[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 127 (Friday, October 8, 2004)]
[House]
[Pages H9020-H9024]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
NATIONAL EARTHQUAKE HAZARDS REDUCTION PROGRAM REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF
2004
Mr. SMITH of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to take
from the Speaker's table the bill (H.R. 2608) to reauthorize the
National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program, and for other purposes,
with a Senate amendment thereto, and concur in the Senate amendment.
The Clerk read the title of the bill.
The Clerk read the Senate amendment, as follows:
Senate amendment:
Strike out all after the enacting clause and insert:
SECTION 1. TABLE OF CONTENTS.
The table of contents for this Act is as follows:
Title I--Earthquake Hazard Reduction
Sec. 101. Short title.
Sec. 102. Definitions.
Sec. 103. National earthquake hazards reduction program.
Sec. 104. Authorization of appropriations.
Title II--Windstorm Impact Reduction
Sec. 201. Short title.
Sec. 202. Findings.
Sec. 203. Definitions.
Sec. 204. National windstorm impact reduction program.
Sec. 205. National advisory committee on windstorm impact reduction.
Sec. 206. Savings clause.
Sec. 207. Authorization of appropriations.
Sec. 208. Biennial report.
Sec. 209. Coordination.
Title III--Commercial Space Transportation
Sec. 301. Authorization of appropriations.
TITLE I--EARTHQUAKE HAZARD REDUCTION
SEC. 101. SHORT TITLE.
This title may be cited as the ``National Earthquake
Hazards Reduction Program Reauthorization Act of 2004''.
SEC. 102. DEFINITIONS.
Section 4 of the Earthquake Hazards Reduction Act of 1977
(42 U.S.C. 7701 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the
following new paragraphs:
``(8) The term `Interagency Coordinating Committee' means
the Interagency Coordinating Committee on Earthquake Hazards
Reduction established under section 5(a).
``(9) The term `Advisory Committee' means the Advisory
Committee established under section 5(a)(5).''.
SEC. 103. NATIONAL EARTHQUAKE HAZARDS REDUCTION PROGRAM.
Section 5 of the Earthquake Hazards Reduction Act of 1977
(42 U.S.C. 7704(b)) is amended--
(1) by amending subsection (a) to read as follows:
``(a) Establishment.--
``(1) In general.--There is established the National
Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program.
``(2) Program activities.--The activities of the Program
shall be designed to--
[[Page H9021]]
``(A) develop effective measures for earthquake hazards
reduction;
``(B) promote the adoption of earthquake hazards reduction
measures by Federal, State, and local governments, national
standards and model code organizations, architects and
engineers, building owners, and others with a role in
planning and constructing buildings, structures, and
lifelines through--
``(i) grants, contracts, cooperative agreements, and
technical assistance;
``(ii) development of standards, guidelines, and voluntary
consensus codes for earthquake hazards reduction for
buildings, structures, and lifelines;
``(iii) development and maintenance of a repository of
information, including technical data, on seismic risk and
hazards reduction; and
``(C) improve the understanding of earthquakes and their
effects on communities, buildings, structures, and lifelines,
through interdisciplinary research that involves engineering,
natural sciences, and social, economic, and decisions
sciences; and
``(D) develop, operate, and maintain an Advanced National
Seismic Research and Monitoring System established under
section 13 of the Earthquake Hazards Reduction Act of 1977
(42 U.S.C. 7707), the George E. Brown, Jr. Network for
Earthquake Engineering Simulation established under section
14 of that Act (42 U.S.C. 7708), and the Global Seismographic
Network.
``(3) Interagency coordinating committee on earthquake
hazards reduction.--
``(A) In general.--There is established an Interagency
Coordinating Committee on Earthquake Hazards Reduction
chaired by the Director of the National Institute of
Standards and Technology (referred to in this subsection as
the `Director').
``(B) Membership.--The committee shall be composed of the
directors of--
``(i) the Federal Emergency Management Agency;
``(ii) the United States Geological Survey;
``(iii) the National Science Foundation;
``(iv) the Office of Science and Technology Policy; and
``(v) the Office of Management and Budget.
``(C) Meetings.--The Committee shall meet not less than 3
times a year at the call of the Director.
