[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 24 (Wednesday, February 13, 2008)]
[House]
[Pages H896-H900]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 NATIONAL OCEAN EXPLORATION PROGRAM ACT

  Mr. LIPINSKI. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the 
bill (H.R. 1834) to authorize the national ocean exploration program 
and the national undersea research program within the National Oceanic 
and Atmospheric Administration, as amended.
  The Clerk read the title of the bill.
  The text of the bill is as follows:

                               H.R. 1834

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

              TITLE I--NATIONAL OCEAN EXPLORATION PROGRAM

     SECTION 101. SHORT TITLE.

       This title may be cited as the ``National Ocean Exploration 
     Program Act''.

     SEC. 102. AUTHORIZATION.

       The Secretary of Commerce, through the Administrator of the 
     National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, shall, in 
     consultation with the National Science Foundation and other 
     appropriate Federal agencies, conduct a coordinated national 
     ocean exploration program within the National Oceanic and 
     Atmospheric Administration that promotes collaboration with 
     existing programs of the Administration, including those 
     authorized in title II.

     SEC. 103. AUTHORITIES.

       In carrying out the program authorized under section 102, 
     the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
     Administration (in this title referred to as the 
     ``Administrator'') shall--
       (1) conduct interdisciplinary voyages or other scientific 
     activities of discovery in conjunction with other Federal 
     agencies or academic or educational institutions, to explore 
     and survey little known areas of the marine environment, 
     inventory, observe, and assess living and nonliving marine 
     resources, and report such findings;
       (2) give priority attention to deep ocean regions, with a 
     focus on deep water marine systems that hold potential for 
     important scientific discoveries, such as hydrothermal vent 
     communities and seamounts;
       (3) conduct scientific voyages to locate, define, and 
     document historic shipwrecks, submerged sites, and other 
     ocean exploration activities that combine archaeology and 
     oceanographic sciences;
       (4) develop and implement, in consultation with the 
     National Science Foundation, a transparent process for merit-
     based peer-review and approval of proposals for activities to 
     be conducted under this program;
       (5) enhance the technical capability of the United States 
     marine science community by promoting the development of 
     improved oceanographic research, communication, navigation, 
     and data collection systems, as well as underwater platforms 
     and sensors and autonomous vehicles;
       (6) accept donations of property, data, and equipment to be 
     applied for the purpose of exploring the oceans or increasing 
     knowledge of the oceans; and
       (7) establish an ocean exploration forum to encourage 
     partnerships and promote communication among experts and 
     other stakeholders in order to enhance the scientific and 
     technical expertise and relevance of the national program.

     SEC. 104. OCEAN EXPLORATION ADVISORY BOARD.

       (a) Establishment.--The Administrator shall appoint an 
     Ocean Exploration Advisory Board, or utilize an existing 
     panel, composed of experts in relevant fields to--
       (1) advise the Administrator on priority areas for survey 
     and discovery;
       (2) assist the program in the development of a five-year 
     strategic plan for the fields of exploration, discovery, and 
     science;
       (3) annually review the quality and effectiveness of the 
     proposal review process established under section 103(4); and
       (4) provide other assistance and advice as requested by the 
     Administrator.
       (b) Federal Advisory Committee Act.--
       (1) In general.--The Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 
     U.S.C. App.) shall not apply to the Ocean Exploration 
     Advisory Board.
       (2) Compliance.--Notwithstanding paragraph (1), the Ocean 
     Exploration Advisory Board shall be appointed and operate in 
     a manner consistent with all provisions of the Federal 
     Advisory Committee Act with respect to--
       (A) the balance of membership and expertise;
       (B) provisions of public notice regarding activities of the 
     Ocean Exploration Advisory Board;
       (C) open meetings; and
       (D) public access to documents created by the Ocean 
     Exploration Advisory Board.
       (c) Utilization of Existing Panel.--If the Administrator 
     utilizes an existing panel to fulfill the requirements of 
     this section, the membership of that panel must include 
     relevant experts in the fields specified in subsection 
     (a)(2).

     SEC. 105. APPLICATION WITH OUTER CONTINENTAL SHELF LANDS ACT.

       Nothing in this title or title II supersedes, or limits the 
     authority of the Secretary of the Interior under, the Outer 
     Continental Shelf Lands Act (43 U.S.C. 1331 et seq.).

