FY 1999, under a grant agreement from any Federal funding
source for a project that was not subjected to a competitive,
merit-based award process, unless specifically authorized by
this Act. Any exclusion from consideration pursuant to this
section shall be effective for a period of 5 years after the
person receives such Federal funds.
Subsection 7(b) provides that subsection 7(a) shall not
apply to the receipt of Federal funds by a person due to the
membership of that person in a class specified by law for which
assistance is awarded to members of the class according to a
formula provided by law.
Subsection 7(c) defines the term ``grant agreement'' to
mean a legal instrument whose principal purpose is to transfer
a thing of value to the recipient to carry out a public purpose
of support or stimulation authorized by a law of the United
States, and does not include theacquisition (by purchase,
lease, or barter) of property or services for the direct benefit or use
of the United States Government. Such term also does not include a
cooperative agreement (as such term is used in section 6305 of title
31, United States Code) or a cooperative research and development
agreement (as such term is defined in section 12(d)(1) of the
Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 (15 U.S.C.
3710a(d)(1))).
Committee views
The Committee has a long-standing position that awards
should be based on a competitive merit-based process. Merit
review allows taxpayers' dollars to be spent in the most cost-
effective manner.
section 8. internet availability of information
Section 8 requires the NOAA Administrator to make available
through NOAA's Internet home page of the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration the abstracts relating to all
research grants and awards made with funds authorized by this
Act. Nothing in this section shall be construed to require or
permit the release of any information prohibited by law or
regulation from being released to the public.
Committee views
The Committee believes that by giving public access to
information about how tax dollars are spent, it is acting as a
responsible steward of taxpayer resources. Such information can
also stimulate additional public and private sector research by
informing the research community.
VIII. Cost Estimate
Rule XIII, clause 3(d)(2) of the Rules of the House of
Representatives requires that each report of a committee on a
public bill or public joint resolution contain: (A) an estimate
by the committee of the costs that would be incurred in
carrying out the bill or joint resolution in the fiscal year in
which it is reported, and in each of the five fiscal years
following that fiscal year (or for the authorized duration of
any program authorized by such bill or joint resolution, if
less than five years); (B) a comparison of the estimate of
costs described in subdivision (A) made by the committee with
any estimate of such costs made by a Government agency and
submitted to such committee; and (C) when practicable, a
comparison of the total estimated funding level for the
relevant programs with the appropriate levels under current
law. However, House Rule XIII, clause 3(d)(3)(B) provides that
this requirement does not apply when a cost estimate and
comparison prepared by the Director of the Congressional Budget
Office under section 402 of the Congressional Budget Act of
1974 has been included in the report pursuant to House Rule
XIII, clause 3(c)(3). A cost estimate and comparison prepared
by the Director of the Congressional Budget Office under
section 402 of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 has been
timely submitted to the Committee on Science prior to the
filing of this report and is included in Section IX of this
report pursuant to House Rule XIII, clause 3(c)(3).
Rule XIII, clause 3(c)(2) of the Rules of the House of
Representatives requires that the report of a committee on a
measure that has been approved by the committee providing new
budget authority (other than continuing appropriations), new
spending authority, or new credit authority, or changes in
revenues or tax expenditures include the statement required by
section 308(a) of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974, except
that an estimate of new budget authority shall include, when
practicable, a comparison of the total estimated funding level
for the relevant programs to the appropriate levels under
current law. H.R. 1553 does not contain any new budget
authority, new spending authority, or new credit authority, or
changes in revenues or tax expenditures. Assuming that the sums
authorized under the bill are appropriated, H.R. 1553 does
authorize additional discretionary spending, as described in
the Congressional Budget Office report on the bill, which is
contained in Section IX of this report.
IX. Congressional Budget Office Cost Estimate
Rule XIII, clause 3(c)(3) of the Rules of the House of
Representatives requires that the report of a committee on a
measure that has been approved by the committee include an
estimate and comparison prepared by the Director of the
Congressional Budget Office under section 402 of the
Congressional Budget Act of 1974 if timely submitted to the
committee before the filing of the report. The Committee on
Science has received the following cost estimate for H.R. 1553
from the Director of the Congressional Budget Office:
U.S. Congress,
Congressional Budget Office,
Washington, DC, May 7, 1999.
Hon. F. James Sensenbrenner, Jr.,
Chairman, Committee on Science,
House of Representatives, Washington, DC.
Dear Mr. Chairman: The Congressional Budget Office has
prepared the enclosed cost estimate for H.R. 1553, the National
Weather Service and Related Agencies Authorization Act of 1999.
If you wish further details on this estimate, we will be
pleased to provide them. The CBO staff contact is Gary Brown.
Sincerely,
Barry B. Anderson
(For Dan L. Crippen, Director).
Enclosure.
H.R. 1553--National Weather Service and Related Agencies Authorization
Act of 1999
Summary: H.R. 1553 would authorize the appropriation of
$1,391 million in fiscal year 2000 and $1,459 million in 2001
for weather and atmospheric research programs of the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Specifically,
the bill would authorize funding for NOAA programs carried out
by the National Weather Service, the Office of Oceanic and
Atmospheric Research, and the National Environmental Satellite,
Data and Information Service.
CBO estimates that implementing H.R. 1553 would result in
additional outlays of $2,828 million over the 2000-2004 period,
assuming the appropriation of the authorized amounts. Enacting
the bill would not affect direct spending or receipts;
therefore, pay-as-you-go procedures would not apply. H.R. 1553
contains no intergovernmental or private-sector mandates as
defined in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (UMRA) and would
impose no costs on state, local, or tribal governments.
Estimated cost to the Federal Government: The estimated
budgetary impact of H.R. 1553 is shown in the following table.
The costs of this legislation fall within budget function 300
(natural resources and environment).
For the purposes of this estimate, CBO assumes that H.R.
1553 will be enacted by the end of fiscal year 1999 and that
all amounts authorized by the bill will be appropriated for
each fiscal year. Estimated outlays are based on historical
spending rates for these programs.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By fiscal years, in millions of dollars--
-----------------------------------------------------------
1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SPENDING SUBJECT TO APPROPRIATION
Spending Under Current Law:
Budget Authority\1\............................. 1,413 0 0 0 0 0
Estimated Outlays............................... 1,313 630 257 103 23 0
Proposed Changes:
Authorization Level............................. 0 1,391 1,459 0 0 0
Estimated Outlays............................... 0 747 1,159 564 249 107
Spending Under H.R. 1553:
Authorization Level \1\......................... 1,413 1,391 1,459 0 0 0
Estimated Outlays............................... 1,313 1,378 1,416 667 272 107
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ The 1999 level is the amount appropriated for that year for activities conducted by the National Weather
Service, The Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research, and the National Environmental Satellite, Data and
Information Service that would be authorized by H.R. 1553.
