[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 28 (Tuesday, March 2, 2010)]
[House]
[Pages H975-H984]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               NATURAL HAZARDS RISK REDUCTION ACT OF 2010

  Mr. WU. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill 
(H.R. 3820) to reauthorize Federal natural hazards reduction programs, 
and for other purposes, as amended.

[[Page H976]]

  The Clerk read the title of the bill.
  The text of the bill is as follows:

                               H.R. 3820

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

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

       This Act may be cited as the ``Natural Hazards Risk 
     Reduction Act of 2010''.

     SEC. 2. FINDINGS.

       Congress finds the following:
       (1) The United States faces significant risks from many 
     types of natural hazards, including earthquakes, hurricanes, 
     tornadoes, wildfires, and floods. Increasing numbers of 
     Americans are living in areas prone to these hazards.
       (2) Earthquakes occur without warning and can have 
     devastating effects. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, 
     two recent earthquakes, the Northridge Earthquake in 1994, 
     and the Loma Prieta Earthquake in 1989, killed nearly 100 
     people, injured 12,757, and caused $33 billion in damages. 
     Nearly all States face some level of seismic risk. Twenty-six 
     urban areas in 14 States have a significant seismic risk.
       (3) Severe weather is the most costly natural hazard, 
     measured on a per year basis. According to data from the 
     National Weather Service over the last 10 years, tornadoes, 
     thunderstorms, and hurricanes have caused an average of 226 
     fatalities and $16 billion of property damage per year. The 
     2005 hurricane season was one of the most destructive in 
     United States history, killing 1,836 people, and causing $80 
     billion in damage.
       (4) The United States Fire Administration reports that 38 
     percent of new home construction in 2002 was in areas 
     adjacent to, or intermixed with, wildlands. Fires in the 
     wildland-urban interface are costly. For example, the 2007 
     California Witch fire alone caused $1.3 billion in insured 
     property losses, according to the Insurance Services Office 
     (ISO). In addition, Government Accountability Office reported 
     in 2007 that the Federal spending for wildfire suppression 
     between 2001 and 2005 was, on average, $2.9 billion per year.
       (5) Developing better knowledge about natural hazard 
     phenomena and their effects is crucial to assessing the risks 
     these hazards pose to communities. Instrumentation, 
     monitoring, and data gathering to characterize earthquakes 
     and wind events are important activities to increase this 
     knowledge.
       (6) Current building codes and standards can mitigate the 
     damages caused by natural hazards. The Institute for Business 
     and Home Safety estimated that the $19 billion in damage 
     caused by Hurricane Andrew in 1994 could have been reduced by 
     half if such codes and standards were in effect. Research for 
     the continuous improvement of building codes, standards, and 
     design practices--and for developing methods to retrofit 
     existing structures--is crucial to mitigating losses from 
     natural hazards.
       (7) Since its creation in 1977, the National Earthquake 
     Hazards Reduction Program (NEHRP) has supported research to 
     develop seismic codes, standards, and building practices that 
     have been widely adopted. The NEHRP Recommended Provisions 
     for Seismic Regulations for New Buildings and Other 
     Structures and the Guidance for Seismic Performance 
     Assessment of Buildings are two examples.
       (8) Research to understand the institutional, social, 
     behavioral, and economic factors that influence how 
     households, businesses, and communities perceive risk and 
     prepare for natural hazards, and how well they recover after 
     a disaster, can increase the implementation of risk 
     mitigation measures.
       (9) A major goal of the Federal natural hazards-related 
     research and development effort should be to reduce the loss 
     of life and damage to communities and infrastructure through 
     increasing the adoption of hazard mitigation measures.
       (10) Research, development, and technology transfer to 
     secure infrastructure is vitally important. Infrastructure 
     that supports electricity, transportation, drinking water, 
     and other services is vital immediately after a disaster, and 
     their quick return to function speeds the economic recovery 
     of a disaster-impacted community.

                          TITLE I--EARTHQUAKES

     SEC. 101. SHORT TITLE.

       This title may be cited as the ``National Earthquake 
     Hazards Reduction Program Reauthorization Act of 2010''.

     SEC. 102. FINDINGS.

       Section 2 of the Earthquake Hazards Reduction Act of 1977 
     (42 U.S.C. 7701) is repealed.

     SEC. 103. DEFINITIONS.

       Section 4 of the Earthquake Hazards Reduction Act of 1977 
     (42 U.S.C. 7703) is amended by striking paragraphs (8) and 
     (9).

     SEC. 104. NATIONAL EARTHQUAKE HAZARDS REDUCTION PROGRAM.