     SEC. 106. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

       There are authorized to be appropriated to the National 
     Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to carry out this 
     title--

[[Page H897]]

       (1) $30,500,000 for fiscal year 2008;
       (2) $33,550,000 for fiscal year 2009;
       (3) $36,905,000 for fiscal year 2010;
       (4) $40,596,000 for fiscal year 2011;
       (5) $44,655,000 for fiscal year 2012;
       (6) $49,121,000 for fiscal year 2013;
       (7) $54,033,000 for fiscal year 2014;
       (8) $59,436,000 for fiscal year 2015;
       (9) $65,379,000 for fiscal year 2016; and
       (10) $71,917,000 for fiscal year 2017.

                  TITLE II--UNDERSEA RESEARCH PROGRAM

     SEC. 201. SHORT TITLE.

       This title may be cited as the ``National Undersea Research 
     Program Act of 2007''.

     SEC. 202. AUTHORIZATION.

       The Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
     Administration shall conduct an undersea research program and 
     shall designate a Director of that program.

     SEC. 203. PURPOSE.

       The purpose of the program authorized under section 202 is 
     to increase scientific knowledge essential for the informed 
     management, use, and preservation of oceanic, coastal, and 
     large lake resources through undersea research, exploration, 
     education, and technology development. The program shall be 
     part of National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's 
     undersea research, education, and technology development 
     efforts, and shall make available the infrastructure and 
     expertise to service the undersea science and technology 
     needs of the academic community and marine industry.

     SEC. 204. PROGRAM.

       The program authorized under section 202 shall be conducted 
     through a national headquarters, a network of extramural 
     regional undersea research centers that represent all 
     relevant National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 
     regions, and a national technology institute. Overall 
     direction of the program will be provided by the program 
     director in coordination with a Council of Center Directors 
     comprised of the directors of the extramural regional centers 
     and the National Institute for Undersea Science and 
     Technology.

     SEC. 205. REGIONAL CENTERS AND INSTITUTE.

       (a) Programs.--The following research, exploration, 
     education, and technology programs shall be conducted through 
     the network of extramural regional centers and the National 
     Institute for Undersea Science and Technology:
       (1) Core research and exploration based on national and 
     regional undersea research priorities.
       (2) Advanced undersea technology development to support the 
     National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's research 
     mission and programs.
       (3) Development, testing, and transition of advanced 
     undersea technology associated with ocean observatories, 
     submersibles, advanced diving technologies, remotely operated 
     vehicles, autonomous underwater vehicles, and new sampling 
     and sensing technologies such as LEO-15, Pisces, and the 
     Aquarius habitat.
       (4) Undersea science-based education and outreach programs 
     to enrich ocean science education and public awareness of the 
     oceans and Great Lakes.
       (5) Discovery, study, and development of natural products 
     from ocean and aquatic systems.
       (b) Operations.--Operation of the extramural regional 
     centers and the National Institute for Undersea Science and 
     Technology shall leverage partnerships and cooperative 
     research with academia and private industry.

     SEC. 206. COMPETITIVENESS.

       Except for a small discretionary fund for rapid response 
     activities, for which no more than 10 percent of the program 
     budget shall be set aside, and for National Oceanic and 
     Atmospheric Administration-related service projects, the 
     external projects supported by the regional centers shall be 
     managed using an open and competitive process to evaluate 
     scientific merit, relevance to the National Oceanic and 
     Atmospheric Administration, regional and national research 
     priorities, and technical feasibility.

     SEC. 207. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

       There are authorized to be appropriated to the National 
     Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to carry out this 
     title--
       (1) $17,500,000 for fiscal year 2008;
       (2) $19,500,000 for fiscal year 2009;
       (3) $21,500,000 for fiscal year 2010;
       (4) $23,500,000 for fiscal year 2011;
       (5) $25,500,000 for fiscal year 2012;
       (6) $27,500,000 for fiscal year 2013;
       (7) $29,500,000 for fiscal year 2014;
       (8) $31,500,000 for fiscal year 2015;
       (9) $33,500,000 for fiscal year 2016; and
       (10) $35,500,000 for fiscal year 2017.

      TITLE III--INTERAGENCY FINANCING, PLANNING, AND COORDINATION

     SEC. 301. INTERAGENCY FINANCING.

