I 108th CONGRESS 2d Session H. R. 4158 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES April 2, 2004 Mr. Ortiz (for himself, Mr. Gonzalez, Mr. Hinojosa, Mr. Reyes, Mr. Rodriguez, and Mr. Green of Texas) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Resources A BILL To provide for the conveyance to the Government of Mexico of a decommissioned National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration ship, and for other purposes.

1.

Conveyance of NOAA vessel WHITING

(a)

In General

The Secretary of Commerce shall convey to the Government of Mexico, without consideration, all right, title, and interest of the United States in and to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration vessel WHITING— (1)for use as a hydrographic survey platform in support of activities of the United States-Mexico Charting Advisors Committee; and (2)to enhance coordination and cooperation between the United States and Mexico regarding hydrographic surveying and nautical charting activities in the border waters of both countries in the Gulf of Mexico and in the Pacific Ocean. (b)

Operation and maintenance

The Government of the United States shall not be responsible or liable for any remediation, maintenance, or operation of a vessel conveyed under this section after the date of the delivery of the vessel to the Government of Mexico. (c)

Deadline

The Secretary shall seek to complete the conveyance by as soon as practicable after the date of the enactment of this Act. (d)

Delivery of Vessel

The Secretary shall deliver the vessel WHITING pursuant to this section at the vessel’s homeport location of Norfolk, Virginia, at no additional cost to the United States.