``(D) Purpose and duties.--The Interagency Coordinating
Committee shall oversee the planning, management, and
coordination of the Program. The Interagency Coordinating
Committee shall--
``(i) develop, not later than 6 months after the date of
enactment of the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction
Program Reauthorization Act of 2004 and update periodically--
``(I) a strategic plan that establishes goals and
priorities for the Program activities described under
subsection (a)(2); and
``(II) a detailed management plan to implement such
strategic plan; and
``(ii) develop a coordinated interagency budget for the
Program that will ensure appropriate balance among the
Program activities described under subsection (a)(2), and, in
accordance with the plans developed under clause (i), submit
such budget to the Director of the Office of Management and
Budget at the time designated by that office for agencies to
submit annual budgets.
``(4) Annual report.--The Interagency Coordinating
Committee shall transmit, at the time of the President's
budget request to Congress, an annual report to the Committee
on Science and the Committee on Resources of the House of
Representatives, and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation of the Senate. Such report shall include--
``(A) the Program budget for the current fiscal year for
each agency that participates in the Program, and for each
major goal established for the Program activities under
subparagraph (3)(A);
``(B) the proposed Program budget for the next fiscal year
for each agency that participates in the Program, and for
each major goal established for the Program activities under
subparagraph (3)(A);
``(C) a description of the activities and results of the
Program during the previous year, including an assessment of
the effectiveness of the Program in furthering the goals
established in the strategic plan under (3)(A);
``(D) a description of the extent to which the Program has
incorporated the recommendations of the Advisory Committee;
``(E) a description of activities, including budgets for
the current fiscal year and proposed budgets for the next
fiscal year, that are carried out by Program agencies and
contribute to the Program, but are not included in the
Program; and
``(F) a description of the activities, including budgets
for the current fiscal year and proposed budgets for the
following fiscal year, related to the grant program carried
out under subsection (b)(2)(A)(i).
``(5) Advisory committee.--
``(A) In general.--The Director shall establish an Advisory
Committee on Earthquake Hazards Reduction of at least 11
members, none of whom may be an employee (as defined in
subparagraphs (A) through (F) of section 7342(a)(1) of title
5, United States Code, including representatives of research
and academic institutions, industry standards development
organizations, State and local government, and financial
communities who are qualified to provide advice on earthquake
hazards reduction and represent all related scientific,
architectural, and engineering disciplines. The
recommendations of the Advisory Committee shall be considered
by Federal agencies in implementing the Program.
``(B) Assessment.--The Advisory Committee shall assess--
``(i) trends and developments in the science and
engineering of earthquake hazards reduction;
``(ii) effectiveness of the Program in carrying out the
activities under (a)(2);
``(iii) the need to revise the Program; and
``(iv) the management, coordination, implementation, and
activities of the Program.
``(C) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
enactment of the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction
Program Reauthorization Act of 2004 and at least once every 2
years thereafter, the Advisory Committee shall report to the
Director on its findings of the assessment carried out under
subparagraph (B) and its recommendations for ways to improve
the Program. In developing recommendations, the Committee
shall consider the recommendations of the United States
Geological Survey Scientific Earthquake Studies Advisory
Committee.