       The Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
     Administration, the National Science Foundation, the 
     Department of the Navy, and other Federal agencies involved 
     in the programs authorized under title I and II, may 
     participate in interagency financing and share, transfer, 
     receive, and spend funds appropriated to any Federal 
     participant in the program for the purposes of carrying out 
     any administrative or programmatic project or activity under 
     the program. Funds may be transferred among such departments 
     and agencies through an appropriate instrument that specifies 
     the goods, services, or space being acquired from another 
     Federal participant and the costs thereof.

     SEC. 302. OCEAN EXPLORATION AND UNDERSEA RESEARCH TECHNOLOGY 
                   AND INFRASTRUCTURE TASK FORCE.

       (a) In General.--The Administrator of the National Oceanic 
     and Atmospheric Administration, in coordination with the 
     National Science Foundation, the National Aeronautics and 
     Space Administration, the United States Geological Survey, 
     the Department of the Navy, the Mineral Management Service, 
     and relevant governmental, nongovernmental, academic, 
     industry, and other experts, shall convene an ocean 
     exploration and undersea research technology and 
     infrastructure task force, or utilize an existing panel, to 
     develop and implement a strategy--
       (1) to facilitate transfer of new exploration and undersea 
     research technology to the programs authorized under titles I 
     and II of this Act;
       (2) to improve availability of communications 
     infrastructure, including satellite capabilities, to the 
     program;
       (3) to develop an integrated, workable, and comprehensive 
     data management information processing system that will make 
     information on unique and significant features obtained by 
     the program available for research and management purposes;
       (4) to conduct public outreach activities that improve the 
     public understanding of ocean science, resources, and 
     processes, in conjunction with relevant programs of the 
     National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the National 
     Science Foundation, and other agencies; and
       (5) to encourage cost-sharing partnerships with 
     governmental and nongovernmental entities that will assist in 
     transferring exploration technology and technical expertise 
     to the program.
       (b) Utilization of Existing Panel.--If the Administrator 
     utilizes an existing panel to fulfill the requirements of 
     this section, the membership of that panel must include 
     representative of all the agencies and other interests 
     specified in subsection (a).

              TITLE I--NATIONAL OCEAN EXPLORATION PROGRAM

     SEC. 101. SHORT TITLE.

       This title may be cited as the ``National Ocean Exploration 
     Program Act''.

     SEC. 102. AUTHORIZATION.

       The Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
     Administration shall, in consultation with the National 
     Science Foundation and other appropriate Federal agencies, 
     conduct a coordinated national ocean exploration program 
     within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 
     that promotes collaboration with other Federal ocean and 
     undersea research and exploration programs. To the extent 
     appropriate, the Administrator shall seek to facilitate 
     coordination of data and information management systems, 
     outreach and education programs to improve public 
     understanding of ocean and coastal resources, and development 
     and transfer of technologies to facilitate ocean and undersea 
     research and exploration.

     SEC. 103. AUTHORITIES.

       (a) In General.--In carrying out the program authorized 
     under section 102, the Administrator of the National Oceanic 
     and Atmospheric Administration (in this title referred to as 
     the ``Administrator'') shall--
       (1) conduct interdisciplinary voyages or other scientific 
     activities of discovery in conjunction with other Federal 
     agencies or academic or educational institutions, to explore 
     and survey little known areas of the marine environment, 
     inventory, observe, and assess living and nonliving marine 
     resources, and report such findings;
       (2) give priority attention to deep ocean regions, with a 
     focus on deep water marine systems that hold potential for 
     important scientific discoveries, such as hydrothermal vent 
     communities and seamounts;
       (3) conduct scientific voyages to locate, define, and 
     document historic shipwrecks, submerged sites, and other 
     ocean exploration activities that combine archaeology and 
     oceanographic sciences;
       (4) develop and implement, in consultation with the 
     National Science Foundation, a transparent, competitive 
     process for merit-based peer-review and approval of proposals 
     for activities to be conducted under this program, taking 
     into consideration advice of the Board established under 
     section 104;
       (5) enhance the technical capability of the United States 
     marine science community by promoting the development of 
     improved oceanographic research, communication, navigation, 
     and data collection systems, as well as underwater platforms 
     and sensors and autonomous vehicles; and
       (6) establish an ocean exploration forum to encourage 
     partnerships and promote communication among experts and 
     other stakeholders in order to enhance the scientific and 
     technical expertise and relevance of the national program.
       (b) Donations.--In carrying out the program authorized 
     under section 102, the Administrator may accept donations of 
     property, data, and equipment to be applied for the purpose 
     of exploring the oceans or increasing knowledge of the 
     oceans.

