[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 106 (Thursday, July 24, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1514]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


  INTRODUCTION OF LEGISLATION TO REAUTHORIZE THE NATIONAL EARTHQUAKE 
                    HAZARD REDUCTION ACT, H.R. 2249

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                    HON. F. JAMES SENSENBRENNER, JR.

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 24, 1997

  Mr. SENSENBRENNER. Mr. Speaker, today I am introducing with my 
colleague on the House Science Committee, Mr. Brown, legislation to 
reauthorize the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program [NEHRP]. 
Since its inception in 1977, NEHRP has contributed greatly to what we 
know about the science of earthquakes as well as to reducing our 
Nation's vulnerability to earthquakes. Earth science and seismological 
research performed through NEHRP has produced maps and seismic data 
from which we can determine seismic risks in a given location. And, 
NEHRP helped to develop the knowledge base that enables design and 
construction of new structures that are less likely to collapse during 
an earthquake.
  The bill we are introducing today enables the program to continue its 
good work in earthquake research and hazards mitigation. Specifically, 
this legislation authorizes approximately $105 million in fiscal year 
1998 and $107 million in fiscal year 1999 for the four NEHRP agencies, 
the Federal Emergency Management Agency [FEMA], the United States 
Geological Survey [USGS], the National Science Foundation [NSF], and 
the National Institute of Standards and Technology [NIST]. In addition, 
the bill provides $3 million in each of fiscal years 1998 and 1999 to 
the USGS for operation of the Global Seismic Network [GSN].
  There are several provisions of this legislation which I would like 
to highlight which we believe will strengthen NERHP and provide for a 
more robust earthquake science and engineering research infrastructure 
into the next century: First, the legislation authorizes $8 million 
specifically for the USGS's external grants programs. This action is 
consistent with the Science Committee's ongoing efforts to recognize 
and support external programs within the science agencies. Second, this 
bill requires the Director of USGS to develop a seismic hazard warning 
system which will enable our Nation's vital lifelines such as electric 
utilities, gas lines, and high-speed railroads, to receive warnings in 
advance of an earthquake. It is hoped that these warnings will be 
provided in time to shut down the lifelines, thereby guarding against 
the catastrophic effects that occur when such facilities are ruptured 
or damaged by earthquakes. Third, this NEHRP reauthorization requires 
an assessment of regional seismic monitoring networks to determine the 
state of facilities and equipment. Fourth, the bill authorizes the 
Director of NSF to use funds to develop earth science teaching 
materials and to make them available to local schools. Fifth, the 
legislation directs the Director of USGS to improve hazards assessments 
of seismic zones in the United States. Sixth, the bill requires the 
Director of FEMA to assess and report on disaster training capabilities 
and programs offered by the agency. Seventh, finally, the bill requires 
the Director of NSF to work with the other NERHP agencies to develop a 
plan to effectively use earthquake engineering research facilities, 
which includes upgrading facilities and equipment and integrating 
innovative testing approaches.
  Mr. Speaker, the legislation Mr. Brown and I are introducing today is 
reflective of the Science Committee's bipartisan efforts on behalf of 
Federal science and technology programs. The bill is a manifestation of 
a jointly shared goal to ensure that the Nation has a vital earthquake 
research enterprise which will continue to greatly contribute to better 
earthquake awareness, more widespread and effective earthquake 
mitigation, and ultimately, a reduction in lives and property lost from 
this hazard.

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