``(D) Federal advisory committee act application.--Section
14 of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 App. U.S.C. 14)
shall not apply to the Advisory Committee.'';
(2) in subsection (b)--
(A) in paragraph (1)--
(i) by striking ``Federal Emergency Management Agency'' and
all that follows through ``of the Agency'' and inserting
``National Institute of Standards and Technology shall have
the primary responsibility for planning and coordinating the
Program. In carrying out this paragraph, the Director of the
Institute'';
(ii) by striking subparagraphs (B) and (C) and
redesignating subparagraphs (D) and (E) as subparagraphs (C)
and (D), respectively;
(iii) by inserting after subparagraph (A) the following:
``(B) support the development of performance-based seismic
engineering tools, and work with appropriate groups to
promote the commercial application of such tools, through
earthquake-related building codes, standards, and
construction practices;'';
(iv) by striking ``The principal official carrying out the
responsibilities described in this paragraph shall be at a
level no lower than that of Associate Director.''; and
(v) in subparagraph (D), as redesignated by clause (ii), by
striking ``National Science Foundation, the National
Institutes of Standards and Technology'' and inserting
``Federal Emergency Management Agency, the National Science
Foundation'';
(B) by striking so much of paragraph (2) as precedes
subparagraph (B) and inserting the following:
``(2) Department of homeland security; federal emergency
management agency.--
``(A) Program responsibilities.--The Under Secretary of
Homeland Security for Emergency Preparedness and Response
(the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency)--
``(i) shall work closely with national standards and model
building code organizations, in conjunction with the National
Institute of Standards and Technology, to promote the
implementation of research results;
``(ii) shall promote better building practices within the
building design and construction industry including
architects, engineers, contractors, builders, and inspectors;
``(iii) shall operate a program of grants and assistance to
enable States to develop mitigation, preparedness, and
response plans, prepare inventories and conduct seismic
safety inspections of critical structures and lifelines,
update building and zoning codes and ordinances to enhance
seismic safety, increase earthquake awareness and education,
and encourage the development of multi-State groups for such
purposes;
``(iv) shall support the implementation of a comprehensive
earthquake education and public awareness program, including
development of materials and their wide dissemination to all
appropriate audiences and support public access to locality-
specific information that may assist the public in preparing
for, mitigating against, responding to and recovering from
earthquakes and related disasters;
``(v) shall assist the National Institute of Standards and
Technology, other Federal agencies, and private sector
groups, in the preparation, maintenance, and wide
dissemination of seismic resistant design guidance and
related information on building codes, standards, and
practices for new and existing buildings, structures, and
lifelines, and aid in the development of performance-based
design guidelines and methodologies supporting model codes
for buildings, structures, and lifelines that are cost
effective and affordable;
``(vi) shall develop, coordinate, and execute the National
Response Plan when required following an earthquake, and
support the development of specific State and local plans for
each high risk area to ensure the availability of adequate
emergency medical resources, search and rescue personnel and
equipment, and emergency broadcast capability;
``(vii) shall develop approaches to combine measures for
earthquake hazards reduction with measures for reduction of
other natural and technological hazards including
performance-based design approaches;
``(viii) shall provide preparedness, response, and
mitigation recommendations to communities after an earthquake
prediction has been made under paragraph (3)(D); and
``(ix) may enter into cooperative agreements or contracts
with States and local jurisdictions and other Federal
agencies to establish demonstration projects on earthquake
hazard mitigation, to link earthquake research and mitigation
efforts with emergency management programs, or to prepare
educational materials for national distribution.'';
(C) in paragraph (3)--
(i) by inserting ``and other activities'' after ``shall
conduct research'';
(ii) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``the Agency'' and
inserting ``the Director of the Federal Emergency Management
Agency and the
[[Page H9022]]
Director of the National Institute of Standards and
Technology'';
(iii) in subparagraph (D), by striking ``the Director of
the Agency'' and inserting ``the Director of the Federal
Emergency Management Agency and the Director of the National
Institute of Standards and Technology'';
(iv) in subparagraph (E), by striking ``establish, using
existing facilities, a Center for the International Exchange
of Earthquake Information'' and inserting ``operate, using
the National Earthquake Information Center, a forum for the
international exchange of earthquake information'';
(v) in subparagraph (F), by striking ``Network'' and
inserting ``System''; and
(vi) by inserting after subparagraph (H) the following new
subparagraphs:
``(I) work with other Program agencies to coordinate
Program activities with similar earthquake hazards reduction
efforts in other countries, to ensure that the Program
benefits from relevant information and advances in those
countries; and
``(J) maintain suitable seismic hazard maps in support of
building codes for structures and lifelines, including
additional maps needed for performance-based design
approaches.'';
(D) in paragraph (4)--
(i) by redesignating subparagraphs (D), (E), and (F) as
subparagraphs (E), (F), and (H), respectively;
(ii) by inserting after subparagraph (C) the following:
``(D) support research that improves the safety and
performance of buildings, structures, and lifeline systems
using large-scale experimental and computational facilities
of the George E. Brown Jr. Network for Earthquake Engineering
Simulation and other institutions engaged in research and the
implementation of the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction
Program;'';
(iii) in subparagraph (F) (as so redesignated), by striking
``; and'' and inserting a semicolon; and
(iv) by inserting after subparagraph (F) (as so
redesignated) the following:
``(G) include to the maximum extent practicable diverse
institutions, including Historically Black Colleges and
Universities and those serving large proportions of
Hispanics, Native Americans, Asian-Pacific Americans, and
other underrepresented populations; and'';
(E) in paragraph (5), by striking ``The National'' and
inserting ``In addition to the lead agency responsibilities
described under paragraph (1), the National''; and
(F) in paragraph (5)--
(i) by striking ``and'' after the semicolon in subparagraph
(C);
(ii) by redesignating subparagraph (D) as subparagraph (E);
and
(iii) by inserting after subparagraph (C) the following:
``(D) support the development and commercial application of
cost effective and affordable performance-based seismic
engineering by providing technical support for seismic
engineering practices and related building code, standards,
and practices development; and''; and
(3) in subsection (c)(1), by striking ``Agency'' and
inserting ``Interagency Coordinating Committee''.
