110 HR 6993 IH: Hurricane Satellite Modernization U.S. House of Representatives 2008-09-22 text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

I 110th CONGRESS 2d Session H. R. 6993 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES September 22, 2008 Mr. Melancon (for himself and Mr. Klein of Florida) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Science and Technology A BILL To authorize the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to procure, launch, and operate the next generation of weather forecasting satellites.

1.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the Hurricane Satellite Modernization Act.

2.

XOVWM Constellation

(a)

Role of NASA

(1)

In general

The Administrator of NASA is authorized to procure and launch the next-generation Extended Ocean Vector Winds Mission, or XOVWM, constellation of satellites. (2)

Coordination

The Administrator of NASA shall coordinate with NOAA to ensure that the capabilities of the XOVWM constellation of satellites will meet the operational data needs of NOAA. (3)

Plan

The Administrator of NASA shall develop a plan and schedule for the procurement and launch of the XOVWM constellation of satellites and shall submit such plan to the Committee on Science and Technology of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate. (b)

Role of NOAA

The Administrator of NOAA is authorized to operate the constellation of satellites procured and developed under subsection (a)(1). (c)

Annual Report

The Administrator of NASA and the Administrator of NOAA shall submit to Congress an annual report about each agency’s progress in conducting the activities authorized by this section.

3.

Definitions

In this Act: (1)

NASA

The term NASA means the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. (2)

NOAA

The term NOAA means the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

4.

Authorization of appropriations

There is authorized to be appropriated to the Administrator of NASA and the Administrator of NOAA a total of $3,000,000,000 for fiscal years 2008 through 2025 for the purpose of carrying out section 2.