Pay-as-you-go considerations: None.
Intergovernmental and private-sector impact: H.R. 1553
contains no intergovernmental or private-sector mandates as
defined in UMRA and would impose no costs on state, local, or
tribal governments. Some of the funds authorized in this bill
would be used to provide grants for research at public
universities.
Estimate prepared by: Gary Brown.
Estimte approved by: Robert A. Sunshine, Deputy Assistant
Director for Budget Analysis.
X. Compliance With Public Law 104-4
H.R. 1553 contains no unfunded mandates.
XI. Committee Oversight Findings and Recommendations
Rule XIII, clause 3(c)(1) of the Rules of the House of
Representatives requires that the report of a committee on a
measure that has been approved by the committee include
oversight findings and recommendations under clause 2(b)(1) of
rule X. The Committee on Science's oversight findings and
recommendations are reflected in the body of this report.
XII. Oversight Findings and Recommendations by the Committee on
Government Reform
Rule XIII, clause 3(c)(4) of the Rules of the House of
Representatives requires that the report of a committee on a
measure that has been approved by the committee include a
summary of oversight findings and recommendations made by the
Committee on Government Reform under clause 4(c)(2) of rule X
if such findings and recommendations have been submitted to the
reporting committee in time to allow it to consider such
findings and recommendations during its deliberations on the
measure. The Committee on Science has received no such findings
or recommendations from the Committee on Government Reform.
XIII. Constitutional Authority Statement
Rule XIII, clause 3(d)(1) of the Rules of the House of
Representatives requires that each report of a committee on a
public bill or public joint resolution contain a statement
citing the specific powers granted to the Congress in the
Constitution to enact the law proposed by the bill or joint
resolution. Article I, section 8 of the Constitution of the
United States grants Congress the authority to enact Y.R. 1553.
XIV. Federal Advisory Committee Statement
H.R. 1553 does not establish or authorize the establishment
of any advisory committee.
XV. Congressional Accountability Act
The Committee finds that H.R. 1553 does not relate to the
terms and conditions of employment or access to public services
or accommodations within the meaning of section 102(b)(3) of
the Congressional Accountability Act (Public Law 104-1).
XVI. Changes in Existing Law Made by the Bill, as Reported
In compliance with clause 3(e) of rule XIII of the Rules of
the House of Representatives, changes in existing law made by
the bill, as reported, are shown as follows (existing law
proposed to be omitted is enclosed in black brackets and
existing law in which no change is proposed is shown in roman):
ACT OF OCTOBER 1, 1890
CHAP. 1226.--An act to increase the efficiency and reduce the expenses
of the Signal Corps of the Army, and to transfer the Weather Service to
the Department of Agriculture.
* * * * * * *
[Sec. 3. That the Chief of the Weather Bureau, under the
direction of the Secretary of Agriculture, on and after July
first, eighteen hundred and ninety-one, shall have charge of
the forecasting of weather, the issue of storm warnings, the
display of weather and flood signals for the benefit of
agriculture, commerce, and navigation, the gauging and
reporting of rivers, the maintenance and operation of sea-coast
telegraph lines and the collection and transmission of marine
intelligence for the benefit of commerce and navigation, the
reporting of temperature and rain-fall conditions for the
cotton interests, the display of frost and cold-wave signals,
the distribution of meteorological information in the interests
of agriculture and commerce, and the taking of such
meteorological observations as may be necessary to establish
and record the climatic conditions of the United States, or as
are essential for the proper execution of the foregoing
duties.]
* * * * * * *
Sec. 9. That on and after July first, eighteen hundred and
ninety-one, the appropriations for the support of the Signal
Corps of the Army shall be made with those of other staff corps
of the Army, and the appropriations for the support of the
Weather Bureau shall be made with those of the other bureaus of
the Department of Agriculture[, and it shall be the duty of the
Secretary of Agriculture to prepare future estimates for the
Weather Bureau which shall be hereafter specially developed and
extended in the interests of agriculture].
XVII. Committee Recommendations
On April 29, 1999, a quorum being present, the Committee
favorably reported H.R. 1553, the National Weather Service and
Related Agencies Authorization Act of 1999, as amended, by a
voice vote, and recommended its enactment.
XVIII. MINORITY VIEWS
The minority is satisfied that the exclusion of the
authorization of appropriations for NOAA's portion of the High
Performance Computing and Communication program is done without
prejudice. This funding supports advancements in NOAA's
computational ability which will enable NOAA to improve both
short and long-range forecasting. The Chairman indicated the
Committee will move separate legislation within the coming few
weeks to authorize appropriations for the HPCC program in its
entirety, including the authorization for NOAA's portion of the
program. We understand that the bill will provide
authorizations of appropriations for all Departments and
Agencies which participate in the government-wide HPCC program,
as well as in the proposed Information Technology for the 21st
Century initiative.
The Chairman's bill shows flat funding in program accounts
from FY 2000 to FY 2001. The minority are concerned that these
out-year funding numbers are insufficient to provide for the
real needs of the Nation. This flat funding authorization will
produce a decline in the real work being done by NOAA as
inflation has to be absorbed from those numbers. Reduced
funding will impact our Weather Service and studies on
environmental atmospheric change. While the nominal dollars
from FY 2000 to FY 2001 appear to be the same, the level of
services supported will decline in real terms.
Consequently, Mr. Costello offered an amendment to raise
the authorization level for FY 2001 by 3%. A 3% increase would
increase program authorizations by less than $27 million. This
level of increase is consistent with the Committee's past three
Views and Estimates produced by the majority. The majority
endorsed a 3% increase in FY 1998 and FY 2000 and a 4% increase
in FY 1999. We would add that in February, the majority
released an analysis of the President's outyear request numbers
for science and technology accounts. That analysis criticized
the President for weak outyear numbers for the programs under
the Science Committee's jurisdiction. Specifically, the
Chairman's press release noted that ``in the out years, the
Administration's civilian R&D budget fails to keep pace with
inflation.'' Ironically, the numbers used for FY 2000 in H.R.
1552 came from the President's request for FY 2000.
We would add that the Costello amendment was consistent
with the findings in Rep. Ehlers' report on Federal Science
policy. That report called for stable and substantial funding
for science programs. It is hard to see how funding can be
stable and substantial if we routinely let inflation eat away
at our programs.