SEC. 104. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
(a) In General.--Section 12 of the Earthquake Hazards
Reduction Act of 1977 (42 U.S.C. 7706) is amended--
(1) by adding at the end of subsection (a) the following:
``(8) There are authorized to be appropriated to the
Federal Emergency Management Agency for carrying out this
title--
``(A) $21,000,000 for fiscal year 2005,
``(B) $21,630,000 for fiscal year 2006,
``(C) $22,280,000 for fiscal year 2007,
``(D) $22,950,000 for fiscal year 2008, and
``(E) $23,640,000 for fiscal year 2009,
of which not less than 10 percent of available program funds
actually appropriated shall be made available each such
fiscal year for supporting the development of performance-
based, cost-effective, and affordable design guidelines and
methodologies in codes for buildings, structures, and
lifelines.'';
(2) by inserting ``(1)'' before ``There'' in subsection
(b);
(3) by striking ``subsection'' in the last sentence and
inserting ``paragraph'';
(4) by redesignating paragraphs (1) through (5) of
subsection (b) as subparagraphs (A) through (E),
respectively;
(5) by adding at the end of subsection (b) the following:
``(2) There are authorized to be appropriated to the United
States Geological Survey for carrying out this title--
``(A) $77,000,000 for fiscal year 2005, of which not less
than $30,000,000 shall be made available for completion of
the Advanced National Seismic Research and Monitoring System
established under section 13;
``(B) $84,410,000 for fiscal year 2006, of which not less
than $36,000,000 shall be made available for completion of
the Advanced National Seismic Research and Monitoring System
established under section 13;
``(C) $85,860,000 for fiscal year 2007, of which not less
than $36,000,000 shall be made available for completion of
the Advanced National Seismic Research and Monitoring System
established under section 13;
``(D) $87,360,000 for fiscal year 2008, of which not less
than $36,000,000 shall be made available for completion of
the Advanced National Seismic Research and Monitoring System
established under section 13; and
``(E) $88,900,000 for fiscal year 2009, of which not less
than $36,000,000 shall be made available for completion of
the Advanced National Seismic Research and Monitoring System
established under section 13.'';
(6) by inserting ``(1)'' before ``To'' in subsection (c);
(7) by adding at the end of subsection (c) the following:
``(2) There are authorized to be appropriated to the
National Science Foundation for carrying out this title--
``(A) $38,000,000 for fiscal year 2005;
``(B) $39,140,000 for fiscal year 2006;
``(C) $40,310,000 for fiscal year 2007;
``(D) $41,520,000 for fiscal year 2008; and
``(E) $42,770,000 for fiscal year 2009.'';
(8) by inserting ``(1)'' before ``To'' in subsection (d);
and
(9) by adding at the end of subsection (d) the following:
``(2) There are authorized to be appropriated to the
National Institute of Standards and Technology for carrying
out this title--
``(A) $10,000,000 for fiscal year 2005,
``(B) $11,000,000 for fiscal year 2006,
``(C) $12,100,000 for fiscal year 2007,
``(D) $13,310,000 for fiscal year 2008, and
``(E) $14,640,000 for fiscal year 2009,
of which $2,000,000 shall be made available each such fiscal
year for supporting the development of performance-based,
cost-effective, and affordable codes for buildings,
structures, and lifelines.''.
