[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 96 (Tuesday, July 13, 2004)]
[Senate]
[Pages S8045-S8050]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. HOLLINGS (for himself, Mr. Stevens, and Mr. Inouye):
  S. 2648. A bill to strengthen programs relating to ocean science and 
training by providing improved advice and coordination of efforts, 
greater interagency cooperation, ad the strengthening and expansion of 
related programs administered by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration; to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
Transportation.
  Mr. HOLLINGS. Mr. President, today I rise to introduce the Ocean 
Research Coordination and Advancement Act, which is cosponsored by my 
colleagues Senators Stevens and Inouye.
  The oceans remain one of the least explored and understood resources 
on our planet. Our Nation needs a coordinated research and education 
program staffed by a skilled scientific and technical workforce to 
further our knowledge of the oceans and ensure their health and 
vitality well into the future. NOAA, the lead civilian Federal agency 
for oceanic and atmospheric affairs, is the linchpin to this effort. 
However, this is also a job that the entire Federal Government must 
take on, since NOAA will need the cooperation and resources of a 
variety of other Federal agencies to achieve our common scientific and 
educational goals.
  The U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy, established by the Congress and 
President pursuant to the Oceans Act of 2000, issued its Preliminary 
Report in April and is set to release its final report later this 
summer. The Preliminary Report identifies ocean research and education 
as a high priority and calls for the doubling of ocean research funding 
over five years. It also recommends formal ocean research and education 
programs to cultivate a new generation of ocean scientists, educators, 
technicians and decision-makers.
  This bill directly responds to the Ocean Commission's recommendations 
by establishing ocean research and education priorities both within 
NOAA and across the federal government.
  First, the bill establishes a Federal Government-wide Ocean Science 
Committee to provide advice on ocean science and education to two high-
level entities: the existing National Science and Technology Council 
and the new Council on Ocean Stewardship, to be established by the 
National Ocean Policy and Leadership Act, which I am also introducing 
today. A model for such a committee already exists at the NSTC, chaired 
by NOAA and NSF, and this would further define the Committee's tasks. 
This Federal Ocean Science

[[Page S8046]]

Committee would oversee implementation of many cross-cutting ocean 
science and technology needs, including an integrated ocean and coastal 
observing system and improved cooperation among Federal agencies.
  The bill also calls for the development of a government-wide National 
Strategy for Ocean Science, Education and Technology, which is to 
include a doubling of the Federal ocean research budget. To assist in 
meeting this goal, the bill strengthens and focuses the multi-agency 
National Oceanographic Partnership Program, which is currently chaired 
by the NOAA Administrator, renaming it the National Ocean Partners 
Program. The bill also recognizes the need to focus Federal priorities 
in ocean education by establishing an interagency Ocean Education 
Program and an Ocean Science and Technology Scholarship Program to 
recruit and prepare students for ocean-related careers with the Federal 
Government.
  I am particularly pleased that the bill specifically addresses NOAA's 
research and education programs. It directs the NOAA Administrator to 
prepare a 20-year research plan, as well as a plan for ocean education. 
Such a long-term vision is necessary to enable the agency to take the 
federal lead on an effective, integrated and coordinated national ocean 
research, operations, and management. The Commerce Committee has 
already taken action on important components of this research program, 
including S. 1218, the Oceans and Human Health Act, which passed the 
Senate unanimously earlier this year.
  The bill also breaks new ground, placing NOAA at the head of a 10-
year national marine ecosystem research program patterned on the 
approach we took in creating the Global Change Research Program. We 
have immense and critical information needs, specific questions, and 
management decisions to make concerning our oceans and their resources. 
Responding to these needs will require a coordinated and focused 
Federal effort. By pulling together Federal scientific data and 
expertise on this specific topic, and partnering with the external 
research community through a research grant program, we can really get 
some results that will make a difference to Federal and State managers 
and decision-makers.
  The bill also promotes and encourages NOAA's ocean education 
activities, which have been conducted for many years under programs 
such as the National Sea Grant College Program, the National Marine 
Sanctuaries Program, the Ocean Exploration Program, and the Educational 
Partnership Program. It is high time that NOAA fully and publicly take 
a leadership role in this area, and the bill directs the Administrator 
to prepare a long-term ocean education plan that will help achieve this 
goal.
  It is critically important that we invest in improving our 
understanding of the oceans, as they are the lifeblood of this planet. 
No greater resource exists on Earth or in space that has such a 
tremendous impact on our economy, weather and climate, or our 
environment and overall quality of life.
  I hope my colleagues will join me in sponsoring this important piece 
of legislation.
  I ask unanimous consent that the text of this bill be printed in the 
Record.
  There being no objection, the bill was ordered to be printed in the 
Record, as follows:

                                S. 2648

       Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
     the United States of America in Congress assembled,

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.

       (a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Ocean 
     Research Coordination and Advancement Act''.
       (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act 
     is as follows:

Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 2. Findings.
Sec. 3. Definitions.