The goal of this amendment was to send a signal to the
Administration, as it develops its FY 2001 budget request for
NOAA, that the Committee values these programs. Further, we
wanted to offer some flexibility to the appropriators in FY
2001 in case the budget situation continues to improve and
there is fiscal room to enhance our funding for NOAA's work. In
any event, these arguments produced a straight party line vote
in which the amendment was defeated and NOAA's authorization
will fail to keep pace with inflation in FY 2001.
George E. Brown, Jr.
Mike Doyle.
John B. Larson.
Mark Udall.
Zoe Lofgren.
Michael E. Capuano.
Nick Lampson.
Lynn N. Rivers.
Jerry F. Costello.
Sheila Jackson Lee.
Debbie Stabenow.
Bart Gordon.
Eddie Bernice Johnson.
David Wu.
Jim Barcia.
Lynn Woolsey.
Anthony D. Weiner.
XIX. Proceedings of Committee on Science Markup
Chairman Sensenbrenner. The final bill on the calendar
today is H.R. 1553, The National Weather Service and Related
Agencies Authorization Act of 1999, which authorizes a total of
$1.391 billion for Fiscal 2000; $1.468 billion for Fiscal 2001
for the National Weather Service, the NOAA Office of Oceanic
and Atmospheric Research Program, the National Environmental
Satellite Data and Information Service and related agencies.
I would ask unanimous consent that the balance of my
statement be included in the record before recognizing the
Subcommittee Chairs and Ranking Minority Members for opening
statements, let me say that it is the intention of the Chair
when we reach a roll call, which can be anywhere from 20 to 50
minutes not to come back. And if this bill is not approved and
reported out by the time bell rings and we have to adjourn, it
will be placed at the top of the agenda at our next markup. So
those who really want this bill to be reported, are urged to
make their statements brief and quick and to the point.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from California, Mr.
Calvert, for a brief 5 minutes.
[The statement of Mr. Sensenbrenner follows:]
Statement of Hon. F. James Sensenbrenner, Jr.
H.R. 1553, the National Weather Service and Related
Agencies Authorization Act of 1999, authorizes a total of
$1.391 billion for FY 2000 and $1.468 billion for FY 2001 for
the National Weather Service, the NOAA Office of Oceanic and
Atmospheric Research programs, the National Environmental
Satellite, Data and Information Service and related Facilities.
Similar to H.R. 1552, the programs in H.R. 1553 are
authorized at the FY 2000 level requested by NOAA and are
consistent with the FY 2001 estimates contained in NOAA FY 2000
budget request except this bill excludes NOAA's High
Performance Computing and Communications Program, which will be
authorized under separate authorization legislation. Also
excluded are any additional authorizations for the
Geostationary Operational Satellites, I, J, K, L, and M (GOES
I-M), which were authorized to completion by the NOAA
Authorization Act of 1992 (Public Law 102-567).
Mr. Calvert. Mr. Chairman, I had an opening statement that
pretty much explained both bills in that statement. I would
just like to move to the amendment process.
Chairman Sensenbrenner. The gentleman from Illinois, Mr.
Costello.
Mr. Costello. Mr. Chairman, I will follows Chairman
Calvert's lead and let me just say that I am pleased that we
are bringing this bill before the Committee today. I have the
same concern with this legislation as far as the authorization
level as I did with the last bill. I will be offering my
amendment at the appropriate time.
Chairman Sensenbrenner. Without objection, the two opening
statements just referred to will be inserted into the record at
this point. Also, without objection, other Members may insert
opening statements into the record at this point. Further
without objection, the bill is read a first time, open for
amendment at any point and the Chair recognizes Mr. Calvert of
California who has the first amendment which is a technical and
conforming amendment.
[The information follows:]
H.R. 1553
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``National Weather Service and Related
Agencies Authorization Act of 1999''.
SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.
For purposes of this Act, the term--
(1) ``Administrator'' means the Administrator of the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; and
(2) ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of Commerce.
SEC. 3. NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE.
(a) Operations, Research, and Facilities.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to the Secretary to enable the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration to carry out the Operations, Research, and
Facilities activities of the National Weather Service $617,897,000 for
fiscal year 2000 and $617,897,000 for fiscal year 2001, to remain
available until expended. Of such amounts--
(1) $450,411,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $450,411,000 for
fiscal year 2001 shall be for Local Warnings and Forecasts;
(2) $2,200,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $2,200,000 for fiscal
year 2001 shall be for Advanced Hydrological Prediction System;
(3) $619,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $619,000 for fiscal
year 2001 shall be for Susquehanna River Basin Flood Systems;
(4) $35,596,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $35,596,000 for
fiscal year 2001 shall be for Aviation Forecasts;
(5) $4,000,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $4,000,000 for fiscal
year 2001 shall be for Weather Forecast Offices (WFO)
Facilities Maintenance;
(6) $37,081,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $37,081,000 for
fiscal year 2001 shall be for Central Forecast Guidance;
(7) $3,090,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $3,090,000 for fiscal
year 2001 shall be for Atmospheric and Hydrological Research;
(8) $39,325,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $39,325,000 for
fiscal year 2001 shall be for Next Generation Weather Radar
(NEXRAD);
(9) $7,573,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $7,573,000 for fiscal
year 2001 shall be for Automated Surface Observing System
(ASOS); and
(10) $38,002,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $38,002,000 for
fiscal year 2001 shall be for Advanced Weather Interactive
Processing System (AWIPS).
(b) Procurement, Acquisition, and Construction.--There are authorized
to be appropriated to the Secretary to enable the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration to carry out the Procurement, Acquisition,
and Construction activities of the National Weather Service $69,632,000
for fiscal year 2000 and $70,120,000 for fiscal year 2001, to remain
available until expended. Of such amounts--
(1) $9,560,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $9,060,000 for fiscal
year 2001 shall be for Next Generation Weather Radar (NEXRAD);
(2) $4,180,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $6,125,000 for fiscal
year 2001 shall be for Automated Surface Observing System
(ASOS);
(3) $22,575,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $21,525,000 for
fiscal year 2001 shall be for Advanced Weather Interactive
Processing System (AWIPS);
(4) $11,100,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $12,835,000 for
fiscal year 2001 shall be for Computer Facilities Upgrades;
(5) $8,350,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $8,350,000 for fiscal
year 2001 shall be for Radiosonde Replacement;
(6) $500,000 for fiscal year 2000 shall be for National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Operations Center
Rehabilitation; and
(7) $13,367,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $12,225,000 for
fiscal year 2001 shall be for Weather Forecast Office (WFO)
Construction.