       Section 5 of the Earthquake Hazards Reduction Act of 1977 
     (42 U.S.C. 7704) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)--
       (A) by amending paragraph (2) to read as follows:
       ``(2) Program activities.--The activities of the Program 
     shall be designed to--
       ``(A) research and develop effective methods, tools, and 
     technologies to reduce the risk posed by earthquakes to the 
     built environment, especially to lessen the risk to existing 
     structures and lifelines;
       ``(B) improve the understanding of earthquakes and their 
     effects on households, businesses, communities, buildings, 
     structures, and lifelines, through interdisciplinary and 
     multidisciplinary research that involves engineering, natural 
     sciences, and social sciences; and
       ``(C) facilitate the adoption of earthquake risk reduction 
     measures by households, businesses, communities, local, 
     State, and Federal governments, national standards and model 
     building code organizations, architects and engineers, 
     building owners, and others with a role in planning for 
     disasters and planning, constructing, retrofitting, and 
     insuring buildings, structures, and lifelines through--
       ``(i) grants, contracts, cooperative agreements, and 
     technical assistance;
       ``(ii) development of standards, guidelines, voluntary 
     consensus standards, and other design guidance for earthquake 
     hazards risk reduction for buildings, structures, and 
     lifelines;
       ``(iii) outreach and information dissemination to 
     communities on location-specific earthquake hazards and 
     methods to reduce the risks from those hazards; and
       ``(iv) development and maintenance of a repository of 
     information, including technical data, on seismic risk and 
     hazards reduction.''; and
       (B) by striking paragraphs (3) through (5);
       (2) by amending subsection (b) to read as follows:
       ``(b) Responsibilities of Program Agencies.--
       ``(1) Lead agency.--The National Institute of Standards and 
     Technology (in this section referred to as the `Institute') 
     shall be responsible for planning and coordinating the 
     Program. In carrying out this paragraph, the Director of the 
     Institute shall--
       ``(A) ensure that the Program includes the necessary 
     components to promote the implementation of earthquake 
     hazards risk reduction measures by households, businesses, 
     communities, local, State, and Federal governments, national 
     standards and model building code organizations, architects 
     and engineers, building owners, and others with a role in 
     preparing for disasters, or the planning, constructing, 
     retrofitting, and insuring of buildings, structures, and 
     lifelines;
       ``(B) support the development of performance-based seismic 
     engineering tools, and work with the appropriate groups to 
     promote the commercial application of such tools, through 
     earthquake-related building codes, standards, and 
     construction practices;
       ``(C) ensure the use of social science research and 
     findings in informing research and technology development 
     priorities, communicating earthquake risks to the public, 
     developing earthquake risk mitigation strategies, and 
     preparing for earthquake disasters;
       ``(D) coordinate all Federal post-earthquake 
     investigations; and
       ``(E) when warranted by research or investigative findings, 
     issue recommendations for changes in model codes to the 
     relevant code development organizations, and report back to 
     Congress on whether such recommendations were adopted.
       ``(2) National institute of standards and technology.--In 
     addition to the lead agency responsibilities described under 
     paragraph (1), the Institute shall be responsible for 
     carrying out research and development to improve building 
     codes and standards and practices for buildings, structures, 
     and lifelines. In carrying out this paragraph, the Director 
     of the Institute shall--
       ``(A) work, in conjunction with other appropriate Federal 
     agencies, to support the development of improved seismic 
     standards and model codes;
       ``(B) in coordination with other appropriate Federal 
     agencies, work closely with standards and model code 
     development organizations, professional societies, and 
     practicing engineers, architects, and others involved in the 
     construction of buildings, structures, and lifelines, to 
     promote better building practices, including by--
       ``(i) developing technical resources for practitioners on 
     new knowledge and standards of practice; and
       ``(ii) developing methods and tools to facilitate the 
     incorporation of earthquake engineering principles into 
     design and construction practices;
       ``(C) develop tools, technologies, methods, and 
     practitioner guidance to feasibly and cost-effectively 
     retrofit existing buildings and structures to increase their 
     earthquake resiliency; and
       ``(D) work closely with national standards organizations, 
     and other interested parties, to develop seismic safety 
     standards and practices for new and existing lifelines.
       ``(3) Federal emergency management agency.--
       ``(A) In general.--The Federal Emergency Management Agency 
     (in this paragraph referred to as the `Agency'), consistent 
     with the Agency's all hazards approach, shall be responsible 
     for facilitating the development and adoption of standards, 
     model building codes, and better seismic building practices, 
     developing tools to assess earthquake hazards, promoting the 
     adoption of hazard mitigation measures, and carrying out a 
     program of direct assistance to States and localities to 
     mitigate earthquake risks to buildings, structures, 
     lifelines, and communities.
       ``(B) Director's duties.--The Director of the Agency 
     shall--
       ``(i) work closely with other relevant Federal agencies, 
     standards and model building code development organizations, 
     architects,

[[Page H977]]

     engineers, and other professionals, to facilitate the 
     development and adoption of standards, model codes, and 
     design and construction practices to increase the earthquake 
     resiliency of new and existing buildings, structures, and 
     lifelines in the--

       ``(I) preparation, maintenance, and wide dissemination of 
     design guidance, model building codes and standards, and 
     practices to increase the earthquake resiliency of new and 
     existing buildings, structures, and lifelines;
       ``(II) development of performance-based design guidelines 
     and methodologies supporting model codes for buildings, 
     structures, and lifelines; and
       ``(III) development of methods and tools to facilitate the 
     incorporation of earthquake engineering principles into 
     design and construction practices;