             Title I--Ocean Science Coordination and Advice

Sec. 101. National Ocean Science Committee.
Sec. 102. Subcommittee on Ocean Education. 
Sec. 103. Ocean Research and Education Advisory Panel.

 Title II--Interagency Programs To Advance Ocean and Coastal Knowledge

Sec. 201. National strategy for ocean science, education, and 
              technology.
Sec. 202. National ocean partners program.
Sec. 203. Ocean and coastal education program.
Sec. 204. Ocean science and technology scholarship program.

                        Title III--NOAA Programs

Sec. 301. Research plan.
Sec. 302. Marine ecosystem research.
Sec. 303. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration education 
              program.
Sec. 304. Amendment to the National Sea Grant College Program Act.

                        Title IV--Authorizations

Sec. 401. Authorization of appropriations.

     SEC. 2. FINDINGS.

       The Congress finds the following:
       (1) The coastal regions and marine waters of the United 
     States are vital to the Nation's public safety, homeland 
     security, transportation, trade, energy production, 
     recreation and tourism, food production, scientific research 
     and education, environmental health, and historical and 
     cultural heritage.
       (2) Coastal development, resource extraction, and other 
     human activities, coupled with an expanding coastal 
     population, are contributing to processes of environmental 
     change that may significantly threaten the long-term health 
     and sustainability of marine and coastal ecosystems.
       (3) The ocean remains one of the least explored and 
     understood environments on the planet providing a frontier 
     for new discoveries and requiring regional, ecosystem-based 
     management approaches.
       (4) Development and implementation of education and 
     training programs are essential to build a national 
     scientific and technological workforce that meets the needs 
     of growing ocean and coastal economies and better prepares 
     the Nation for competition in the global economy.
       (5) A coordinated program of education and basic and 
     applied research would assist the Nation and the world to 
     further knowledge of the oceans and the global climate 
     system, ensure homeland and national security, develop 
     innovative marine products, improve weather and climate 
     forecasts, strengthen management of marine and coastal 
     resources, increase the safety and efficiency of maritime 
     operations, and protect the environment and mitigate man-made 
     and natural hazards.
       (6) Increased Federal cooperation and investment are 
     essential to build on ocean and coastal research and 
     education activities that are taking place within numerous 
     federal, state, and local agencies, academic institutions and 
     industries and to establish new partnerships for sharing 
     ocean science resources, intellectual talent, and facilities.

     SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS.

       In this Act:
       (1) Advisory Panel.--The term ``Advisory Panel'' means the 
     Ocean Research and Education Advisory Panel established under 
     section 108.
       (2) Committee.--The term ``Committee'' means the National 
     Ocean Science Committee established under section 101.
       (3) Council.--The term ``Council'' means the National 
     Science and Technology Council.
       (4) Ocean science.--The term ``ocean science'' includes the 
     exploration of ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes environments, 
     the development of methods and instruments to study and 
     monitor such environments, and the conduct of basic and 
     applied research and education activities to advance 
     understanding of--
       (A) the physics, chemistry, biology, and geology of the 
     oceans, coasts, and Great Lakes;
       (B) marine and coastal processes and interactions with 
     other components of the total Earth system; and
       (C) the impacts of the oceans, coastal regions, and Great 
     Lakes on society and manner in which such environments are 
     influenced by human activity.
       (5) Strategy.--The term ``strategy'' means the National 
     Strategy for Ocean Science, Education, and Technology 
     developed under section 201.
       (6) Subcommittee.--The term ``Subcommittee'' means the 
     Subcommittee on Ocean Education established under section 
     102.

             TITLE I--OCEAN SCIENCE COORDINATION AND ADVICE

     SEC. 101. NATIONAL OCEAN SCIENCE COMMITTEE.

       (a) Committee.--The Chair of the National Science and 
     Technology Council, in consultation with the Chair of the 
     Council on Ocean Stewardship, shall establish a National 
     Ocean Science Committee.
       (b) Membership.--The Committee shall be composed of the 
     following members:
       (1) The Administrator of the National Oceanic and 
     Atmospheric Administration.
       (2) The Secretary of the Navy.
       (3) The Director of the National Science Foundation.
       (4) The Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space 
     Administration.
       (5) The Under Secretary of Energy for Energy, Science, and 
     Environment.
       (6) The Administrator of the Environmental Protection 
     Agency.
       (7) The Under Secretary of Homeland Security for Research 
     and Development.
       (8) The Commandant of the Coast Guard.
       (9) The Director of the United States Geological Survey.
       (10) The Director of the Minerals Management Service.
       (11) The Commanding General of the Army Corps of Engineers.