     SEC. 104. OCEAN EXPLORATION ADVISORY BOARD.

       (a) Establishment.--The Administrator shall appoint an 
     Ocean Exploration Advisory Board composed of experts in 
     relevant fields to--
       (1) advise the Administrator on priority areas for survey 
     and discovery;
       (2) assist the program in the development of a five-year 
     strategic plan for the fields of ocean, marine, and Great 
     Lakes exploration, discovery, and science;
       (3) annually review the quality and effectiveness of the 
     proposal review process established under section 103(4); and
       (4) provide other assistance and advice as requested by the 
     Administrator.

[[Page H898]]

       (b) Federal Advisory Committee Act.--Section 14 of the 
     Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) shall not 
     apply to the Board appointed under subsection (a).

     SEC. 105. APPLICATION WITH OUTER CONTINENTAL SHELF LANDS ACT.

       Nothing in this Act supersedes, or limits the authority of 
     the Secretary of the Interior under the Outer Continental 
     Shelf Lands Act (43 U.S.C. 1331 et seq.).

     SEC. 106. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

       There are authorized to be appropriated to the National 
     Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to carry out this 
     title--
       (1) $30,500,000 for fiscal year 2008;
       (2) $33,550,000 for fiscal year 2009;
       (3) $36,905,000 for fiscal year 2010;
       (4) $40,596,000 for fiscal year 2011;
       (5) $44,655,000 for fiscal year 2012;
       (6) $49,121,000 for fiscal year 2013; and
       (7) $54,033,000 for fiscal year 2014.

                  TITLE II--UNDERSEA RESEARCH PROGRAM

     SEC. 201. SHORT TITLE.

       This title may be cited as the ``National Undersea Research 
     Program Act of 2007''.

     SEC. 202. AUTHORIZATION.

       The Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
     Administration shall conduct an undersea research, 
     exploration, education, and technology development program 
     and shall designate a Director of that program.

     SEC. 203. PURPOSE.

       The purpose of the program authorized under section 202 is 
     to increase scientific knowledge essential for the informed 
     management, use, and preservation of oceanic, coastal, and 
     Great Lakes resources. The Director, in carrying out the 
     program authorized in section 202, shall cooperate with 
     institutions of higher education and other educational marine 
     and ocean science organizations, and shall make available 
     undersea research facilities, equipment, technologies, 
     information, and expertise to support undersea research 
     efforts by these organizations. The Director may also enter 
     into partnerships, using existing authorities, with the 
     private sector to achieve the goals of the program and to 
     promote technological advancement of the marine industry.

     SEC. 204. PROGRAM.

       The program authorized under section 202 shall be conducted 
     through a national headquarters, a network of extramural 
     regional undersea research centers that represent all 
     relevant National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 
     regions, and a national technology institute. Overall 
     direction of the program will be provided by the program 
     director in coordination with a Council of Center Directors 
     comprised of the directors of the extramural regional centers 
     and the National Institute for Undersea Science and 
     Technology. Program direction shall be published not later 
     than 3 years after the date of enactment of this Act.

     SEC. 205. REGIONAL CENTERS AND INSTITUTE.

       (a) Programs.--The following research, exploration, 
     education, and technology programs shall be conducted through 
     the network of extramural regional centers and the National 
     Institute for Undersea Science and Technology:
       (1) Core research and exploration based on national and 
     regional undersea research priorities.
       (2) Advanced undersea technology development to support the 
     National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's research 
     mission and programs.
       (3) Development, testing, and transition of advanced 
     undersea technology associated with ocean observatories, 
     submersibles, advanced diving technologies, remotely operated 
     vehicles, autonomous underwater vehicles, and new sampling 
     and sensing technologies.
       (4) Undersea science-based education and outreach programs 
     to enrich ocean science education and public awareness of the 
     oceans and Great Lakes.
       (5) Discovery, study, and development of natural products 
     from ocean and aquatic systems.
       (b) Operations.--Operation of the extramural regional 
     centers and the National Institute for Undersea Science and 
     Technology shall leverage partnerships and cooperative 
     research with academia and private industry.