(c) Duties of the National Weather Service.--
(1) In general.--To protect life and property, the Secretary,
through the National Weather Service, except as provided in
paragraph (2), shall be responsible for--
(A) forecasts and shall serve as the sole official
source of weather warnings;
(B) the issuance of storm warnings;
(C) the collection, exchange, and distribution of
meteorological, hydrological, climatic, and
oceanographic data and information; and
(D) the preparation of hydrometeorological guidance
and core forecast information.
(2) Competition with private sector.--The National Weather
Service shall not provide, or assist other entities to provide,
a service (other than a service described in paragraph (1)(A))
if that service is currently provided or can be provided by
commercial enterprise, unless--
(A) the Secretary finds that the private sector is
unwilling or unable to provide the service; or
(B) the service provides vital weather warnings and
forecasts for the protection of lives and property of
the general public.
(3) Amendments.--The Act of October 1, 1890 (26 Stat. 653) is
amended--
(A) by striking section 3 (15 U.S.C. 313); and
(B) in section 9 (15 U.S.C. 317), by striking ``, and
it shall be'' and all that follows, and inserting a
period.
(4) Report.--Not later than 60 days after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the
Committee on Science of the House of Representatives and the
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the
Senate a report detailing all National Weather Service
activities which do not conform to the requirements of this
subsection and outlining a timetable for their termination.
SEC. 4. ATMOSPHERIC RESEARCH.
(a) Operations, Research, and Facilities.--
(1) In general.--There are authorized to be appropriated to
the Secretary to enable the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration to carry out the Atmospheric Research
Operations, Research, and Facilities environmental research and
development activities of the Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric
Research $173,250,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $173,250,000 for
fiscal year 2001, to remain available until expended.
(2) Climate and air quality research.--Of the amounts
authorized under paragraph (1), $126,200,000 for fiscal year
2000 and $126,200,000 for fiscal year 2001 shall be for Climate
and Air Quality Research, of which--
(A) $16,900,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $16,900,000
for fiscal year 2001 shall be for Interannual and
Seasonal Climate Research;
(B) $34,600,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $34,600,000
for fiscal year 2001 shall be for Long-Term Climate and
Air Quality Research;
(C) $69,700,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $69,700,000
for fiscal year 2001 shall be for Climate and Global
Change; and
(D) $5,000,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $5,000,000
for fiscal year 2001 shall be for Global Learning and
Observations to Benefit the Environment (GLOBE).
(3) Atmospheric programs.--Of the amounts authorized under
paragraph (1), $47,050,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $47,050,000
for fiscal year 2001 shall be for Atmospheric Programs, of
which--
(A) $36,600,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $36,600,000
for fiscal year 2001 shall be for Weather Research;
(B) $4,350,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $4,350,000
for fiscal year 2001 shall be for Wind Profiler; and
(C) $6,100,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $6,100,000
for fiscal year 2001 shall be for Solar-Terrestrial
Services and Research.
(b) Procurement, Acquisition, and Construction.--There are authorized
to be appropriated to the Secretary to enable the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration to carry out the Atmospheric Research
Procurement, Acquisition, and Construction environmental research and
development activities of the Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric
Research $10,040,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $14,160,000 for fiscal
year 2001, to remain available until expended. Of such amounts--
(1) $5,700,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $8,000,000 for fiscal
year 2001 shall be for the Geophysical Fluid Dynamics
Laboratory Supercomputer; and
(2) $4,340,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $6,160,000 for fiscal
year 2001 shall be for the Advanced Composition Explorer (ACE)
Follow-On Satellite/GEOSTORM.
SEC. 5. NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL SATELLITE, DATA AND INFORMATION SERVICE.
(a) Operations, Research, and Facilities.--
(1) In general.--There are authorized to be appropriated to
the Secretary to enable the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration to carry out the Operations, Research, and
Facilities environmental research and development and related
activities of the National Environmental Satellite, Data and
Information Service $103,092,000 for fiscal year 2000 and
$103,092,000 for fiscal year 2001, to remain available until
expended.
(2) Satellite observing systems.--Of the amounts authorized
under paragraph (1), $59,236,000 for fiscal year 2000 and
$59,236,000 for fiscal year 2001 shall be for Satellite
Observing Systems, of which--
(A) $2,000,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $2,000,000
for fiscal year 2001 shall be for Global Disaster
Information Network (GDIN);
(B) $4,000,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $4,000,000
for fiscal year 2001 shall be for Ocean Remote Sensing;
and
(C) $53,236,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $53,236,000
for fiscal year 2001 shall be for Environmental
Observing Systems.
(3) Environmental data management systems.--Of the amounts
authorized under paragraph (1), $43,856,000 for fiscal year
2000 and $43,856,000 for fiscal year 2001 shall be for
Environmental Data Management Systems, of which--
(A) $31,521,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $31,521,000
for fiscal year 2001 shall be for Data and Information
Services; and
(B) $12,335,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $12,335,000
for fiscal year 2001 shall be for Environmental Data
Systems Modernization.
(b) Procurement, Acquisition, and Construction.--
(1) In general.--There are authorized to be appropriated to
the Secretary to enable the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration to carry out the Procurement, Acquisition, and
Construction environmental research and development and related
activities of the National Environmental Satellite, Data and
Information Service $413,657,000 for fiscal year 2000 and
$476,183,000 for fiscal year 2001, to remain available until
expended.
(2) Systems acquisition.--Of the amounts authorized under
paragraph (1), $410,612,000 for fiscal year 2000 and
$473,803,000 for fiscal year 2001 shall be for Systems
Acquisition, of which--
(A) $140,979,000 for fiscal year 2000 and
$114,594,000 for fiscal year 2001 shall be for the
procurement and launch of, and supporting ground
systems for, Polar Orbiting Environmental Satellites
(POES), K, L, M, N, and N,;
(B) $80,100,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $113,600,000
for fiscal year 2001 shall be for the procurement and
launch of, and supporting ground systems for, the
National Polar-Orbiting Operational Environmental
Satellite System (NPOESS); and
(C) $189,533,000 for fiscal year 2000 and
$245,609,000 for fiscal year 2001 shall be for the
procurement and launch of, and supporting ground
systems for, up to three Geostationary Operational
Environmental NEXT follow-on Satellites (GOES N-Q).
(3) Construction.--Of the amounts authorized under paragraph
(1), $3,045,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $2,380,000 for fiscal
year 2001 shall be for National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration Operations Center Rehabilitation Construction.
SEC. 6. FACILITIES.