(b) Separate Authorization for the Advanced national
Seismic Research and Monitoring System.--Section 13 of the
Earthquake Hazards Reduction Act of 1977 (42 U.S.C. 7707) is
amended by striking subsection (c).
(c) Separate Authorization for the Network for Earthquake
Engineering Simulation.--Section 14(b) of the Earthquake
Hazards Reduction Act of 1977 (42 U.S.C. 7708(b)) is
amended--
(1) by striking ``and'' after the semicolon in paragraph
(3);
(2) by striking ``2004.'' in paragraph (4) and inserting
``2004;'';
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(5) $20,000,000 for fiscal year 2005, all of which shall
be available for operations and maintenance;
``(6) $20,400,000 for fiscal year 2006, all of which shall
be available for operations and maintenance;
``(7) $20,870,000 for fiscal year 2007, all of which shall
be available for operations and maintenance;
``(8) $21,390,000 for fiscal year 2008, all of which shall
be available for operations and maintenance; and
``(9) $21,930,000 for fiscal year 2009, all of which shall
be available for operations and maintenance.''.
TITLE II--WINDSTORM IMPACT REDUCTION
SEC. 201. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``National Windstorm Impact
Reduction Act of 2004''.
SEC. 202. FINDINGS.
The Congress finds the following:
(1) Hurricanes, tropical storms, tornadoes, and
thunderstorms can cause significant loss of life, injury,
destruction of property, and economic and social disruption.
All States and regions are vulnerable to these hazards.
(2) The United States currently sustains several billion
dollars in economic damages each year due to these
windstorms. In recent decades, rapid development and
population growth in high-risk areas has greatly increased
overall vulnerability to windstorms.
(3) Improved windstorm impact reduction measures have the
potential to reduce these losses through--
(A) cost-effective and affordable design and construction
methods and practices;
(B) effective mitigation programs at the local, State, and
national level;
(C) improved data collection and analysis and impact
prediction methodologies;
(D) engineering research on improving new structures and
retrofitting existing ones to better withstand windstorms,
atmospheric-related research to better understand the
behavior and impact of windstorms on the built environment,
and subsequent application of those research results; and
(E) public education and outreach.
(4) There is an appropriate role for the Federal Government
in supporting windstorm impact reduction. An effective
Federal program in windstorm impact reduction will require
interagency coordination, and input from individuals,
academia, the private sector, and other interested non-
Federal entities.
SEC. 203. DEFINITIONS.
In this title:
(1) Director.--The term ``Director'' means the Director of
the Office of Science and Technology Policy.
(2) Program.--The term ``Program'' means the National
Windstorm Impact Reduction Program established by section
204(a).
(3) State.--The term ``State'' means each of the States of
the United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth
of Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, Guam,
American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana
Islands, and any other territory or possession of the United
States.
(4) Windstorm.--The term ``windstorm'' means any storm with
a damaging or destructive wind component, such as a
hurricane, tropical storm, tornado, or thunderstorm.
SEC. 204. NATIONAL WINDSTORM IMPACT REDUCTION PROGRAM.
(a) Establishment.--There is established the National
Windstorm Impact Reduction Program.
(b) Objective.--The objective of the Program is the
achievement of major measurable reductions in losses of life
and property from windstorms. The objective is to be achieved
through a coordinated Federal effort, in cooperation with
other levels of government, academia, and
[[Page H9023]]
the private sector, aimed at improving the understanding of
windstorms and their impacts and developing and encouraging
implementation of cost-effective mitigation measures to
reduce those impacts.
(c) Interagency Working Group.--Not later than 90 days
after the date of enactment of this Act, the Director shall
establish an Interagency Working Group consisting of
representatives of the National Science Foundation, the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the National
Institute of Standards and Technology, the Federal Emergency
Management Agency, and other Federal agencies as appropriate.
The Director shall designate an agency to serve as Chair of
the Working Group and be responsible for the planning,
management, and coordination of the Program, including budget
coordination. Specific agency roles and responsibilities
under the Program shall be defined in the implementation plan
required under subsection (e). General agency
responsibilities shall include the following:
(1) The National Institute of Standards and Technology
shall support research and development to improve building
codes and standards and practices for design and construction
of buildings, structures, and lifelines.