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       (12) The Director of the National Institutes of Health.
       (13) Under Secretary of Agriculture for Research, 
     Education, and Economics.
       (14) The Assistant Secretary of State for Oceans and 
     International Environmental and Scientific Affairs.
       (15) The Director of the Defense Advanced Research Projects 
     Agency.
       (16) The Director of the Office of Science and Technology 
     Policy.
       (17) The Director of the Office of Management and Budget.
       (18) The leadership of such other Federal agencies and 
     departments as the chair and vice chairs of the Committee 
     deem appropriate
       (c) Chair and Vice Chairs.--The chair and vice chairs of 
     the Committee shall be appointed every 2 years by a selection 
     subcommittee of the Committee composed of, at a minimum, the 
     Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
     Administration, the Director of the National Science 
     Foundation, and the Secretary of the Navy. The term of office 
     of the chair and vice chairs shall be 2 years. A person who 
     has previously served as chair or vice chair may be 
     reappointed.
       (d) Responsibilities.--The Committee shall--
       (1) serve as the primary source of advice and support on 
     ocean science for the Council and the Council on Ocean 
     Stewardship and assist in carrying out the functions of the 
     Council as they relate to such matters, including budgetary 
     analyses;
       (2) serve as the committee on ocean science for the Council 
     and carry out its functions under section 401 of the National 
     Science and Technology Policy, Organization, and Priorities 
     Act of 1976 (42 U.S.C. 6651) that relate to ocean sciences;
       (3) improve cooperation among Federal departments and 
     agencies with respect to ocean science budgets, programs, 
     operations, facilities and personnel;
       (4) provide a forum for development of the strategy and 
     oversee its implementation;
       (5) suggest policies and procedures and provide support for 
     interagency ocean science programs, including the National 
     Ocean Partners Program;
       (6) oversee the implementation of an integrated and 
     sustained ocean and coastal observing system;
       (7) establish interagency subcommittees and working groups 
     as appropriate to develop comprehensive and balanced Federal 
     programs and approaches to ocean science needs.
       (8) coordinate United States government activities with 
     those of other nations and with international ocean observing 
     efforts, research and technology and education; and
       (9) carry out such other activities as the Council may 
     require.

     SEC. 102. SUBCOMMITTEE ON OCEAN EDUCATION.

       (a) Membership.--The Committee shall establish a 
     Subcommittee on Ocean Education. Each member of the Committee 
     and the Under Secretary of Education may designate a senior 
     Federal agency representative with expertise in education to 
     serve on the Subcommittee. The Committee shall select a Chair 
     and one or more Vice Chairs from the membership of the 
     Subcommittee.
       (b) Responsibilities.--The Subcommittee shall--
       (1) support and advise the Committee and the Council on 
     matters related to ocean and coastal education and outreach 
     and lead development of a common perspective;
       (2) provide recommendations on education goals and 
     priorities for the strategy and guidance for educational 
     investments;
       (3) foster the development of education and outreach 
     programs that are integrated with and based upon Federal 
     ocean science programs;
       (4) coordinate Federal ocean and coastal education 
     activities for students at all levels, including funding for 
     educational opportunities at the undergraduate, graduate; and 
     post-doctoral levels;
       (5) identify and work to establish linkages among Federal 
     programs and those of States, academic institutions, museums 
     and aquaria, industry, foundations and other non-governmental 
     organizations;
       (6) facilitate Federal agency efforts to work with 
     minority-serving institutions, historically black colleges 
     and universities, and traditionally majority-serving 
     institutions to ensure that students of underrepresented 
     groups have access to and support for pursuing ocean-related 
     careers; and
       (7) carry out such other activities as the Committee and 
     the Council request.

     SEC. 103. OCEAN RESEARCH AND EDUCATION ADVISORY PANEL.

       (a) Membership.--The Committee shall maintain an Ocean 
     Research and Education Advisory Panel consisting of not less 
     than 10 and not more than 18 members appointed by the chair, 
     including the following:
       (1) Members representing the National Academy of Sciences, 
     the National Academy of Engineering and the Institute of 
     Medicine.
       (2) Members selected from among individuals representing 
     ocean industries, State governments, academia, and such other 
     participants in ocean and coastal activities as the chair 
     considers appropriate.
       (3) Members selected from among individuals eminent in the 
     fields of marine science, marine policy, ocean engineering or 
     related fields.
       (4) Members selected from among individuals eminent in the 
     field of education.
       (b) Responsibilities.--The advisory panel will advise the 
     Committee on the following:
       (1) Development and implementation of the strategy.
       (2) Policies and procedures to implement the National Ocean 
     Partners Program and on establishment of topics and selection 
     and allocation of funds for partnership projects.
       (3) Matters relating to national oceanographic data 
     requirements, ocean and coastal observing systems, ocean 
     science education and training, oceanographic facilities, and 
     modernization of the nation's marine laboratories.
       (4) Any additional matters that the Committee considers 
     appropriate.
       (c) Procedural Matters.--
       (1) All meetings of the Advisory Panel shall be open to the 
     public, except that a meeting or any portion of it may be 
     closed to the public if it concerns matters or information 
     that pertains to national security, employment matters, 
     litigation, or other reasons provided under section 552b of 
     title 5, United States Code. Interested persons shall be 
     permitted to appear at open meetings and present oral or 
     written statements on the subject matter of the meeting. The 
     Advisory Panel may administer oaths or affirmations to any 
     person appearing before it.
       (2) All open meetings of the Advisory Panel shall be 
     preceded by timely public notice in the Federal Register of 
     the time, place, and subject of the meeting.
       (3) Minutes of each meeting shall be kept and shall include 
     a record of the people present, a description of the 
     discussion that occurred, and copies of all statements filed. 
     Subject to section 552 of title 5, United States Code, the 
     minutes and records of all meetings and other documents that 
     were made available to or prepared for the Advisory Panel 
     shall be available for public inspection and copying at a 
     single location in the partners program office.
       (4) The Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) does 
     not apply to the Advisory Panel.
       (d) Funding.--The Chair and Vice Chairs of the Committee 
     annually shall make funds available to support the activities 
     of the Advisory Panel.