There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to enable
the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to carry out the
Operations, Research, and Facilities environmental research and
development and related activities required to meet recurring
facilities operations costs associated with the David Skaggs Research
Center in Boulder, Colorado, $3,850,000 for fiscal year 2000 and
$3,850,000 for fiscal year 2001.
SEC. 7. ELIGIBILITY FOR AWARDS.
(a) In General.--The Administrator shall exclude from consideration
for grant agreements made after fiscal year 1999 by the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, under the programs for which
funds are authorized under this Act, any person who received funds,
other than those described in subsection (b), appropriated for a fiscal
year after fiscal year 1999, under a grant agreement from any Federal
funding source for a project that was not subjected to a competitive,
merit-based award process. Any exclusion from consideration pursuant to
this section shall be effective for a period of 5 years after the
person receives such Federal funds.
(b) Exception.--Subsection (a) shall not apply to the receipt of
Federal funds by a person due to the membership of that person in a
class specified by law for which assistance is awarded to members of
the class according to a formula provided by law.
(c) Definition.--For purposes of this section, the term ``grant
agreement'' means a legal instrument whose principal purpose is to
transfer a thing of value to the recipient to carry out a public
purpose of support or stimulation authorized by a law of the United
States, and does not include the acquisition (by purchase, lease, or
barter) of property or services for the direct benefit or use of the
United States Government. Such term does not include a cooperative
agreement (as such term is used in section 6305 of title 31, United
States Code) or a cooperative research and development agreement (as
such term is defined in section 12(d)(1) of the Stevenson-Wydler
Technology Innovation Act of 1980 (15 U.S.C. 3710a(d)(1))).
______
Statement of Hon. Jerry Costello
Mr. Chairman, my district in Southern Illinois lies along the
Mississippi River and we are subject to flooding and a host of ill-
tempered storms, especially in the summer months. Consequently, I am a
big fan of the National Weather Service and happy to take up a bill
that authorizes NWS as well as all the other important atmospheric
research work at NOAA.
As with H.R. 1552, this bill reflects the President's request for
FY2000 and I am pleased by the numbers for next year. I am concerned
that the FY 2001 numbers would lead to a decline in real support for
the work of the National Weather Service and other NOAA accounts and
will offer an amendment to plus the out-year authorization up by a
modest 3%. I hope the Chairman can join me on this amendment.
There are a few other issues that my colleagues hope to improve
through judicious amendments and would ask for the support of my
colleagues on the other side of the aisle. In general this is a good
bill that we want to make better.
Mr. Calvert. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.
Chairman Sensenbrenner. The clerk will report the
amendment.
The Clerk. ``Amendment to H.R. 1553, offered by Mr.
Calvert.''
Chairman Sensenbrenner. Without objection, the amendment is
considered as read. And the gentleman from California is
recognized for 5 minutes.
[The information follows:]
Amendment to H.R. 1553 Offered by Mr. Calvert
Page 10, line 11, strike ``systems'' and insert ``Services''.
Page 12, line 4, strike ``up to three''.
Page 12, line 25, strike ``programs'' and insert ``activities''.
Page 13, line 6, insert ``, except as specifically authorized by
this Act'' after ``award process''.
Mr. Calvert. And as the Chairman mentioned, this bill--this
amendment is only technical and conforming changes and I would
urge its adoption.
Chairman Sensenbrenner. Further discussion on the Calvert
amendment?
Hearing none, all those in favor of agreeing to the
amendment will signify by saying aye.
Opposed, no.
The ayes appear to have it. The ayes have it. And the
amendment is agreed to.
The second amendment on the list is one by the gentleman
from Illinois, Mr. Ewing. For what purpose does the gentleman
seek recognition?
Mr. Ewing. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.
Chairman Sensenbrenner. The clerk will report the
amendment.
The Clerk. ``Amendment to H.R. 1553, offered by Mr.
Ewing.''
Chairman Sensenbrenner. Without objection, the amendment is
considered as read and open for amendment at any point. And the
gentleman from Illinois, Mr. Ewing, is recognized for 5
minutes.
[The information follows:]
Amendment to H.R. 1553 Offered by Mr. Ewing
Page 2, line 20, strike ``$450,411,000'' and insert
``$449,441,000''.
Page 3, line 21, strike ``and''.
Page 3, line 25, strike the period and insert ``; and''.
Page 3, after line 25, insert the following new paragraph:
(11) $970,000 for fiscal year 2000 shall be for two 1,000-
watt National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Weather
Radio transmitters, to be located in Jasper and Marion
Counties, Illinois, and nine 300-watt National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration Weather Radio transmitters, to be
installed in appropriate locations throughout the State of
Illinois, and for maintenance costs related thereto.
Page 13, line 6, insert ``, except as specifically authorized by
this Act'' after ``award process''.
Mr. Ewing. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I want to thank you for
considering this amendment which is extremely important to a
large section of rural Illinois. The amendment takes $970,000
authorized for Local Warnings and Forecast Division of the
National Weather Service to purchase, install, and cover the
initial cost to build NOAA weather radio transmitters for the
region of Illinois not already covered by the NOAA Weather
Radio Alert System.
The tornadoes which recently tore through Illinois and took
the life of one of my constituents in Ashton, Illinois brought
home the importance of these Weather Alert Systems. There are
17 counties in Illinois without Weather Alert Systems or are
only partially covered. It is especially important that rural
areas have a system in place to warn people of oncoming storms
and dangerous weather. The map that shows where these will be
located also is very important because it is almost a vanguard
on the west side of the large metropolitan area of Chicago
which is so heavily populated and has been hit a number of
times by tornadoes with great loss of property and lives.
I believe the safety concerns and the fact that the funds
are coming from existing NOAA programs makes the amendment
easily supportable, and I thank the Chairman for allowing the
amendment to be offered.
Chairman Sensenbrenner. The gentleman yields back
thebalance of his time. The gentleman from Illinois, Mr. Costello.
Mr. Costello. Mr. Chairman, I just want to----
Chairman Sensenbrenner. Recognized for 5 minutes.
Mr. Costello. I want to associate myself with the remarks
made by Mr. Ewing, and I support his amendment.
Chairman Sensenbrenner. The gentleman yields back the
balance of time. Further discussion on the Ewing amendment?
Hearing none, all those in favor of agreeing to the
amendment will signify by saying aye.
Opposed, no.
The ayes appear to have it. The ayes have it. And the
amendment is agreed to.
Amendment number three on the roster is by the gentleman
from Illinois, Mr. Costello. For what purpose do you arise?
Mr. Costello. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the
desk.
Chairman Sensenbrenner. The clerk will report the
amendment.
The Clerk. ``Amendment to H.R. 1553, offered by Mr.