       ``(ii) develop tools, technologies, and methods to assist 
     local planners, and others, to model and predict the 
     potential impact of earthquake damage in seismically 
     hazardous areas; and
       ``(iii) support the implementation of a comprehensive 
     earthquake education and public awareness program, including 
     the 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.
       ``(C) State assistance grant program.--The Director of the 
     Agency shall operate a program of grants and assistance to 
     enable States to develop mitigation, preparedness, and 
     response plans, compare 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 multistate groups for such 
     purposes. The Director shall operate such programs in 
     coordination with the all hazards mitigation and preparedness 
     programs authorized by the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief 
     and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.), in 
     order to ensure that such programs are as consistent as 
     possible. In order to qualify for assistance under this 
     subparagraph, a State must--
       ``(i) demonstrate that the assistance will result in 
     enhanced seismic safety in the State;
       ``(ii) provide 50 percent of the costs of the activities 
     for which assistance is being given, except that the Director 
     may lower or waive the cost-share requirement for these 
     activities in exceptional cases of economic hardship; and
       ``(iii) meet such other requirements as the Director of the 
     Agency shall prescribe.
       ``(D) Federal emergency management agency role and 
     responsibility.--Nothing in this Act shall be construed to 
     diminish the role and responsibility of the Federal Emergency 
     Management Agency with regard to all hazards preparedness, 
     response, recovery, and mitigation.
       ``(4) United states geological survey.--The United States 
     Geological Survey (in this paragraph referred to as the 
     `Survey') shall conduct research and other activities 
     necessary to characterize and identify earthquake hazards, 
     assess earthquake risks, monitor seismic activity, and 
     provide real-time earthquake information. In carrying out 
     this paragraph, the Director of the Survey shall--
       ``(A) conduct a systematic assessment of the seismic risks 
     in each region of the Nation prone to earthquakes, including, 
     where appropriate, the establishment and operation of 
     intensive monitoring projects on hazardous faults, detailed 
     seismic hazard and risk studies in urban and other developed 
     areas where earthquake risk is determined to be significant, 
     and engineering seismology studies;
       ``(B) work with officials of State and local governments to 
     ensure that they are knowledgeable about the specific seismic 
     risks in their areas;
       ``(C) develop standard procedures, in consultation with the 
     Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, for 
     issuing earthquake alerts, including aftershock advisories, 
     and, to the extent possible, ensure that such alerts are 
     compatible with the Integrated Public Alerts and Warning 
     System program authorized by section 202 of the Robert T. 
     Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 
     U.S.C. 5132);
       ``(D) issue when justified, and notify the Director of the 
     Federal Emergency Management Agency of, an earthquake 
     prediction or other earthquake advisory, which may be 
     evaluated by the National Earthquake Prediction Evaluation 
     Council;
       ``(E) operate, as integral parts of the Advanced National 
     Seismic Research and Monitoring System, a National Earthquake 
     Information Center and a national seismic network, together 
     providing timely and accurate information on earthquakes 
     world-wide;
       ``(F) support the operation of regional seismic networks in 
     areas of higher seismic risk;
       ``(G) develop and support seismic instrumentation of 
     buildings and other structures to obtain data on their 
     response to earthquakes for use in engineering studies and 
     assessment of damage;
       ``(H) monitor and assess Earth surface deformation as it 
     pertains to the evaluation of earthquake hazards and impacts;
       ``(I) work with other Program agencies to maintain 
     awareness of, and where appropriate cooperate with, 
     earthquake risk reduction efforts in other countries, to 
     ensure that the Program benefits from relevant information 
     and advances in those countries;
       ``(J) maintain suitable seismic hazard maps in support of 
     building codes for structures and lifelines, including 
     additional maps needed for performance-based design 
     approaches, and, to the extent possible, ensure that such 
     maps are developed consistent with the multihazard advisory 
     maps authorized by section 203(k) of the Robert T. Stafford 
     Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 
     5133(k));
       ``(K) conduct a competitive, peer-reviewed process which 
     awards grants and cooperative agreements to complement and 
     extend related internal Survey research and monitoring 
     activities; and
       ``(L) operate, in cooperation with the National Science 
     Foundation, a Global Seismographic Network for detection of 
     earthquakes around the world and research into fundamental 
     earth processes.
       ``(5) National science foundation.--The National Science 
     Foundation shall be responsible for funding basic research 
     that furthers the understanding of earthquakes, earthquake 
     engineering, and community preparation and response to 
     earthquakes. In carrying out this paragraph, the Director of 
     the National Science Foundation shall--
       ``(A) support multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary 
     research that will improve the resiliency of communities to 
     earthquakes, including--
       ``(i) research that improves the safety and performance of 
     buildings, structures, and lifelines, including the use of 
     the large-scale experimental and computational facilities of 
     the George E. Brown, Jr. Network for Engineering Earthquake 
     Simulation;
       ``(ii) research to support more effective earthquake 
     mitigation and response measures, such as developing better 
     knowledge of the specific types of vulnerabilities faced by 
     segments of the community vulnerable to earthquakes, 
     addressing the barriers they face in adopting mitigation and 
     preparation measures, and developing methods to better 
     communicate the risks of earthquakes and to promote 
     mitigation; and
       ``(iii) research on the response of communities, 
     households, businesses, and emergency responders to 
     earthquakes;
       ``(B) support research to understand earthquake processes, 
     earthquake patterns, and earthquake frequencies;
       ``(C) encourage prompt dissemination of significant 
     findings, sharing of data, samples, physical collections, and 
     other supporting materials, and development of intellectual 
     property so research results can be used by appropriate 
     organizations to mitigate earthquake damage;
       ``(D) work with other Program agencies to maintain 
     awareness of, and where appropriate cooperate with, 
     earthquake risk reduction research efforts in other 
     countries, to ensure that the Program benefits from relevant 
     information and advances in those countries; and
       ``(E) include to the maximum extent practicable diverse 
     institutions, including Historically Black Colleges and 
     Universities, Hispanic-serving institutions, Tribal Colleges 
     and Universities, Alaska Native-serving institutions, and 
     Native Hawaiian-serving institutions.''; and
       (3) in subsection (c)(1) by inserting ``on Natural Hazards 
     Risk Reduction established under section 301 of the Natural 
     Hazards Risk Reduction Act of 2010'' after ``Interagency 
     Coordinating Committee''.