 TITLE II--INTERAGENCY PROGRAMS TO ADVANCE OCEAN AND COASTAL KNOWLEDGE

     SEC. 201. NATIONAL STRATEGY FOR OCEAN SCIENCE, EDUCATION, AND 
                   TECHNOLOGY.

       (a) In General--The Chair of the Council, through the 
     Committee, shall develop a National Strategy for Ocean 
     Science, Education and Technology. The Chair shall submit the 
     strategy to the Congress within one year after the date of 
     enactment of this title, and a revised strategy shall be 
     submitted at least once every three years thereafter. The 
     initial strategy shall be based on the recommendations of the 
     United States Commission on Ocean Policy and shall establish, 
     for the 10-year period beginning in the year the strategy is 
     submitted, the scientific goals and priorities for research, 
     technology, education, outreach, and operations which most 
     effectively advance knowledge and provide usable information 
     for ocean policy decisions.
       (b) Specific Actions.--The strategy shall--
       (1) provide for a doubling of the Federal investment in 
     ocean science research over 5 years and for additional 
     investments in education and outreach, technology 
     development, and ocean exploration;
       (2) identify and address relevant programs and activities 
     of the members of the Committee that contribute to the goals 
     and priorities, setting forth the role of and funding for 
     each such member in implementing the strategy;
       (3) establish mechanisms for accelerating the transition 
     of--
       (A) commercial or military technologies and data to 
     civilian research, education, and operations applications; 
     and
       (B) technologies and tools developed by government and 
     university scientists to operations, including both 
     governmental and non-governmental uses;
       (4) consider and use, as appropriate, reports and studies 
     conducted by Federal agencies and departments, the National 
     Research Council, or other entities; and
       (5) make recommendations for the coordination of Federal 
     ocean science activities with those of States, regional 
     entities, other nations, and international organizations.
       (c) Elements.--The strategy shall include the following 
     elements:
       (1) Global measurements on all relevant spatial and time 
     scales.
       (2) Partnerships among Federal agencies, states, academia, 
     industries, and other members of the ocean science community.
       (3) Oceanographic facility support, including the 
     procurement, maintenance and operation of observing and 
     research platforms, such as ships and aircraft, laboratories, 
     and related infrastructure.
       (4) Focused research initiatives and competitive research 
     grants.
       (5) Technology and sensor development, including the 
     transition of such technologies to operations.
       (6) Workforce and professional development including 
     traineeships, scholarships, fellowships and internships.
       (7) Ocean science education coordination and establishment 
     of mechanisms to improve ocean literacy and contribute to 
     public awareness of the condition and importance of the 
     oceans.

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       (8) Information management systems that allow analysis of 
     data from varied sources to produce information readily 
     usable by policymakers and stakeholders.
       (d) Public Participation.--In developing the strategy, the 
     Committee shall consult with the Advisory Panel, academic, 
     State, industry, and conservation groups and representatives. 
     Not later than 90 days before the Chair of the Council 
     submits the strategy, or any revision thereof, to the 
     Congress, a summary of the proposed strategy or revision 
     shall be published in the Federal Register for a public 
     comment period of not less than 60 days.

     SEC. 202. NATIONAL OCEAN PARTNERS PROGRAM.