Costello.''
Chairman Sensenbrenner. This is amendment number three,
correct?
Mr. Costello. Yes, it is.
Chairman Sensenbrenner. Without objection, the amendment is
considered as read and the gentleman is recognized for 5
minutes.
[The information follows:]
Amendment to H.R. 1553 Offered by Mr. Costello
Page 5, line 14, insert ``and flood'' after ``source of weather''.
Page 5, line 18, strike ``and'' at the end of subparagraph (C).
Page 5, line 20, strike the period and insert ``; and''.
Page 5, after line 20, insert the following new subparagraph:
(E) the issuance of marine and aviation forecasts and
warnings.
Page 5, line 24, insert ``or (B)'' after ``paragraph (1)(A)''.
Mr. Costello. Mr. Chairman, it is my understanding that the
majority is willing to accept this amendment. I can either be
brief or use my 5 minutes.
Chairman Sensenbrenner. Will the gentleman yield?
Mr. Costello. I will be happy to.
Chairman Sensenbrenner. The majority will accept this
amendment with the understanding that we may want to work with
interested parties on this section to work out an acceptable
compromise before this bill comes to the Floor. So we accept
the amendment. We have to modify it a bit after some interested
parties come to the table that have not been coming to the
table in the past.
Mr. Costello. Reclaiming my time. It is my understanding
then that we will attempt to work this out before we go to the
Floor.
Chairman Sensenbrenner. Yes, that is my understanding as
well.
Mr. Costello. Mr. Chairman, I yield back my time.
Chairman Sensenbrenner. Further discussion on Costello
amendment number three?
Hearing none, all those in favor will signify by saying
aye.
Opposed, no.
The ayes appear to have it. The ayes have it. And amendment
number three is adopted.
Amendment number four is also by Mr. Costello. For what
purpose do you arise?
Mr. Costello. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the
desk.
Chairman Sensenbrenner. The clerk will report the
amendment.
The Clerk. ``Amendment to H.R. 1553, offered by Mr.
Costello.''
Chairman Sensenbrenner. Without objection, the amendment is
considered as read and the gentleman from Illinois is
recognized for 5 minutes.
Amendment to H.R. 1553 Offered by Mr. Costello
Page 14, after line 2, insert the following new section:
SEC. 8. AUTHORIZATION INCREASE.
Each of the amounts authorized for fiscal year 2001 by this Act,
except for the amounts authorized by sections 3(b), 4(b), and 5(b),
shall be increased by 3 percent.
Mr. Costello. Mr. Chairman, the bill before us today leaves funding
for NOAA program accounts flat from Fiscal Year 2000 to Fiscal Year
2001. My amendment would rectify this situation. It would----
Chairman Sensenbrenner. Will the gentleman yield? This appears to
be amendment number six on the roster. It is fine if we go ahead with
amendment number six.
Mr. Costello. Can we do six now and then we'll go back.
Chairman Sensenbrenner. Yes, let's do six now and then we can go
back.
So the question is on agreeing to amendment number six and the
Chair recognizes the gentleman from Illinois for the balance of his 5
minutes.
Mr. Costello. I assume we will be able to dispense with this
amendment quicker than the next. Mr. Chairman, this is a similar
amendment that I offered to H.R. 1552. It would provide for a 3 percent
increase in the authorization level for Fiscal Year 2001. It is
consistent with the action of this Committee in the past, the views and
estimates which call for a 3 percent increase for Fiscal Year 1998, a 4
percent increase in Fiscal Year 1999, and a 3 percent increase for
2000. I made my arguments and the arguments concerning this
authorization increase is the same. And I do believe, for Mr.
Rohrabacher's information, that it is a responsible amendment in
standing up for the taxpayers just for the record.
Chairman Sensenbrenner. Does the gentleman yield back the balance
of his time?
Mr. Costello. I do.
Chairman Sensenbrenner. Does the gentleman from California wish his
remarks in the previous amendment incorporated by reference into the
record at this point?
Mr. Costello. Mr. Chairman, in the fear of being redundant, I would
accept that.
[The prepared statement of Mr. Costello follows:]
Statement of Hon. Jerry Costello
Mr. Chairman, the bill before us today leaves funding for NOAA
program accounts flat from FY2000 to FY2001. My amendment would rectify
this situation by simply reaching back into the bill to increase the
authorized levels for FY2001 by 3%. Excluded from this increase would
be construction and procurement accounts because in those cases we are
working with real projected out-year numbers. The total increase in the
bill's authorization level is just under $27 million.
Flat funding means that all the increased inflationary costs for
doing work will be absorbed by the programs--leading to an effective
cut in funding.
This Committee has gone on record time and again calling for
steady, stable funding for our programs. The Ehlers report called for
Federal funding to be ``stable and substantial''--it can't be stable
and substantial if we let inflation erode the funding from year to
year. The Chairman has chided the administration on several occasions
for failing to provide adequate out-year funding in its budget requests
leading to net declines in inflation-adjusted funding.
This level of increase is consistent with the Committee's recent
past Views and Estimates which called for a 3% increase for FY1998, a
4% increase for FY1999 and a 3% increase for FY2000. Almost all of us
supported those calls for increases; I would hope we could agree now to
support a similar recommended increase in FY2000.
The administration is now beginning its FY2001 budget process. We
can send a signal to the administration that there are those in
Congress who value these programs.
Finally, we would be providing needed flexibility to appropriators
and the Administration for FY2001. We can't know what may be needed 128
months out or what GPRA performance evaluations may suggest. A small
increase such a I am suggesting--totaling just under $27 million--would
allow the flexibility to react to such things.
Chairman Sensenbrenner. Okay. Further discussion on
Costello amendment number six?
Hearing none, all those in favor will signify by saying
aye.
Opposed, no.
The noes appear to have it.
Mr. Costello. Mr. Chairman, I have to ask for a roll call.
Chairman Sensenbrenner. Okay, the noes have it. A roll call
is requested and will be granted.
Those in favor of amendment number six will signify by
saying aye.
Those opposed, no. And the clerk will call the roll.
The Clerk. Mr. Sensenbrenner?
Chairman Sensenbrenner. No.
The Clerk. Mr. Sensenbrenner votes no. Mr. Boehlert.
[No response.]
The Clerk. Mr. Smith of Texas.
[No response.]
The Clerk. Mrs. Morella.
Mrs. Morella. No.
The Clerk. Mrs. Morella votes no. Mr. Weldon of
Pennsylvania.
[No response.]
The Clerk. Mr. Rohrabacher.
Mr. Rohrabacher. No.