     SEC. 206. COMPETITION.

       (a) Discretionary Fund.--The program shall allocate no more 
     than 10 percent of its annual budget to a discretionary fund 
     that may be used only for program administration and priority 
     undersea research projects identified by the Director but not 
     covered by funding available from centers.
       (b) Competitive Selection.--The Administrator shall conduct 
     a competition to select the regional centers that will 
     participate in the program five years after the date of 
     enactment of this Act and every five years thereafter. 
     Funding for projects conducted through the regional centers 
     shall be awarded through a competitive, merit-reviewed 
     process on the basis of their relevance to the goals of the 
     program and their technical feasibility.

     SEC. 207. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

       There are authorized to be appropriated to the National 
     Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to carry out this 
     title--
       (1) $17,500,000 for fiscal year 2008;
       (2) $19,500,000 for fiscal year 2009;
       (3) $21,500,000 for fiscal year 2010;
       (4) $23,500,000 for fiscal year 2011;
       (5) $25,500,000 for fiscal year 2012;
       (6) $27,500,000 for fiscal year 2013; and
       (7) $29,500,000 for fiscal year 2014.

       TITLE III--INTERAGENCY FINANCING PLANNING AND COORDINATION

     SEC. 301. INTERAGENCY FINANCING.

       The Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
     Administration, the National Science Foundation, the 
     Department of the Navy, and other Federal agencies involved 
     in the programs authorized under title I and II, are 
     authorized to participate in interagency financing and share, 
     transfer, receive, and spend funds appropriated to any 
     Federal participant in the program for the purposes of 
     carrying out any administrative or programmatic project or 
     activity under this Act. Funds may be transferred among such 
     departments and agencies through an appropriate instrument 
     that specifies the goods, services, or space being acquired 
     from another Federal participant and the costs thereof.

     SEC. 302. OCEAN EXPLORATION AND UNDERSEA RESEARCH TECHNOLOGY 
                   AND INFRASTRUCTURE TASK FORCE.

       The Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
     Administration, in coordination with the National Science 
     Foundation, the National Aeronautics and Space 
     Administration, the United States Geological Survey, the 
     Department of the Navy, the Mineral Management Service, and 
     relevant governmental, non-governmental, academic, industry, 
     and other experts, shall convene an ocean exploration and 
     undersea research technology and infrastructure task force to 
     develop and implement a strategy--
       (1) to facilitate transfer of new exploration and undersea 
     research technology to the programs authorized under titles I 
     and II of this Act;
       (2) to improve availability of communications 
     infrastructure, including satellite capabilities, to such 
     programs;
       (3) to develop an integrated, workable, and comprehensive 
     data management information processing system that will make 
     information on unique and significant features obtained by 
     such programs available for research and management purposes;
       (4) to conduct public outreach activities that improve the 
     public understanding of ocean science, resources, and 
     processes, in conjunction with relevant programs of the 
     National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the National 
     Science Foundation, and other agencies; and
       (5) to encourage cost-sharing partnerships with 
     governmental and nongovernmental entities that will assist in 
     transferring exploration and undersea research technology and 
     technical expertise to the programs.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
Illinois (Mr. Lipinski) and the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Akin) each 
will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Illinois.


                             General Leave

  Mr. LIPINSKI. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members 
may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and to 
include extraneous material on H.R. 1834, the bill now under 
consideration.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Illinois?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. LIPINSKI. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1834, the National 
Ocean Exploration and National Undersea Research Program Act.
  I would like to first thank our colleague, Representative Saxton from 
the Natural Resources Committee, for his leadership on important ocean 
and Great Lakes issues. This is a good bill that will expand our 
knowledge of the ocean and provide information about the vast resources 
of the seas.
  The coastal areas of our Nation support a wide variety of significant 
activities, but in many respects the oceans remain a mystery, with many 
areas unexplored. Marine scientists tell us that we haven't come close 
to tapping the resources available to us from the oceans. I hope that 
my colleagues today from both sides of the aisle will agree that we 
should steer research dollars to those fact-finding projects so that 
humanity might one day reap the benefits of our oceanic resources.
  This bill provides the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, NOAA, with the authorities and direction to support a 
vigorous ocean exploration program. The bill authorizes two programs to 
be carried out by NOAA. The Ocean Exploration Program will explore and 
survey the ocean and assess ocean and costal resources. The National 
Undersea Research Program will operate through a network of regional 
undersea research centers. Both of those programs have strong education 
and outreach programs.
  Madam Speaker, H.R. 1834 is a good bill. It is a product of a 
bipartisan effort to promote expanded appreciation