       (a) Purpose.--Building on the program established under 
     section 7901 of title 10, United States Code, the Committee 
     shall establish and maintain a National Ocean Partners 
     Program that identifies and carries out ocean science 
     partnerships among the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
     Administration, the National Science Foundation, the Office 
     of Naval Research and Oceanographer of the Navy, other 
     Federal agencies, States, academia, industries, and other 
     members of the ocean science community.
       (b) Project Selection.--At least annually, the Committee 
     shall establish a limited number of topics for partnership 
     awards and partners may submit projects on such topics for 
     implementation under the program. Partnership projects shall 
     be competitively reviewed, selected, and allocated funding 
     based on the following criteria:
       (1) The project is consistent with the strategy and 
     addresses--
       (A) ocean and coastal observing systems;
       (B) ocean education;
       (C) ocean infrastructure coordination; or
       (D) interagency collaboration on national ocean science and 
     research priorities.
       (2) The project has broad participation within the ocean 
     community.
       (3) The partners have a long-term commitment to the 
     objectives of the project.
       (4) Resources supporting the project are shared among the 
     partners.
       (5) The project includes a plan for education and outreach.
       (6) The project has been subject to peer review.
       (c) Annual Report.-- Not later than March 1 of each year, 
     the Committee shall submit to Congress a report on the 
     National Ocean Partners Program. The report shall contain the 
     following:
       (1) A description of activities of the program carried out 
     during the previous fiscal year, together with a list of the 
     members of the Advisory Panel and any working groups in 
     existence during that fiscal year.
       (2) A general outline of the activities planned for the 
     program during the fiscal year in which the report is 
     prepared.
       (3) A summary of projects continued from the previous 
     fiscal year and projects expected to be started during the 
     fiscal year in which the report is prepared and during the 
     following fiscal year.
       (4) An analysis of trends in the Federal investment in 
     ocean science research, education and technology development.
       (d) Partners Program Office.--The Committee shall establish 
     a program office for the National Ocean Partners Program. The 
     Committee shall use competitive procedures in selecting an 
     operator for the partners program office and supervise 
     performance of duties by such office. Responsibilities of the 
     partners program office shall include--
       (1) support for the activities of the Committee and any 
     working groups or subcommittees under this section;
       (2) management of the process for proposing partnership 
     projects to the Committee, including the peer review process 
     for such projects;
       (3) annual preparation and submission to the Committee of 
     status information on all partnership projects and program 
     activities;
       (4) development and maintenance of a database on 
     investments by Federal agencies in ocean and coastal research 
     and education; and
       (5) any additional duties for the administration of the 
     National Ocean Partners Program or to support Committee 
     activities that the Committee considers appropriate.
       (e) Contract, Grant, and Interagency Financing Authority.--
       (1) The Committee may authorize one or more of the members 
     of the Committee to enter into contracts and make grants, 
     using funds appropriated pursuant to an authorization for the 
     National Ocean Partners Program, for the purpose of 
     implementing the program and carrying out the 
     responsibilities of the Committee. A project or activity 
     under such program may be established by any instrument that 
     the Committee considers appropriate, including grants, 
     memoranda of understanding, cooperative research and 
     development agreements, and similar instruments.
       (2) The members of the Committee are authorized to 
     participate in interagency financing and share, transfer, 
     receive and spend funds appropriated to any member of the 
     Committee for the purposes of carrying out any administrative 
     or programmatic project or activity under the National Ocean 
     Partnership Program, including support for a common 
     infrastructure and system integration for an ocean observing 
     system. Funds may be transferred among such departments and 
     agencies through an appropriate instrument that specifies the 
     goods, services, or space being acquired from another 
     Committee member and the costs of the same.
       (3) The Committee shall establish uniform proposal request 
     and application procedures and reporting requirements for use 
     by each Committee member that are applicable to all projects 
     and activities under the National Ocean Partners Program.
       (4) Projects under the program may include demonstration 
     projects.
       (f) Transitional Plan.--The Committee shall submit a plan 
     and recommendations to the Congress for the transition of the 
     National Oceanographic Partnership Program under chapter 665 
     of title 10, United States Code, to the National Ocean 
     Partners Program established under subsection (a) of this 
     section not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of 
     this Act.
       (g) Sunset of National Oceanographic Partnership Program.--
     Chapter 665 of title 10, United States Code, is repealed as 
     of the date that is 3 years after the date of enactment of 
     this Act.

     SEC. 203. OCEAN AND COASTAL EDUCATION PROGRAM.

       (a) Establishment.--Consistent with the strategy, the 
     Committee, through the Subcommittee, shall establish an 
     interagency ocean and coastal education program to improve 
     public awareness, understanding and appreciation of the role 
     of the oceans in meeting our Nation's economic, social and 
     environmental needs. The ocean and coastal education program 
     shall include formal education activities for elementary, 
     secondary, undergraduate, graduate and postdoctoral students, 
     continuing education activities for adults, and informal 
     education activities for learners of all ages.
       (b) Elements.--The program shall use appropriate 
     interagency coordination mechanisms and shall, at a minimum, 
     provide sustained funding for--
       (1) a national network of Centers for Ocean Sciences 
     Education Excellence to improve the acquisition of knowledge 
     by students at all levels;
       (2) a regional education network to support academic 
     competition and experiential learning opportunities for high 
     school students;
       (3) teacher enrichment programs that provide for 
     participation in research expeditions, voyages of exploration 
     and the conduct of scientific research;
       (4) development of model instructional programs for 
     students at all levels;
       (5) student training and support to provide diverse ocean-
     related education opportunities at the undergraduate, 
     graduate, and postdoctoral levels; and
       (6) mentoring programs and partnerships with minority-
     serving institutions to ensure diversity in the ocean and 
     coastal workforce.

     SEC. 204. OCEAN SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM.