The Clerk. Mr. Rohrabacher votes no. Mr. Barton.
Mr. Barton. No.
The Clerk. Mr. Barton votes no. Mr. Calvert.
Mr. Calvert. No.
The Clerk. Mr. Calvert votes no. Mr. Smith.
Mr. Smith of Michigan. No.
The Clerk. Mr. Smith votes no. Mr. Bartlett.
Mr. Bartlett. No.
The Clerk. Mr. Bartlett votes no. Mr. Ehlers.
Mr. Ehlers. No.
The Clerk. Mr. Ehlers votes no. Mr. Weldon of Florida.
Mr. Weldon of Florida. No.
The Clerk. Mr. Weldon votes no. Mr. Gutknecht.
[No response.]
The Clerk. Mr. Ewing.
Mr. Ewing. No.
The Clerk. Mr. Ewing votes no. Mr. Cannon.
[No response.]
The Clerk. Mr. Brady.
Mr. Brady. No.
The Clerk. Mr. Brady votes no. Mr. Cook.
Mr. Cook. No.
The Clerk. Mr. Cook votes no. Mr. Nethercutt.
Mr. Nethercutt. No.
The Clerk. Mr. Nethercutt votes no. Mr. Lucas.
Mr. Lucas. No.
The Clerk. Mr. Lucas votes no. Mr. Green.
Mr. Green. No.
The Clerk. Mr. Green votes no. Mr. Kuykendall.
Mr. Kuykendall. No.
The Clerk. Mr. Kuykendall votes no. Mr. Miller.
[No response.]
The Clerk. Mrs. Biggert.
Mrs. Biggert. No.
The Clerk. Mrs. Biggert votes no. Mr. Sanford.
[No response.]
The Clerk. Mr. Metcalf.
Mr. Metcalf. No.
The Clerk. Mr. Metcalf votes no. Mr. Brown.
[No response.]
The Clerk. Mr. Hall.
[No response.]
The Clerk. Mr. Gordon.
Mr. Gordon. Yes.
The Clerk. Mr. Gordon votes yes. Mr. Costello.
Mr. Costello. Yes.
The Clerk. Mr. Costello votes yes. Mr. Barcia.
[No response.]
The Clerk. Ms. Johnson.
Ms. Eddie Bernice Johnson of Texas. Yes.
The Clerk. Ms. Johnson votes yes. Ms. Woolsey.
Ms. Woolsey. Aye.
The Clerk. Ms. Woolsey votes yes. Mr. Hastings.
[No response.]
The Clerk. Ms. Rivers.
Ms. Rivers. Yes.
The Clerk. Ms. Rivers votes yes. Ms. Lofgren.
[No response.]
The Clerk. Mr. Doyle.
Mr. Doyle. Yes.
The Clerk. Mr. Doyle votes yes. Ms. Jackson Lee.
Ms. Jackson Lee of Texas. Aye.
The Clerk. Ms. Jackson Lee votes yes. Ms. Stabenow.
Ms. Stabenow. Yes.
The Clerk. Ms. Stabenow votes yes. Mr. Etheridge.
Mr. Etheridge. Yes.
The Clerk. Mr. Etheridge votes yes. Mr. Lampson.
Mr. Lampson. Yes.
The Clerk. Mr. Lampson votes yes. Mr. Larson.
Mr. Larson. Yes.
The Clerk. Mr. Larson votes yes. Mr. Udall.
Mr. Udall. Yes.
The Clerk. Mr. Udall votes yes. Mr. Wu.
Mr. Wu. Yes.
The Clerk. Mr. Wu votes yes. Mr. Weiner.
Mr. Weiner. Yes.
The Clerk. Mr. Weiner votes yes. Mr. Capuano.
Mr. Capuano. Yes.
Chairman Sensenbrenner. Are there any Members in the
chamber that wish to cast their vote or change their votes? The
gentleman from Michigan?
Mr. Barcia. I would like to cast my vote aye.
The Clerk. Mr. Barcia votes yes.
Chairman Sensenbrenner. Further Members in the chamber who
wish to cast or change their votes? There are none. The clerk
will report.
The Clerk. Mr. Chairman, yes is 16; no is 18.
Chairman Sensenbrenner. and the amendment is not agreed to.
The next amendment on the roster going back in order is
amendment number four, which I understand will be offered by
Mr. Costello. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Illinois?
Mr. Costello. Mr. Chairman, thank you. I have an amendment
at the desk, please.
Chairman Sensenbrenner. The clerk will report the
amendment.
The Clerk. ``Amendment to H.R. 1553, offered by Mr.
Costello.''
Chairman Sensenbrenner. Without objection, the amendment is
considered as read and the gentleman from Illinois is
recognized for 5 minutes.
[The information follows:]
Amendment to H.R. 1553 Offered by Mr. Costello
Page 7, line 14, strike ``$126,200,000'' and insert
``$139,700,000''.
Page 7, line 15, strike ``$126,200,000'' and insert
``$139,700,000''.
Page 7, line 25, strike ``and'' at the end of subparagraph (C).
Page 8, line 4, strike the period and insert ``; and''.
Page 8, after line 4, insert the following new subparagraph:
(E) $13,500,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $13,500,000
for fiscal year 2001 shall be for High Performance
Computing.
sMr. Costello. Mr. Chairman, thank you. Mr. Chairman, this
amendment would restore funding for the High Performance
Computing Program. As you know, this Committee has had a long
history of involvement in the development of advanced computing
and communications systems.
This year, the Administration proposed a New Information
for the 21st Century, IT2. The leadership of this Committee,
the majority has proposed deleting the funding for the HPCC and
NGI activities to be bundled together in a larger computing
authorization to be done mid-year. This action raises a number
of questions, Mr. Chairman, and I hope I can withdraw this
amendment----
Chairman Sensenbrenner. Will the gentleman yield?
Mr. Costello. Yes.
Chairman Sensenbrenner. It is the intention of the Chair
relatively soon to offer a bill which deals with High
Performance Computing and the IT2 initiative of the
Administration. And it is my belief that we should look at this
entire issue holistically and to advance legislation for
consideration on the House Floor which deals with all of this
issue in one package. From a strategic standpoint, as with the
NGI bill, which we did in the last Congress, I think it is
important that we wrap all of this up in one bill because we
have scattered success in the Senate with authorization bills.
And some of them will be enacted into law and some of them will
drop into the black hole over in the Senate, never to be seen
again. And I don't think that that is the way we should be
dealing with High Performance Computing or the IT2 initiative.