     SEC. 105. POST-EARTHQUAKE INVESTIGATIONS PROGRAM.

       Section 11 of the Earthquake Hazards Reduction Act of 1977 
     (42 U.S.C. 7705e) is amended by striking ``There is 
     established'' and all that follows through ``conduct of such 
     earthquake investigations.'' and inserting ``The Program 
     shall include a post-earthquake investigations program, the 
     purpose of which is to investigate major earthquakes so as to 
     learn lessons which can be applied to reduce the loss of 
     lives and property in future earthquakes. The lead Program 
     agency, in consultation with each Program agency, shall 
     organize investigations to study the implications of the 
     earthquakes in the areas of responsibility of each Program 
     agency. The investigations shall begin as rapidly as possible 
     and may be conducted by grantees and contractors. The Program 
     agencies shall ensure that the results of the investigations 
     are disseminated widely.''.

     SEC. 106. 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:
       ``(9) There are authorized to be appropriated to the 
     Federal Emergency Management Agency for carrying out this 
     Act--
       ``(A) $10,238,000 for fiscal year 2010;
       ``(B) $10,545,000 for fiscal year 2011;
       ``(C) $10,861,000 for fiscal year 2012;
       ``(D) $11,187,000 for fiscal year 2013; and
       ``(E) $11,523,000 for fiscal year 2014.'';
       (2) by adding at the end of subsection (b) the following:
       ``(3) There are authorized to be appropriated to the United 
     States Geological Survey for carrying out this Act--
       ``(A) $90,000,000 for fiscal year 2010, of which 
     $36,000,000 shall be made available for completion of the 
     Advanced National Seismic Research and Monitoring System;
       ``(B) $92,100,000 for fiscal year 2011, of which 
     $37,000,000 shall be made available for completion of the 
     Advanced National Seismic Research and Monitoring System;

[[Page H978]]

       ``(C) $94,263,000 for fiscal year 2012, of which 
     $38,000,000 shall be made available for completion of the 
     Advanced National Seismic Research and Monitoring System;
       ``(D) $96,491,000 for fiscal year 2013, of which 
     $39,000,000 shall be made available for completion of the 
     Advanced National Seismic Research and Monitoring System; and
       ``(E) $98,786,000 for fiscal year 2014, of which 
     $40,000,000 shall be made available for completion of the 
     Advanced National Seismic Research and Monitoring System.'';
       (3) by adding at the end of subsection (c) the following:
       ``(3) There are authorized to be appropriated to the 
     National Science Foundation for carrying out this Act--
       ``(A) $64,125,000 for fiscal year 2010;
       ``(B) $66,049,000 for fiscal year 2011;
       ``(C) $68,030,000 for fiscal year 2012;
       ``(D) $70,071,000 for fiscal year 2013; and
       ``(E) $72,173,000 for fiscal year 2014.''; and
       (4) by adding at the end of subsection (d) the following:
       ``(3) There are authorized to be appropriated to the 
     National Institute of Standards and Technology for carrying 
     out this Act--
       ``(A) $7,000,000 for fiscal year 2010;
       ``(B) $7,700,000 for fiscal year 2011;
       ``(C) $7,931,000 for fiscal year 2012;
       ``(D) $8,169,000 for fiscal year 2013; and
       ``(E) $8,414,000 for fiscal year 2014.''.
       (b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 14 of the National 
     Earthquake Hazards Reduction Act of 1977 (42 U.S.C. 7708) is 
     amended--
       (1) by striking ``(a) Establishment.--''; and
       (2) by striking subsection (b).

                             TITLE II--WIND

     SEC. 201. SHORT TITLE.

       This title may be cited as the ``National Windstorm Impact 
     Reduction Act Reauthorization of 2010''.

     SEC. 202. PURPOSE.

       Section 202 of the National Windstorm Impact Reduction Act 
     of 2004 (42 U.S.C. 15701) is amended to read as follows:

     ``SEC. 202. PURPOSE.