[[Page H899]]

and knowledge of the oceans. I urge my colleagues to support the 
legislation.
  Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

                              {time}  1445

  Mr. AKIN. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  I rise in support of H.R. 1834, the National Ocean Exploration 
Program Act.
  The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or NOAA, is the 
Nation's lead agency charged with conserving and managing our coastal 
and oceanic resources. As such, relevant and high-quality research and 
development is vital to NOAA's ability to better understand the marine 
ecosystems it manages. NOAA's ocean exploration efforts have been 
organized in a systematic and strategic manner in order to investigate 
the farthest depths of the Earth's oceans. NOAA's undersea research 
programs allow for direct access to undersea environments through 
submersibles and indirect observation through the use of robots and 
sea-floor observatories. These programs provide invaluable information 
that enables us to learn more about our environment that covers more 
than two-thirds of our planet.
  H.R. 1834 authorizes two existing ocean programs: the Ocean 
Exploration Program and the National Undersea Research Program. Under 
this authorization, NOAA is required to work with the National Science 
Foundation to map out a coordinated national exploration program that 
promotes collaboration with other Federal ocean exploration programs to 
prevent duplicative efforts. This bill also requires NOAA to conduct an 
undersea research, exploration, education, and technology development 
program that coordinates with similar efforts of the academic and 
marine and ocean science communities.
  Most of these research and exploration efforts are conducted by 
outside groups who receive grants and funding from NOAA. H.R. 1834 
requires that such funding shall now be distributed through a 
competitive bid process. Competition for funding will encourage 
existing research centers to select their most valuable research 
projects and partner with each other on other research programs. This 
competition is essential to ensure that the best research programs and 
ideas are adequately funded, something that, unfortunately, has not 
always been the case in the past.
  Madam Speaker, at a time when our Nation is struggling to divide 
resources among a greater number of programs, we cannot afford to allow 
spending on research programs that do not provide pertinent information 
related to NOAA's important mission. The authorizing of these two 
programs and the competitive grant process that is established in this 
bill will ensure that NOAA is able to fund only the most useful 
projects and leverage taxpayer dollars in a way that provides the most 
useful information to understanding and managing our ocean environment.
  I urge all my colleagues to support H.R. 1834.
  Madam Speaker, I would like to yield now such time as he may consume 
to my colleague Jim Saxton from the State of New Jersey. He has a long 
and very well-established reputation here, and, by the way, this is 
part of his legislation.
  Mr. SAXTON. I thank the gentleman for yielding, and I thank the 
gentleman from Illinois for his kind remarks and great description, I 
might add, of the bill.
  Madam Speaker, I obviously rise in strong support of H.R. 1834 and am 
very pleased that it's here under this bipartisan arrangement. It 
authorizes both the Ocean Exploration and National Undersea Research 
Programs in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
  According to the U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy, about 95 percent of 
the ocean floor remains unexplored. This vast area teems with 
undiscovered species and natural and cultural resources. On virtually 
every expedition, oceanographers and explorers make fascinating new 
discoveries. Hydrothermal vents in the Pacific, numerous new species, 
and important archeological sites are but a few of the important 
discoveries made in the past 30 years.
  Consequently, the report of the U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy 
recommended the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the 
National Science Foundation should lead and expand our national ocean 
exploration and undersea research programs.
  I am proud to be the sponsor of H.R. 1834. I'm proud that it's a 
bipartisan piece of legislation, and I'm proud that it promotes 
implementation of the commission's recommendations.
  This bill authorizes two important programs: the Ocean Exploration 
Program as well as the National Undersea Research Program, also known 
as NURP. The Ocean Exploration Program was created to investigate the 
oceans for the purpose of discovery and the advancement of knowledge. 
It is the NOAA program established to, first, explore and map the 
oceans unknown and poorly known living and nonliving resources and, 
second, to gain new insights about its physical, chemical, biological, 
and archeological characteristics.
  Title I of the bill, the National Ocean Exploration Program Act, will 
create better coordination between NOAA and the National Science 
Foundation. The purposes of the act are to expand the ocean exploration 
to discover new marine substances that potentially have therapeutic 
benefits; to study the unique marine ecosystems, organisms, and the 
geology of the world's oceans; and to maximize ocean research 
effectiveness by integrating multiple scientific disciplines in the 
ocean science community.
  A new element created by the legislation is an Ocean Exploration 
Advisory Board. The National Undersea Research Program is part of the 
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Office of Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Research. As the Federal agency responsible for managing 
living marine and coastal organisms, NOAA requires a presence beneath 
the sea and the Great Lakes to better understand the systems under its 
management. NURP provides NOAA with the unique capability to access the 
undersea environment. NURP also provides scientists with the tools and 
expertise they need to investigate the undersea environment, including 
submersibles, remotely operated vehicles, autonomous underwater 
vehicles, mixed gas diving gear, underwater laboratories and 
observatories.
  Title II of the bill, the National Undersea Research Program Act of 
2007, formally authorizes the National Undersea Research Program for 
the first time, and we're very proud of this. The legislation creates a 
competitive process for the extramural undersea research centers to 
encourage the very best undersea research program for the United 
States.
  Both of these programs authorized in this legislation are core to the 
mission of NOAA. I urge my colleagues to support this important 
bipartisan legislation.
  Mr. LIPINSKI. Madam Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my 
time.
  Mr. AKIN. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. LIPINSKI. Madam Speaker, I want to thank Mr. Saxton for his work 
on this bill. I'm very happy we were able to work this through the 
Science and Technology Committee in a bipartisan manner, and I urge all 
my colleagues to support this legislation.
  Mr. FARR. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1834 introduced by 
my colleague Jim Saxton. This bill would authorize the national ocean 
exploration program and the national undersea research program within 
the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
  Our world is defined by its ocean. Planet Earth could be better named 
Planet Ocean. We are truly an ocean nation. In fact, more than half of 
the United States lies underwater and all people in the United States 
and in the world are affected by the ocean. The ocean helps control our 
climate, influences our weather, and affects our health.
  The ocean gives us rain, oxygen, food, medicines, and minerals and 
energy sources. The ocean supports our nation's economy: it is a 
highway for transportation of goods and people. Even our national 
security is affected by the ocean.
  Our ocean is important as a heritage to many cultures throughout the 
world and to our cultures throughout the United States. This one world 
ocean we all share is also a constant source of wonder and discovery.
  In spite of its importance, little of the ocean has been explored. 
The ocean is our last and largest frontier. More is known about the 
moon