And I think the way we can get the authorizations for all of
the agencies that deal with this subject, which includes NOAA,
NASA, NIST, Department of Energy, NSF, Department of Defense,
and the National Institutes of Health is with one comprehensive
package and then have the whole fell swoop be passed and
hopefully land on the President's desk so that we don't do this
in piecemeal manner because I think that that would be a very
serious error on the part of the Congress. So I am looking
forward to working with the gentleman and the minority as we
can advance this package bill.
Mr. Costello. Mr. Chairman, reclaiming my time quickly, if
I can ask just a few questions?
Chairman Sensenbrenner. Surely.
Mr. Costello. From a timetable standpoint, since the
Appropriations Committee will be marking up and reporting their
bills by mid-summer, where does that leave us? What kind of
message are we sending?
Chairman Sensenbrenner. It is my hope that we will have the
legislation ready for introduction within a few weeks time and
definitely before the Memorial Day break, which is two days
long this year. And it is my intention to put this legislation
on a fast track.
Mr. Costello. So it is your intention to get the
legislation through the Committee over to the appropriators
before they mark up?
Chairman Sensenbrenner. I would hope so. But that is
depending upon how quickly the appropriators move. And, as you
know, we are in the period of time, you know, where the good
intentions about quick movement are frequently stated by them
before the wheel starts falling off.
Mr. Costello. Mr. Chairman, I would yield to Mr. Doyle the
balance of my time.
Mr. Doyle. Thank you, Mr. Costello. Mr. Chairman, I just
want to voice my strong support for Mr. Costello's amendment.
High Performance Computing is probably one of the most
important and faster growing areas under the jurisdiction of
this Committee. High performance super computers and computer
scientists at the top of their profession are conducting
important work at centers, such as the Pittsburgh Super
Computer Center, Universities of Illinois and San Diego and
many other schools.
And I just want to close, Mr. Chairman, I look forward to
working with you on this legislation.
Chairman Sensenbrenner. Okay.
Mr. Kuyendall. Would the gentleman yield?
Chairman Sensenbrenner. If we would like to get thisbill
reported out, can we put the statements in the record? Will the
gentleman withdraw his amendment?
Mr. Costello. I do, Mr. Chairman.
Chairman Sensenbrenner. Okay, the amendment is withdrawn.
We have an amendment by Mr. Kuykendall. For what purpose does
the gentleman from California arise?
Mr. Kuykendall. I have an amendment at the table.
Chairman Sensenbrenner. Okay, the clerk will report the
amendment. Without objection, the amendment is considered as
read. The gentleman from California is recognized for 5
minutes. Without objection, his statement will appear in the
record. He yields back the balance of his time. Is there
further discussion on the Kuykendall amendment? [Laughter.]
[The information follows:]
Amendment to H.R. 1553 Offered by Mr. Kuykendall
Page 14, after line 2, insert the following new section:
SEC. 8. INTERNET AVAILABILITY OF INFORMATION.
The Administrator shall make available through the Internet home
page of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration the
abstracts relating to all research grants and awards made with funds
authorized by this Act. Nothing in this section shall be construed to
require or permit the release of any information prohibited by law or
regulation from being released to the public.
______
Opening Statement of Hon. Steven T. Kuykendall
Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment to H.R. 1553, the National
Weather Service authorization bill. Like the other three amendments I
have offered this morning, this amendment would require the National
Weather Service to post abstract information of its grant awards on its
internet site. By giving public access to information about how tax
dollars are spent, we are acting as responsible stewards of taxpayer
resources. We also stimulate additional public and private sector
research by informing the research community of efforts already
underway. I urge my colleagues to adopt this good government, good
fiscal measure and yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. Kuykendall. I would urge an aye vote.
Chairman Sensenbrenner. All those in favor will signify by
saying aye.
Opposed, no.
The ayes have it. And the amendment is agreed to.
That completes the number of amendments on the roster. Are
there further amendments?
Mr. Wu. Mr. Chairman, I have report language at the desk.
Chairman Sensenbrenner. I will get to the report language
in just a second. There are no further amendments. Report
language? The gentleman from Oregon, Mr. Wu, has report
language at the desk. Without objection, the report language is
read. The gentleman from Oregon is recognized for 5 minutes.
Without objection, his statement will appear in the record.
[The information follows:]
Report Language Offered by Mr. Wu of Oregon
The Committee notes the unique geography of the Astoria/Warrenton
Airport at the Port of Astoria, Oregon, and the challenges it
represents for the National Weather Service. It is the Committee's hope
that the Director of the National Weather Service should work with
airport officials to ensure that the newly installed Automated Surface
Observing System (ASOS), in conjunction with pilot and ground
observations, allows the National Weather Service to effectively carry
out its mission in the region. Moreover, the Director shall ensure that
a local representative is trained in making reports for the NWS in the
event of an ASOS failure. If these additional pilot and ground
observations fail to address the special needs of this airport, further
solutions should be investigated and implemented.
Mr. Wu. Thank you.
Chairman Sensenbrenner. And will he yield back the balance
of his time like Mr. Kuykendall did?
Mr. Wu. Yes, Mr. Chairman.
Chairman Sensenbrenner. The gentleman knows that when you
got the votes, you vote.
All those in favor of the report language will signify by
saying aye.
Opposed, no.
The ayes appear to have it. The ayes have it. And Mr. Wu is
a winner.
Further report language? Hearing none, the Chair now
recognizes the gentleman from Illinois, Mr. Costello, for a
motion to report.
Mr. Costello. Mr. Chairman, I move that the Committee
favorably report H.R. 1553, as amended, to the House with the
recommendation that the bill as amended do pass. Furthermore, I
move that the staff be instructed to prepare the legislative
report and make necessary technical and conforming amendments
and that the Chairman take all necessary steps to bring the
bill before the House for consideration.
Chairman Sensenbrenner. Okay. You have heard the motion. Is
there discussion? Hearing none, the Chair notes the presence of
a reporting quorum.
Those in favor of reporting the bill favorably will say
aye.
Opposed, no.
The ayes appear to have it. The ayes have it. The bill is
reported.
Without objection, the bill will be reported in the form of
a single amendment in the nature of a substitute reflecting
amendments adopted today. Without objection, pursuant to Rule
22, the Chair is authorized to make motions in the House to go
to conference with the Senate on the bill. Members will have
two subsequent calendar days in which to submit supplemental,
minority, or additional views on the measure.
Does the gentleman from Tennessee wish to make--I will
recognize you at the beginning of the next meeting. And the
Committee is adjourned. Thank you all. It shows that when we
get down to business, we can accomplish a lot.
[Whereupon, at 12:04 p.m., the Committee was adjourned.]