[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 68 (Thursday, May 23, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E891]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


INTRODUCTION OF THE UNITED STATES WEATHER RESEARCH PROGRAM ACT OF 2002 
                              (H.R. 4791)

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. VERNON J. EHLERS

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 22, 2002

  Mr. EHLERS. Mr. Speaker, today, I am introducing a very important 
piece of legislation, the ``United States Weather Research Program Act 
of 2002.`` The human toll and dollar loss from severe weather events 
are staggering. More than 1,500 weather-related fatalities and $15.8 
billion in weather-produced damage to property occurs annually.
  The Weather Research Program, which is a partnership among academic 
and commercial communities and several government agencies--the 
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the National 
Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the National Science 
Foundation (NSF), the U.S. Navy and many others. Led by NOAA, the 
program supports government and university-based research to improve 
severe weather forecasts and better utilization by emergency managers 
as well as the public.
  The legislation authorizes $45 million over three years and clarifies 
the research focus on hurricanes and heavy precipitation events. The 
bill also incorporates the provisions of Congressman Etheridge's 
legislation, H.R. 2846, that calls on the U.S. Weather Research Program 
to develop a new flood warning index that will give the public and 
emergency management officials more complete, clearer, and accurate 
information about the risks and dangers posed by expected floods.
  I also note that my introduction of this legislation corresponds with 
President Bush's proclamation that this week is ``National Hurricane 
Awareness Week.'' With hurricane season quickly approaching, investment 
in the U.S. Weather Research Program will help provide better forecasts 
and warnings that will save lives and better prepare our Nation to 
handle severe weather events.

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