[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 116 (Monday, September 10, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1610]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


            NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. TOM DAVIS

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 10, 2001

  Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce a 
bill that will help alleviate a problem that has plagued the senior 
weather forecasters at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration.
  One of the most important missions NOAA undertakes is the accurate 
forecasting of weather phenomenon. Every highly specialized weather 
forecaster is responsible for everything from making landfall 
predictions of hurricanes along the Eastern Seaboard, to gauging wind 
conditions above fires and ensuring the safety of those trying to put 
them out. These forecasters, all of whom as GS-14 (or lower), 
nonmanagerial employees, often work weekends and late into the evening 
trying to give the most accurate information possible.
  Unfortunately, many of the senior forecasters are under paid for the 
overtime they routinely put in. This bill seeks to alleviate that 
problem by standardizing the overtime pay system and giving the 
Secretary of Commerce the flexibility to pay those forecasters who's 
duties, ``are critical to the immediate daily operation of the forecast 
and warning responsibilities of the National Weather Service and 
directly affect public and aviation safety.''
  It is time that we started recognizing the important role that these 
forecasters play in terms of public safety and the health of our 
economy. By working weekends and nights, a forecaster may successfully 
predict the path of a storm and provide critical time needed to 
evacuate people and protect local businesses. I urge all of my 
colleagues to cosponsor this important legislation and to contact my 
office if they should have any additional questions.

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