[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 100 (Thursday, July 27, 2000)]
[Senate]
[Pages S7845-S7846]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. HOLLINGS (for himself, Ms. Snowe, Mr. Kerrey, Mr. Stevens, 
        Mr. Breaux, and Mr. Cleland):
  S. 2954. A bill to establish the Dr. Nancy Foster Marine Biology 
Scholarship Program; to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
Transportation.


                    The Nancy Foster Scholarship Act

  Mr. HOLLINGS. Mr. President, I rise today to introduce the Nancy 
Foster Scholarship Act, legislation to create a scholarship program in 
marine biology or oceanography in honor of Dr. Nancy Foster, head of 
the National Ocean Service at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration (NOAA) until her passing on Tuesday, June 27, 2000. I am 
proud to introduce legislation to commemorate the life and work of such 
a wonderful leader, mentor, and coastal advocate. I thank my colleagues 
Senators Snowe, Kerry, Stevens, Breaux, and Cleland for joining me in 
recognizing Dr. Foster's strong commitment to improving the 
conservation and scientific understanding of our precious coastal 
resources.
  My legislation would create a Nancy Foster Marine Biology Scholarship 
Program within the Department of Commerce. This Program would provide 
scholarship funds to outstanding women and minority graduate students 
to support and encourage independent graduate level research in marine 
biology. It is my hope that this scholarship program will promote the 
development of future leaders of Dr. Foster's caliber.

[[Page S7846]]

  Dr. Foster was the first woman to direct a NOAA line office, and 
during her 23 years at NOAA rose to one of the most senior levels a 
career professional can achieve. She directed the complete 
modernization of NOAA's essential nautical mapping and charting 
programs, and created a ground-breaking partnership with the National 
Geographic Society to launch a 5-year undersea exploration program 
called the Sustainable Seas Expedition. Dr. Foster was a strong and 
enthusiastic mentor to young people and a staunch ally to her 
colleagues, and for this reason, I believe the legislation I am 
introducing today to be the most appropriate way for us all to ensure 
that her deep commitment to marine science continues on in others.
  Mr. President, we will all feel Dr. Foster's loss deeply for years to 
come. The creation of a scholarship program in her honor is one small 
way we can thank a person who did so much for us all.
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