[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 25 (Thursday, February 14, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E204]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   NATIONAL OCEAN EXPLORATION PROGRAM

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                       HON. MADELEINE Z. BORDALLO

                                of guam

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 13, 2008

  Ms. BORDALLO. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 1834. I 
want to commend my colleagues from the Committee on Science and 
Technology, Chairman Bart Gordon, and the Ranking Republican Member, 
Congressman Ralph Hall, for their leadership in bringing this important 
bill to enhance our understanding of the marine environment to the 
House floor.
  When I became Chairwoman of the Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife 
and Oceans at the beginning of the 110th Congress, one of my top 
priorities was to take action on legislation to address the thoughtful 
recommendations offered by the U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy to 
improve our Nation's ocean environment. This legislation, H.R. 1834, 
would implement a key recommendation of the Commission by authorizing 
two important ocean research programs within the National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration--the Ocean Exploration Program and the 
National Undersea Research Program.
  This legislation, which refines the bill that was reported by the 
Committee on Natural Resources on August 4, 2007, would further 
strengthen NOAA's standing as the preeminent civilian federal ocean 
agency by granting the agency explicit authority to conduct scientific 
research that directly contributes to increasing scientific knowledge 
of the world's oceans.
  The legislation would address the glaring national need identified by 
the U.S. Commision on Ocean Policy to develop and advance new 
innovations in oceanographic research, communication and navigation 
technologies to support ocean exploration and science, and expand 
extramural ocean research.
  Additionally, this legislation would emphasize the importance of 
outreach and public education to ensure that future scientific 
discoveries and benefits are disseminated to decision-makers in both 
the public and private sectors and conveyed to the general public. This 
will increase both public awareness and appreciation of how the world's 
oceans affect our economic and environmental well-being.
  Again, I commend my colleagues on the Committee on Science and 
Tecnology for their cooperation. The support of the Chairman of the 
Natural Resources Committee, Chairman Nick Rahall, and the ranking 
Republican member, Congressman Don Young, was also indispensible. 
Finally, I also acknowledge the leadership of Congressman Jim Saxton, 
the sponsor of the bill. I encourage members to vote for this non-
controversial legislation.

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