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than is known about the deepest parts of the ocean.
  This bill will add to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration's ability to conduct research and exploration of the 
ocean. The bill will foster collaboration between the National Oceanic 
and Atmospheric Administration, the National Science Foundation, and 
the Department of the Navy.
  The ocean exploration program and the undersea exploration program 
will drive technological advances and will increase our knowledge about 
the ocean to help us understand how to best manage, use, and preserve 
this resource.
  Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this 
bill, and show that the age of discovery is not over.
  Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of 
H.R. 1834, to authorize the national ocean exploration prgram and the 
national undersea research program within the National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration.
  First and foremost, I want to commend my good friend Mr. Jim Saxton 
of New Jersey and other cosponsors for introducing this important 
legislation. I also want to acknowledge the leadership for both the 
Committee on Natural Resources and the Comnrittee on Science and 
Technology.
  Madam Speaker, H.R. 1834, the National Ocean Exploration Program Act, 
is an important piece of legislation because it will expand ocean 
exploration and will be a key avenue in understanding better our marine 
ecosystems and coastal resources and, importantly, maximize effective 
research relating to the physical, chemical, and biological 
characteristics of our oceans and lakes. We have succeeded in embarking 
missions to space but have failed in studying the unknown in our very 
oceans.
  This legislation will provide scientists the necessary equipment to 
investigate and explore the undersea environment and will allow NOAA to 
conduct archaeological and scientific voyages of historic shipwrecks 
and cultural sites important to our academic and local communities.
  Again, I thank my colleagues for supporting this bipartisan 
legislation.
  Mr. LIPINSKI. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Lipinski) that the House suspend the rules 
and pass the bill, H.R. 1834, as amended.
  The question was taken.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds 
being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
  Mr. AKIN. Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
  The yeas and nays were ordered.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the 
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be 
postponed.

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