       (a) Establishment.--
       (1) The Committee shall establish a National Ocean Science 
     and Technology Scholarship Program that is designed to 
     recruit and prepare students for careers with Federal 
     agencies and departments represented on the Committee 
     (hereinafter referred to as ``participating agencies''). The 
     program shall award scholarships to individuals who are 
     eligible to participate and selected through a competitive 
     process primarily on the basis of academic merit, with 
     consideration given to financial need and the goal of 
     promoting the participation of individuals identified in 
     section 33 or 34 of the Science and Engineering Equal 
     Opportunities Act (42 U.S.C. 1885a or 1885b).
       (2) To carry out the program, participating agencies shall 
     enter into contractual agreements with individuals selected 
     under paragraph (1) under which the individuals agree to 
     serve as full-time employees of the participating agency for 
     the period described in subsection (d), in positions needed 
     by the participating agency and for which the individuals are 
     qualified, in exchange for receiving a scholarship.
       (b) Eligibility Criteria.--In order to be eligible to 
     participate in the program, an individual shall--
       (1) be enrolled or accepted for enrollment as a full-time 
     student at an institution of higher education (as defined in 
     section 101(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965) in an 
     academic field or discipline described in the list made 
     available under subsection (c);
       (2) be a United States citizen;
       (3) at the time of the initial scholarship award, not be an 
     employee of the department or agency providing the award;
       (4) not have received a scholarship under this section for 
     more than 4 academic years, unless the participating agency 
     grants a waiver; and
       (5) submit an application to a participating agency at such 
     time, in such manner, and containing such information, 
     agreements, or assurances as the participating agency may 
     require.
       (c) Scholarship Availability and Limits.--
       (1) The Committee shall make publicly available a list of 
     academic programs and fields of study for which scholarships 
     under the program may be used and shall update the list as 
     necessary.
       (2) A participating agency may provide a scholarship to an 
     eligible individual to cover tuition, fees, and other 
     authorized expenses as established by regulation. The dollar 
     amount of a scholarship for an academic year shall in no case 
     exceed the cost of attendance as such cost is determined in 
     section 472 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 
     1087ll).

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       (3) The participating agency may enter into a contractual 
     agreement with an institution of higher education under which 
     the amounts provided for a scholarship under this section for 
     tuition, fees, and other authorized expenses are paid 
     directly to the institution with respect to which the 
     scholarship is provided.
       (d) Service.--
       (1) Except as provided in subsection (f), the period of 
     service for which an individual shall be obligated to serve 
     as an employee of the participating agency is 12 months for 
     each academic year for which a scholarship under this section 
     is provided.
       (2) Except as provided in subsection (f), obligated service 
     under paragraph (1) may include contract employment if a full 
     time equivalent position is not immediately available and 
     shall begin not later than 60 days after the individual 
     obtains the educational degree for which the scholarship was 
     provided.
       (e) Repayment.--
       (1) Scholarship recipients who fail to maintain a high 
     level of academic standing, as defined by the participating 
     agency, who are dismissed from their educational institutions 
     for disciplinary reasons, or who voluntarily terminate 
     academic training before graduation from the educational 
     program for which the scholarship was awarded, shall be in 
     breach of their contractual agreement and, in lieu of any 
     service obligation arising under such agreement, shall be 
     liable to the United States for repayment within 1 year after 
     the date of default of all scholarship funds paid to them and 
     to the institution of higher education on their behalf under 
     the agreement, except as provided in subsection (f). The 
     repayment period may be extended by the participating agency 
     when determined to be necessary.
       (2) Scholarship recipients who, for any reason, fail to 
     begin or complete their service obligation after completion 
     of academic training, or fail to comply with the terms and 
     conditions of deferment established by the participating 
     agency pursuant to subsection (f), shall be in breach of 
     their contractual agreement. When recipients breach their 
     agreements pursuant to this paragraph, the recipient shall be 
     liable to the United States for an amount equal to the total 
     amount of scholarships received by such individual under this 
     section; plus the interest on the amounts of such awards 
     which would be payable if at the time the awards were 
     received they were loans bearing interest at the maximum 
     legal prevailing rate, as determined by the Treasurer of the 
     United States, multiplied by 3.
       (f) Deferral, Cancellation, or Waiver.--The participating 
     agency shall by regulation provide for the deferral or the 
     partial or total waiver or suspension of any obligation of 
     service or payment incurred by an individual under the 
     program (or a contractual agreement thereunder) whenever the 
     participating agency determines that such a deferral, waiver 
     or suspension is appropriate, compliance by the individual is 
     impossible or would involve extreme hardship, or if 
     enforcement of such obligation with respect to the individual 
     would be contrary to the best interests of the Government.

          TITLE III--NOAA OCEAN SCIENCE AND EDUCATION PROGRAMS

     SEC. 301. RESEARCH PLAN.

       The Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
     Administration shall develop a 20-year integrated research 
     plan for the agency setting forth research goals and 
     priorities, as well as programmatic actions to carry out 
     those goals and priorities. The plan shall--
       (1) articulate goals, priorities, and programmatic actions 
     for the agency in 5-year phases;
       (2) identify linkages between Administration research 
     activities and missions;
       (3) identify how Administration laboratories, joint 
     institutes, cooperative institutes, joint centers, and the 
     extramural scientific community will participate and assist 
     in achieving the goals of the plan;
       (4) consider the recommendations of relevant reports 
     prepared by the National Research Council and international 
     scientific institutions and organizations;
       (5) be developed in consultation with programmatic offices, 
     the extramural scientific community, and interested members 
     of the public; and
       (6) be revised or updated every 5-to-7 years.