       ``It is the purpose of the Congress in this title to 
     achieve a major measurable reduction in losses of life and 
     property from windstorms through the establishment and 
     maintenance of an effective Windstorm Impact Reduction 
     Program. The objectives of such Program shall include--
       ``(1) the education of households, businesses, and 
     communities about the risks posed by windstorms, and the 
     identification of locations, structures, lifelines, and 
     segments of the community which are especially vulnerable to 
     windstorm damage and disruption, and the dissemination of 
     information on methods to reduce those risks;
       ``(2) the development of technologically and economically 
     feasible design and construction methods and procedures to 
     make new and existing structures, in areas of windstorm risk, 
     windstorm resilient, giving high priority to the development 
     of such methods and procedures for lifelines, structures 
     associated with a potential high loss of life, and structures 
     that are especially needed in times of disasters, such as 
     hospitals and public safety and shelter facilities;
       ``(3) the implementation, in areas of major windstorm risk, 
     of instrumentation to record and gather data on windstorms 
     and the characteristics of the wind during those events, and 
     continued research to increase the understanding of windstorm 
     phenomena;
       ``(4) the development, publication, and promotion, in 
     conjunction with State and local officials and professional 
     organizations, of model building codes and standards and 
     other means to encourage consideration of information about 
     windstorm risk in making decisions about land use policy and 
     construction activity; and
       ``(5) the facilitation of the adoption of windstorm risk 
     mitigation measures in areas of windstorm risk by households, 
     businesses, and communities through outreach, incentive 
     programs, and other means.''.

     SEC. 203. DEFINITIONS.

       Section 203(1) of the National Windstorm Impact Reduction 
     Act of 2004 (42 U.S.C. 15702(1)) is amended by striking 
     ``Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy'' 
     and inserting ``Director of the National Institute of 
     Standards and Technology''.

     SEC. 204. NATIONAL WINDSTORM IMPACT REDUCTION PROGRAM.

       Section 204 of the National Windstorm Impact Reduction Act 
     of 2004 (42 U.S.C. 15703) is amended to read as follows:

     ``SEC. 204. NATIONAL WINDSTORM IMPACT REDUCTION PROGRAM.

       ``(a) Establishment.--There is established the National 
     Windstorm Impact Reduction Program.
       ``(b) Program Activities.--The activities of the Program 
     shall be designed to--
       ``(1) research and develop cost-effective, feasible 
     methods, tools, and technologies to reduce the risks posed by 
     windstorms to the built environment, especially to lessen the 
     risk to existing structures and lifelines;
       ``(2) improve the understanding of windstorms and their 
     impacts on households, businesses, communities, buildings, 
     structures, and lifelines, through interdisciplinary and 
     multidisciplinary research that involves engineering, natural 
     sciences, and social sciences; and
       ``(3) facilitate the adoption of windstorm risk reduction 
     measures by households, businesses, communities, local, State 
     and Federal governments, national standards and model 
     building code organizations, architects and engineers, 
     building owners, and others with a role in planning for 
     disasters and planning, constructing, retrofitting, and 
     insuring buildings, structures, and lifelines through--
       ``(A) grants, contracts, cooperative agreements, and 
     technical assistance;
       ``(B) development of hazard maps, standards, guidelines, 
     voluntary consensus standards, and other design guidance for 
     windstorm risk reduction for buildings, structures, and 
     lifelines;
       ``(C) outreach and information dissemination to communities 
     on site specific windstorm hazards and ways to reduce the 
     risks from those hazards; and
       ``(D) development and maintenance of a repository of 
     information, including technical data, on windstorm hazards 
     and risk reduction;
       ``(c) Responsibilities of Program Agencies.--
       ``(1) Lead agency.--The National Institute of Standards and 
     Technology (in this section referred to as the `Institute') 
     shall be responsible for planning and coordinating the 
     Program. In carrying out this paragraph, the Director of the 
     Institute shall--
       ``(A) ensure that the Program includes the necessary 
     components to promote the implementation of windstorm risk 
     reduction measures by households, businesses, communities, 
     local, State, and Federal governments, national standards and 
     model building code organizations, architects and engineers, 
     building owners, and others with a role in planning and 
     preparing for disasters, and planning constructing, and 
     retrofitting, and insuring buildings, structures, and 
     lifelines;
       ``(B) support the development of performance-based 
     engineering tools, and work with the appropriate groups to 
     promote the commercial application of such tools, through 
     wind-related building codes, standards, and construction 
     practices;
       ``(C) ensure the use of social science research and 
     findings in informing the development of technology and 
     research priorities, in communicating windstorm risks to the 
     public, in developing windstorm risk mitigation strategies, 
     and in preparing for windstorm disasters;
       ``(D) coordinate all Federal post-windstorm investigations; 
     and
       ``(E) when warranted by research or investigative findings, 
     issue recommendations for changes in model codes to the 
     relevant code development organizations, and report back to 
     Congress on whether such recommendations were adopted.
       ``(2) National institute of standards and technology.--In 
     addition to the lead agency responsibilities described under 
     paragraph (1), the Institute shall be responsible for 
     carrying out research and development to improve model codes, 
     standards, design guidance and practices for the construction 
     and retrofit of buildings, structures, and lifelines. In 
     carrying out this paragraph, the Director of the Institute 
     shall--
       ``(A) support the development of instrumentation, data 
     processing, and archival capabilities, and standards for the 
     instrumentation and its deployment, to measure wind, wind 
     loading, and other properties of severe wind and structure 
     response;
       ``(B) coordinate with other appropriate Federal agencies to 
     make the data described in subparagraph (A) available to 
     researchers, standards and code developers, and local 
     planners;
       ``(C) support the development of tools and methods for the 
     collection of data on the loss of and damage to structures, 
     and data on surviving structures after severe windstorm 
     events;
       ``(D) improve the knowledge of the impact of severe wind on 
     buildings, structures, lifelines, and communities;
       ``(E) develop cost-effective windstorm impact reduction 
     tools, methods, and technologies;
       ``(F) work, in conjunction with other appropriate Federal 
     agencies, to support the development of wind standards and 
     model codes; and
       ``(G) in conjunction with other appropriate Federal 
     agencies, work closely with standards and model code 
     development organizations, professional societies, and 
     practicing engineers, architects, and others involved in the 
     construction of buildings, structures, and lifelines, to 
     promote better building practices, including by--
       ``(i) supporting the development of technical resources for 
     practitioners to implement new knowledge; and
       ``(ii) supporting the development of methods and tools to 
     incorporate wind engineering principles into design and 
     construction practices.
       ``(3) Federal emergency management agency.--The Federal 
     Emergency Management Agency, consistent with the Agency's all 
     hazards approach, shall support the development of risk 
     assessment tools and effective mitigation techniques, assist 
     with windstorm-related data collection and analysis, and 
     support outreach, information dissemination, and 
     implementation of windstorm preparedness and mitigation 
     measures by households, businesses, and communities, 
     including by--
       ``(A) working to develop or improve risk-assessment tools, 
     methods, and models;
       ``(B) work closely with other appropriate Federal agencies 
     to develop and facilitate the adoption of windstorm impact 
     reduction measures, including by--
       ``(i) developing cost-effective retrofit measures for 
     existing buildings, structures,