(2) The National Science Foundation shall support research
in engineering and the atmospheric sciences to improve the
understanding of the behavior of windstorms and their impact
on buildings, structures, and lifelines.
(3) The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
shall support atmospheric sciences research to improve the
understanding of the behavior of windstorms and their impact
on buildings, structures, and lifelines.
(4) The Federal Emergency Management Agency shall support
the development of risk assessment tools and effective
mitigation techniques, windstorm-related data collection and
analysis, public outreach, information dissemination, and
implementation of mitigation measures consistent with the
Agency's all-hazards approach.
(d) Program Components.--
(1) In general.--The Program shall consist of three primary
mitigation components: improved understanding of windstorms,
windstorm impact assessment, and windstorm impact reduction.
The components shall be implemented through activities such
as data collection and analysis, risk assessment, outreach,
technology transfer, and research and development. To the
extent practicable, research activities authorized under this
title shall be peer-reviewed, and the components shall be
designed to be complementary to, and avoid duplication of,
other public and private hazard reduction efforts.
(2) Understanding of windstorms.--Activities to enhance the
understanding of windstorms shall include research to improve
knowledge of and data collection on the impact of severe wind
on buildings, structures, and infrastructure.
(3) Windstorm impact assessment.--Activities to improve
windstorm impact assessment shall include--
(A) development of mechanisms for collecting and
inventorying information on the performance of buildings,
structures, and infrastructure in windstorms and improved
collection of pertinent information from sources, including
the design and construction industry, insurance companies,
and building officials;
(B) research, development, and technology transfer to
improve loss estimation and risk assessment systems; and
(C) research, development, and technology transfer to
improve simulation and computational modeling of windstorm
impacts.
(4) Windstorm impact reduction.--Activities to reduce
windstorm impacts shall include--
(A) development of improved outreach and implementation
mechanisms to translate existing information and research
findings into cost-effective and affordable practices for
design and construction professionals, and State and local
officials;
(B) development of cost-effective and affordable windstorm-
resistant systems, structures, and materials for use in new
construction and retrofit of existing construction; and
(C) outreach and information dissemination related to cost-
effective and affordable construction techniques, loss
estimation and risk assessment methodologies, and other
pertinent information regarding windstorm phenomena to
Federal, State, and local officials, the construction
industry, and the general public.
(e) Implementation Plan.--Not later than 1 year after date
of enactment of this title, the Interagency Working Group
shall develop and transmit to the Congress an implementation
plan for achieving the objectives of the Program. The plan
shall include--
(1) an assessment of past and current public and private
efforts to reduce windstorm impacts, including a
comprehensive review and analysis of windstorm mitigation
activities supported by the Federal Government;
(2) a description of plans for technology transfer and
coordination with natural hazard mitigation activities
supported by the Federal Government;
(3) a statement of strategic goals and priorities for each
Program component area;
(4) a description of how the Program will achieve such
goals, including detailed responsibilities for each agency;
and
(5) a description of plans for cooperation and coordination
with interested public and private sector entities in each
program component area.
(f) Biennial Report.--The Interagency Working Group shall,
on a biennial basis, and not later than 180 days after the
end of the preceding 2 fiscal years, transmit a report to the
Congress describing the status of the windstorm impact
reduction program, including progress achieved during the
preceding two fiscal years. Each such report shall include
any recommendations for legislative and other action the
Interagency Working Group considers necessary and
appropriate. In developing the biennial report, the
Interagency Working Group shall consider the recommendations
of the Advisory Committee established under section 205.
SEC. 205. NATIONAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON WINDSTORM IMPACT
REDUCTION.
(a) Establishment.--The Director shall establish a National
Advisory Committee on Windstorm Impact Reduction, consisting
of not less than 11 and not more than 15 non-Federal members
representing a broad cross section of interests such as the
research, technology transfer, design and construction, and
financial communities; materials and systems suppliers;
State, county, and local governments; the insurance industry;
and other representatives as designated by the Director.
(b) Assessment.--The Advisory Committee shall assess--
(1) trends and developments in the science and engineering
of windstorm impact reduction;
(2) the effectiveness of the Program in carrying out the
activities under section 204(d);
(3) the need to revise the Program; and
(4) the management, coordination, implementation, and
activities of the Program.