     SEC. 302. MARINE ECOSYSTEM RESEARCH.

       (a) Marine Ecosystem Research Program.--The Administrator 
     of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, in 
     cooperation with the National Science Foundation, the United 
     States Geological Survey, the Office of Naval Research, and 
     other members of the Committee, shall establish and maintain 
     a 10-year interagency marine ecosystem research program, 
     including competitive research grants to the scientific 
     community, that complements or strengthens the Federal 
     program for the purposes of--
       (1) improving national understanding of marine ecosystem 
     status and trends, including the patterns, processes, and 
     consequences of changing marine biological diversity;
       (2) improving the linkages between marine ecological and 
     oceanographic sciences and providing a basis for ecosystem-
     based management of the oceans and coastal resources;
       (3) increasing the effectiveness of ocean, coastal and 
     fisheries conservation and management through application of 
     ecosystem-based approaches;
       (4) facilitating and encouraging the use of new 
     technological advances, predictive models, and historical 
     perspectives to characterize and assess marine ecosystems and 
     to investigate marine biodiversity;
       (5) strengthening and expanding the field of marine 
     taxonomy, including use of genomics and proteomics;
       (6) using new understanding gained through the program to 
     improve predictions of the impacts of human activities on the 
     marine environment, including pollution and coastal 
     development, and of the impacts of changes in the marine 
     environment on human well-being; and
       (7) providing Federal, regional, and State decision makers 
     with usable information and products to support policy and 
     technical decisions under existing authorities, including the 
     Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, the 
     Marine Mammal Protection Act, the National Marine Sanctuaries 
     Act, and the Coastal Zone Management Act.
       (b) Program Elements.--The research program established 
     under this section shall provide for the following:
       (1) Dynamic access to biological and other data through an 
     integrated ocean biogeographic information system that--
       (A) links marine databases; and manages data generated by 
     the program; and
       (B) supports understanding of marine systems required for 
     ecosystem-based conservation and management, including 
     analysis of biodiversity and related physical and ecological 
     parameters.
       (2) Integrated national and regional studies and products 
     that focus on appropriate scales to support ecosystem-based 
     management; including habitat mapping and assessment.
       (3) Improved biological sensors for ocean and coastal 
     observing systems.
       (4) Investment in exploration and taxonomy to study little 
     known areas and describe new species.
       (5) Studies of earlier changes in marine populations to 
     trace information on biological abundance and diversity to 
     the earliest historical periods of minimum human impact.
       (6) Improved predictive capability to enhance the 
     effectiveness of conservation and management programs and to 
     facilitate and minimize adverse impacts of human activities 
     and natural processes on marine and coastal ecosystems.
       (7) Pilot projects focused on priority information needs 
     for critical living marine resource management decisions 
     under existing statutory authorities.
       (c) Baseline Report and Biennial Assessments.--The 
     Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
     Administration, through the Committee, shall prepare and 
     submit to the President and Congress--
       (1) a baseline report on the state of knowledge concerning 
     marine ecosystems and their sub-components, including 
     recommendations for improving such knowledge base, 
     considering the recommendations of the United States 
     Commission on Ocean Policy and the priorities established 
     under subsection (a) not later than 1 year after the date of 
     enactment of this Act; and
       (2) a biennial assessment not later than 2 years after the 
     date of submission of the baseline report required under 
     subsection (d)(1) and every 2 years thereafter that--
       (A) integrates, evaluates, and interprets the findings of 
     the program and discusses the scientific uncertainties 
     associated with such findings; and
       (B) analyzes current trends in marine and coastal 
     ecosystems, both human-induced and natural, and projects 
     major trends for the subsequent decade.

     SEC. 303. NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION 
                   EDUCATION PROGRAM.

       (a) In General.--
       (1) The Administrator of the National Oceanic and 
     Atmospheric Administration shall conduct, develop support, 
     promote, and coordinate education activities that meet the 
     defined program scope under section 203(b) and that enhance 
     public awareness and understanding of the science, service, 
     and stewardship missions of the National Oceanic and 
     Atmospheric Administration. In planning the program, the 
     Administrator shall consult with the Subcommittee and build 
     upon the educational programs and activities of the National 
     Sea Grant College Program, The National Marine Sanctuaries 
     Program, the National Estuarine Research Reserve System, and 
     programs relating to ocean exploration, undersea research, 
     and oceans and human health.
       (2) Authorized activities for the program shall include 
     education of the general public, teachers, students at all 
     levels, and ocean and coastal managers and stakeholders.
       (3) In carrying out educational activities, the 
     Administrator may enter into grants, contracts, cooperative 
     agreements, resource sharing agreements or interagency 
     financing with Federal, State and regional agencies, tribes, 
     commercial organizations, educational institutions, non-
     profit organizations or other persons.
       (b) Goals.--The Administrator of the National Oceanic and 
     Atmospheric Administration, in consultation with the 
     appropriate program directors, shall ensure that educational 
     activities and programs conducted pursuant to subsection (a) 
     shall--
       (1) integrate agency science into high-quality educational 
     materials;