[[Page H979]]

     and lifelines to improve windstorm performance;
       ``(ii) developing methods, tools, and technologies to 
     improve the planning, design, and construction of new 
     buildings, structures, and lifelines;
       ``(iii) supporting the development of model wind codes and 
     standards for buildings, structures, and lifelines; and
       ``(iv) developing technical resources for practitioners 
     that reflect new knowledge and standards of practice; and
       ``(C) develop and disseminate guidelines for the 
     construction of windstorm shelters.

     Nothing in this Act shall be construed to diminish the role 
     and responsibility of the Federal Emergency Management Agency 
     with regard to all hazards preparedness, response, recovery, 
     and mitigation.
       ``(4) National oceanic and atmospheric administration.--The 
     National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration shall support 
     atmospheric sciences research and data collection to improve 
     the understanding of the behavior of windstorms and their 
     impact on buildings, structures, and lifelines, including 
     by--
       ``(A) working with other appropriate Federal agencies to 
     develop and deploy instrumentation to measure speed and other 
     characteristics of wind, and to collect, analyze, and make 
     available such data;
       ``(B) working with officials of State and local governments 
     to ensure that they are knowledgeable about, and prepared 
     for, the specific windstorm risks in their area;
       ``(C) supporting the development of suitable wind speed 
     maps and other derivative products that support building 
     codes and other hazard mitigation approaches for buildings, 
     structures, and lifelines, and, to the extent possible, 
     ensure that such maps and other derivative products are 
     developed consistent with the multihazard advisory maps 
     authorized by section 203(k) of the Robert T. Stafford 
     Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 
     5133(k));
       ``(D) conducting a competitive, peer-reviewed process which 
     awards grants and cooperative agreements to complement the 
     National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's wind-
     related and storm surge-related research and data collection 
     activities;
       ``(E) working with other appropriate Federal agencies and 
     State and local governments to develop or improve risk-
     assessment tools, methods, and models; and
       ``(F) working with other appropriate Federal agencies to 
     develop storm surge models to better understand the 
     interaction between windstorms and bodies of water.
       ``(5) National science foundation.--The National Science 
     Foundation shall be responsible for funding basic research 
     that furthers the understanding of windstorms, wind 
     engineering, and community preparation and response to 
     windstorms. In carrying out this paragraph, the Director of 
     the National Science Foundation shall--
       ``(A) support multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary 
     research that will improve the resiliency of communities to 
     windstorms, including--
       ``(i) research that improves the safety and performance of 
     buildings, structures, and lifelines;
       ``(ii) research to support more effective windstorm 
     mitigation and response measures, such as developing better 
     knowledge of the specific types of vulnerabilities faced by 
     segments of the community vulnerable to windstorms, 
     addressing the barriers they face in adopting mitigation and 
     preparation measures, and developing methods to better 
     communicate the risks of windstorms and to promote 
     mitigation; and
       ``(iii) research on the response of communities to 
     windstorms, including on the effectiveness of the emergency 
     response, and the recovery process of communities, 
     households, and businesses;
       ``(B) support research to understand windstorm processes, 
     windstorm patterns, and windstorm frequencies;
       ``(C) encourage prompt dissemination of significant 
     findings, sharing of data, samples, physical collections, and 
     other supporting materials, and development of intellectual 
     property so research results can be used by appropriate 
     organizations to mitigate windstorm damage;
       ``(D) work with other Program agencies to maintain 
     awareness of, and where appropriate cooperate with, windstorm 
     risk reduction research efforts in other countries, to ensure 
     that the Program benefits from relevant information and 
     advances in those countries; and
       ``(E) include to the maximum extent practicable diverse 
     institutions, including Historically Black Colleges and 
     Universities, Hispanic-serving institutions, Tribal Colleges 
     and Universities, Alaska Native-serving institutions, and 
     Native Hawaiian-serving institutions.''.