(c) Biennial Report.--At least once every two years, the
Advisory Committee shall report to Congress and the
Interagency Working Group on the assessment carried out under
subsection (b).
(d) Sunset Exemption.--Section 14 of the Federal Advisory
Committee Act shall not apply to the Advisory Committee
established under this section.
SEC. 206. SAVINGS CLAUSE.
Nothing in this title supersedes any provision of the
National Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety
Standards Act of 1974. No design, construction method,
practice, technology, material, mitigation methodology, or
hazard reduction measure of any kind developed under this
title shall be required for a home certified under section
616 of the National Manufactured Housing Construction and
Safety Standards Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 5415), pursuant to
standards issued under such Act, without being subject to the
consensus development process and rulemaking procedures of
that Act.
SEC. 207. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
(a) Federal Emergency Management Agency.--There are
authorized to be appropriated to the Federal Emergency
Management Agency for carrying out this title--
(1) $8,700,000 for fiscal year 2006;
(2) $9,400,000 for fiscal year 2007; and
(3) $9,400,000 for fiscal year 2008.
(b) National Science Foundation.--There are authorized to
be appropriated to the National Science Foundation for
carrying out this title--
(1) $8,700,000 for fiscal year 2006;
(2) $9,400,000 for fiscal year 2007; and
(3) $9,400,000 for fiscal year 2008.
(c) National Institute of Standards and Technology.--There
are authorized to be appropriated to the National Institute
of Standards and Technology for carrying out this title--
(1) $3,000,000 for fiscal year 2006;
(2) $4,000,000 for fiscal year 2007; and
(3) $4,000,000 for fiscal year 2008.
(d) National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.--There
are authorized to be appropriated to the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration for carrying out this title--
(1) $2,100,000 for fiscal year 2006;
(2) $2,200,000 for fiscal year 2007; and
(3) $2,200,000 for fiscal year 2008.
SEC. 208. BIENNIAL REPORT.
Section 37(a) of the Science and Engineering Equal
Opportunities Act (42 U.S.C. 1885d(a)) is amended by striking
``By January 30, 1982, and biennially thereafter'' and
inserting ``By January 30 of each odd-numbered year''.
SEC. 209. COORDINATION.
The Secretary of Commerce, the Director of the National
Institute of Standards and Technology, the Director of the
Office of Science and Technology Policy and the heads of
other Federal departments and agencies carrying out
activities under this title and the statutes amended by this
title shall work together to ensure that research,
technologies, and response techniques are shared among the
programs authorized in this title in order to coordinate the
Nation's efforts to reduce vulnerability to the hazards
described in this title.
TITLE III--COMMERCIAL SPACE TRANSPORTATION
SEC. 301. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
Section 70119 of title 49, United States Code, is amended
by striking paragraphs (1) and (2) and inserting the
following:
``(1) $11,941,000 for fiscal year 2005;
``(2) $12,299,000 for fiscal year 2006;
``(3) $12,668,000 for fiscal year 2007;
``(4) $13,048,000 for fiscal year 2008; and
``(5) $13,440,000 for fiscal year 2009.''.
Mr. SMITH of Michigan (during the reading). Mr. Speaker, I ask
unanimous consent that the Senate amendment be considered as read and
printed in the Record.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from Michigan?
There was no objection.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the original request
of the gentleman from Michigan?
There was no objection.
A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
[[Page H9024]]
Mr. SMITH of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 2608 authorizes two
important interagency programs to coordinate the federal government's
efforts to mitigate the loss of life and property from earthquakes and
windstorms. I'd like to thank Congressman Neugebauer for all of his
hard work and effort as the author and driving force behind the
National Windstorm Impact Reduction Program. I'd also like to thank
Congressman Lofgren for helping me craft the National Earthquake
Hazards Reduction Program reauthorization and shepherding it through
the legislative process.
Damaging earthquakes are inevitable, however infrequent they may be.
Total annualized damages from earthquakes in the United States are
estimated to be about $4.4 billion in direct financial losses. The 1994
Northridge earthquake in California (magnitude 6.7) was the most costly
in U.S. history, causing over $40 billion in damages.