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       (2) improve access to National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
     Administration educational resources;
       (3) support educator professional development programs to 
     improve understanding and use of agency sciences;
       (4) promote participation in agency-related sciences and 
     careers, particularly by members of underrepresented groups;
       (5) leverage partnerships to enhance formal and informal 
     environmental science education; and
       (6) build capability within the agency for educational 
     excellence.
       (c) Educational Partnership Program.--The Administrator of 
     the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration shall 
     establish an educational partnership with minority serving 
     institutions to provide support for cooperative science 
     centers, an environmental entrepreneurship program, a 
     graduate sciences program and an undergraduate scholarship 
     program.
       (d) NOAA Ocean Education Plan.--The Administrator of the 
     National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration shall develop 
     an ocean education plan setting forth ocean education goals 
     and priorities for the agency, as well as programmatic 
     actions to carry out such goals and priorities over the next 
     20 years. The plan may be prepared as part of the research 
     plan required by section 301 or may be prepared separately 
     and shall--
       (1) set forth the Administration's goals, priorities, and 
     programmatic activities for ocean education in 5-year phases;
       (2) identify linkages between NOAA ocean education 
     activities and NOAA programs and missions;
       (3) consider the recommendations of ocean science and 
     education experts, as well as those of professional education 
     associations or organizations;
       (4) be developed in consultation with programmatic offices, 
     ocean science and education experts, and interested members 
     of the public; and
       (5) be revised or updated every 5-to-7 years.

     SEC. 304. AMENDMENT TO THE NATIONAL SEA GRANT COLLEGE PROGRAM 
                   ACT.

       Section 212(a) of the National Sea Grant College Program 
     Act (33 U.S.C 1131(a)) is amended by adding at the end the 
     following:
       ``(3) Marine and aquatic science education.--In addition to 
     the amounts authorized for each fiscal year under paragraphs 
     (1) and (2), there are authorized to be appropriated for 
     marine and aquatic science education in each of fiscal years 
     2005 through 2010--
       ``(A) $6,000,000 in increased funding for the educational 
     activities of sea grant programs;
       ``(B) $4,000,000 for competitive grants for projects and 
     research that target national and regional marine and aquatic 
     science literacy;
       ``(C) $4,000,000 for competitive grants to support 
     educational partnerships under the national Coastal and Ocean 
     Education Program to be funded through the National Ocean 
     Partners Program or other appropriate mechanism; and
       ``(D) $3,000,000 in increased funding for enhanced outreach 
     and communications activities of sea grant programs.

                        TITLE IV--AUTHORIZATIONS

     SEC. 401. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

       (a) Partners Program Projects and Administration.--Of the 
     amounts authorized to be appropriated annually to the 
     Department of the Navy, the National Science Foundation, the 
     National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the 
     National Aeronautics and Space Administration for fiscal year 
     2005 through fiscal year 2010--
       (1) up to $25,000,000 from each agency may be made 
     available for National Ocean Partners Program projects under 
     section 202; and
       (2) at least $600,000 or 3 percent of the amount 
     appropriated for the National Oceanographic Partners Program, 
     whichever is greater, shall be available for operations of 
     the partners program office established under section 202(d).
       (b) National Ocean and Coastal Education Program.--Of the 
     amounts authorized annually to the Department of the Navy, 
     the National Science Foundation, the National Oceanic and 
     Atmospheric Administration, and the National Aeronautics and 
     Space Administration for fiscal year 2005 through fiscal year 
     2010, up to $25,000,000 from each agency may be made 
     available for the National Ocean and Coastal Education 
     Program under section 203.
       (c) Scholarship Program.--Of the amounts authorized 
     annually to the Department of the Navy, the National Science 
     Foundation, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
     Administration, and the National Aeronautics and Space 
     Administration for fiscal year 2005 through fiscal year 2010, 
     up to $15,000,000 may be made available for National Ocean 
     Science and Technology Scholarships under section 204.
       (d) National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.--
       (1) Marine ecosystem research.--For development and 
     implementation of the research program under section 302, 
     there are authorized to be appropriated to the National 
     Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration $50,000,000 for each 
     of fiscal years 2005 through 2010.
       (2) Ocean education.--In addition to the amounts authorized 
     under subsection (a), (b), and (c) and under the National Sea 
     Grant College Program Act, there are authorized to be 
     appropriated to the Administrator of the National Oceanic and 
     Atmospheric Administration.--
       (A) $25,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2005 through 2010 
     for education activities under section 303(a); and
       (B) $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2005 through 2010 
     for education activities under section 303(c).
       (e) Availability.--Sums appropriated pursuant to this 
     section shall remain available until expended.

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