     SEC. 205. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

       Section 207 of the National Windstorm Impact Reduction 
     Program of 2004 (42 U.S.C. 15706) is amended to read as 
     follows:

     ``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) $9,682,000 for fiscal year 2010;
       ``(2) $9,972,500 for fiscal year 2011;
       ``(3) $10,271,600 for fiscal year 2012;
       ``(4) $10,579,800 for fiscal year 2013; and
       ``(5) $10,897,200 for fiscal year 2014.
       ``(b) National Science Foundation.--There are authorized to 
     be appropriated to the National Science Foundation for 
     carrying out this title--
       ``(1) $9,682,000 for fiscal year 2010;
       ``(2) $9,972,500 for fiscal year 2011;
       ``(3) $10,271,600 for fiscal year 2012;
       ``(4) $10,579,800 for fiscal year 2013; and
       ``(5) $10,897,200 for fiscal year 2014.
       ``(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) $4,120,000 for fiscal year 2010;
       ``(2) $4,243,600 for fiscal year 2011;
       ``(3) $4,370,900 for fiscal year 2012;
       ``(4) $4,502,000 for fiscal year 2013; and
       ``(5) $4,637,100 for fiscal year 2014.
       ``(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) $2,266,000 for fiscal year 2010;
       ``(2) $2,334,000 for fiscal year 2011;
       ``(3) $2,404,000 for fiscal year 2012;
       ``(4) $2,476,100 for fiscal year 2013; and
       ``(5) $2,550,400 for fiscal year 2014.''.

 TITLE III--INTERAGENCY COORDINATING COMMITTEE ON NATURAL HAZARDS RISK 
                               REDUCTION

     SEC. 301. INTERAGENCY COORDINATING COMMITTEE ON NATURAL 
                   HAZARDS RISK REDUCTION.

       (a) In General.--There is established an Interagency 
     Coordinating Committee on Natural Hazards Risk Reduction, 
     chaired by the Director of the National Institute of 
     Standards and Technology.
       (1) Membership.--In addition to the chair, the Committee 
     shall be composed of--
       (A) the directors of--
       (i) the Federal Emergency Management Agency;
       (ii) the United State Geological Survey;
       (iii) the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration;
       (iv) the National Science Foundation;
       (v) the Office of Science and Technology Policy; and
       (vi) the Office of Management and Budget; and
       (B) the head of any other Federal agency the Committee 
     considers appropriate.
       (2) Meetings.--The Committee shall not meet less than 2 
     times a year at the call of the Director of the National 
     Institute of Standards and Technology.
       (3) General purpose and duties.--The Committee shall 
     oversee the planning and coordination of the National 
     Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program and the National 
     Windstorm Impact Reduction Program, and shall make proposals 
     for planning and coordination of any other Federal research 
     for natural hazard mitigation that the Committee considers 
     appropriate.
       (4) Strategic plans.--The Committee shall develop and 
     submit to Congress, not later than one year after the date of 
     enactment of this Act--
       (A) a Strategic Plan for the National Earthquake Hazards 
     Reduction Program that includes--
       (i) prioritized goals for such Program that will mitigate 
     against the loss of life and property from future 
     earthquakes;
       (ii) short-term, mid-term, and long-term research 
     objectives to achieve those goals;
       (iii) a description of the role of each Program agency in 
     achieving the prioritized goals;
       (iv) the methods by which progress towards the goals will 
     be assessed;
       (v) an explanation of how the Program will foster the 
     transfer of research results onto outcomes, such as improved 
     building codes;
       (vi) a description of the role of social science in 
     informing the development of the prioritized goals and 
     research objectives; and
       (vii) a description of how the George E. Brown, Jr. Network 
     for Earthquake Engineering Simulation and the Advanced 
     National Seismic Research and Monitoring System will be used 
     in achieving the prioritized goals and research objectives; 
     and
       (B) a Strategic Plan for the National Windstorm Impact 
     Reduction Program that includes--
       (i) prioritized goals for such Program that will mitigate 
     against the loss of life and property from future windstorms;
       (ii) short-term, mid-term, and long-term research 
     objectives to achieve those goals;
       (iii) a description of the role of each Program agency in 
     achieving the prioritized goals;
       (iv) the methods by which progress towards the goals will 
     be assessed;
       (v) an explanation of how the Program will foster the 
     transfer of research results onto outcomes, such as improved 
     building codes; and
       (vi) a description of the role of social science in 
     informing the development of the prioritized goals and 
     research objectives.
       (5) Progress reports.--Not later than one year after the 
     date of enactment of this Act, and at least once every two 
     years thereafter, the Committee shall submit to the 
     Congress--
       (A) a report on the progress of the National Earthquake 
     Hazards Reduction Program that includes--
       (i) a description of the activities funded for the previous 
     two years of the Program, a description of how these 
     activities align with the prioritized goals and research 
     objectives established in the Strategic Plan, and the 
     budgets, per agency, for these activities;
       (ii) the outcomes achieved by the Program for each of the 
     goals identified in the Strategic Plan;