Further, all or parts of 39 states are within zones where the
probability of an earthquake occurring is great. Recent research
indicates that areas in the eastern and central United States are at
greater risk of earthquake occurrence than earlier evidence indicated.
The threat from earthquakes is constant and far reaching. Indeed,
earthquakes are clearly not just a state or regional problem, but a
nationwide problem, demanding nationwide mitigation. Accordingly, the
federal government mitigates earthquakes through the comprehensive
National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program, also known as ``NEHRP''.
Over the past week, significant earthquake events in California and
Washington have garnered our attention and concern. NEHRP-supported
monitoring equipment managed by the U.S. Geological Survey and the
national Science Foundation have resulted in an unprecedented harvest
of data from both the Mr. St. Helens volcanic activity as well as the
6.0 Parkfield Earthquake on the San Andreas Fault. This information
will undoubtedly lead to important advances in our understanding of
earthquakes, and ultimately in our ability to prepare for and respond
to them.
But much room for improvement still exists. Our vulnerability to
earthquakes continues to increase. Widespread developments still occurs
unabated in areas of high seismic risk. Despite the existence of new
knowledge and tools produced by the program, development, adoption, and
enforcement of pertinent building codes have been incremental and
slower than expected. The private sector has not had adequate
incentives, and state and local governments have generally not had
adequate budgets, to adopt NEHRP innovations.
It is clear that NEHRP needs to be strengthened. Several aspects of
program leadership and coordination continue to be an ongoing problem.
Knowledge and awareness of these needs within the Office of Management
and Budget, relevant appropriators--and even to some degree NEHRP
agencies--has been too low. Many outside of the small community of
earthquake interests are unaware that this coordinated effort even
exists. These factors are addressed in the legislation before us today.
U.S. House of Representatives,
Committee on Science,
Washington, DC, October 8, 2004.
Hon. Don Young,
Chairman, Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure,
House of Representatives, Washington, DC.
Dear Mr. Chairman: I appreciate your support for the Senate
amendment to H.R. 2608, the National Earthquake Hazards
Reduction Program Reauthorization Act of 2004. As your letter
indicates, the Senate amendment includes provisions from both
the House version of H.R. 2608 and H.R. 3980, the National
Windstorm Impact Reduction Act of 2004.
I agree that by permitting this bill to be brought before
the House and not objecting to its passage by unanimous
consent, the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
does not waive its jurisdiction over certain provisions of
H.R. 2608, as amended by the Senate.
Thank you for your consideration regarding this matter.
Sincerely,
Sherwood L. Boehlert,
Chairman.
U.S. House of Representatives,
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure,
Washington, DC, October 8, 2004.
Hon. Sherwood Boehlert,
Chairman, Committee on Science,
House of Representatives,
Washington, DC.
Dear Chairman Boehlert: I understand that H.R. 2608, the
National Earthquake Reduction Program Reauthorization Act of
2004 has just passed the Senate and incorporates provisions
contained in H.R. 3980, the National Windstorm Impact
Reduction Act of 2004.
I note that in Title I of H.R. 2608, as amended by the
Senate, the Director of the Federal Emergency Management
Agency is directed to: ``operate a program of grants and
assistance which would enable States to develop preparedness
and response plans, prepare inventories and conduct seismic
safety inspections of critical structures and lifelines,
update building and zoning codes and ordinances to enhance
seismic safety, increase earthquake awareness and education,
and encourage the development of multi-State groups for such
purposes.''
As you know, both of these measures contain provisions
within the jurisdiction of the Transportation and
Infrastructure Committee. I recognize your desire to bring
these important matters before the House in an expeditious
manner and I, therefore, do not object to passing them by
unanimous consent. By agreeing to this, however, the
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure does not waive
its jurisdiction over H.R. 2608, as amended by the Senate.
I would appreciate it if you would place a copy of this
letter and your response in the Congressional Record when the
bill is considered on the House Floor. I would also like to
incorporate into this letter, by reference, the letter
included in the Record when the House of Representatives
considered H.R. 3980 on July 7th and 8th, 2004.
Thank you for your cooperation in this matter.
Sincerely,
Don Young,
Chairman.
____________________