[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 43 (Thursday, April 6, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E544]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                               NIDIS BILL

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                           HON. RALPH M. HALL

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 6, 2006

  Mr. HALL. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to introduce a bill to create a 
National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS). Our nation is 
unfortunately very aware of the damage droughts bring to our citizens. 
In my home state of Texas, the wheat crops have been decimated by 
drought conditions, producing the worst ratings in 20 years. My own 
home district in northeast Texas is experiencing the most severe damage 
statewide from the drought. In Missouri, farm ponds have been drying up 
in record numbers, and in Oklahoma, the wheat crop rated 58% poor to 
very poor. Droughts cause between $6 billion and $8 billion a year in 
direct estimated losses to the U.S. economy, and they have devastating 
impacts on our society.
  While we cannot stop nature, we can do a better job predicting, 
monitoring, and mitigating this problem. Our nation needs a 
comprehensive drought information system that enables our local, state, 
and national leaders to be more proactive in their approach to 
droughts. This bill establishes an integrated system and designates 
NOAA as the lead agency. NOAA will coordinate with local, state, and 
federal entities to create a comprehensive network of drought 
information and provide decision-makers with the best tools to manage 
our resources. NOAA will do this by building a national drought 
monitoring and forecasting system, create a drought early warning 
system, provide an interactive drought information delivery system, and 
designate mechanisms for improved interaction with the public.
  This NIDIS initiative will hopefully improve our analysis of 
conditions, provide us with more accurate seasonal forecasts, and equip 
us with a better understanding of climate interactions that produce 
droughts. I would like to encourage Members to join me in supporting 
this vital and important initiative.

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