[[Page H980]]

       (iii) a description of any recommendations made to change 
     existing building codes that were the result of Program 
     activities; and
       (iv) a description of the extent to which the Program has 
     incorporated recommendations from the Advisory Committee on 
     Earthquake Hazards Reduction; and
       (B) a report on the progress of the National Windstorm 
     Impact Reduction Program that includes--
       (i) a description of the activities funded for the previous 
     two years of the Program, a description of how these 
     activities align with the prioritized goals and research 
     objectives established in the Strategic Plan, and the 
     budgets, per agency, for these activities;
       (ii) the outcomes achieved by the Program for each of the 
     goals identified in the Strategic Plan;
       (iii) a description of any recommendations made to change 
     existing building codes that were the result of Program 
     activities; and
       (iv) a description of the extent to which the Program has 
     incorporated recommendations from the Advisory Committee on 
     Windstorm Impact Reduction.
       (6) Coordinated budget.--The Committee shall develop a 
     coordinated budget for the National Earthquake Hazards 
     Reduction Program and a coordinated budget for the National 
     Windstorm Impact Reduction Program. These budgets shall be 
     submitted to the Congress at the time of the President's 
     budget submission for each fiscal year.
       (b) Advisory Committees on Natural Hazards Reduction.--
       (1) In general.--The Director of the National Institute of 
     Standards and Technology shall establish an Advisory 
     Committee on Earthquake Hazards Reduction, an Advisory 
     Committee on Windstorm Impact Reduction, and other such 
     advisory committees as the Director considers necessary to 
     advise the Institute on research, development, and technology 
     transfer activities to mitigate the impact of natural 
     disasters.
       (2) Advisory committee on earthquake hazards reduction.--
     The Advisory Committee on Earthquake Hazards Reduction shall 
     be composed of at least 11 members, none of whom may be 
     employees of the Federal Government, including 
     representatives of research and academic institutions, 
     industry standards development organizations, emergency 
     management agencies, State and local government, and business 
     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 National Earthquake 
     Hazards Reduction Program.
       (3) Advisory committee on windstorm impact reduction.--The 
     Advisory Committee on Windstorm Impact Reduction shall be 
     composed of at least 7 members, none of whom may be employees 
     of the Federal Government, including representatives of 
     research and academic institutions, industry standards 
     development organizations, emergency management agencies, 
     State and local government, and business communities who are 
     qualified to provide advice on windstorm impact 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 National Windstorm Impact Reduction Program.
       (4) Assessments.--The Advisory Committee on Earthquake 
     Hazards Reduction and the Advisory Committee on Windstorm 
     Impact Reduction shall offer assessments on--
       (A) trends and developments in the natural, social, and 
     engineering sciences and practices of earthquake hazards or 
     windstorm impact mitigation;
       (B) the priorities of the Programs' Strategic Plans;
       (C) the coordination of the Programs; and
       (D) and any revisions to the Programs which may be 
     necessary.
       (5) Reports.--At least every two years, the Advisory 
     Committees shall report to the Director of the National 
     Institute of Standards and Technology on the assessments 
     carried out under paragraph (4) and their recommendations for 
     ways to improve the Programs. In developing recommendations 
     for the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program, the 
     Advisory Committee on Earthquake Hazards Reduction shall 
     consider the recommendations of the United States Geological 
     Survey Scientific Earthquake Studies Advisory Committee.
       (c) Coordination of Federal Disaster Research, Development, 
     and Technology Transfer.--Not later than 2 years after the 
     date of enactment of this Act, the Subcommittee on Disaster 
     Reduction of the Committee on Environment and Natural 
     Resources of the National Science and Technology Council 
     shall submit a report to the Congress identifying--
       (1) current Federal research, development, and technology 
     transfer activities that address hazard mitigation for 
     natural disasters, including earthquakes, hurricanes, 
     tornados, wildfires, floods, and the current budgets for 
     these activities;
       (2) areas of research that are common to two or more of the 
     hazards identified in paragraph (1); and
       (3) opportunities to create synergies between the research 
     activities for the hazards identified in paragraph (1).

       TITLE IV--NATIONAL CONSTRUCTION SAFETY TEAM ACT AMENDMENTS

     SEC. 401. NATIONAL CONSTRUCTION SAFETY TEAM ACT AMENDMENTS.

       The National Construction Safety Team Act (15 U.S.C. 7301 
     et seq.) is amended--
       (1) in section 2(a)--
       (A) by striking ``a building or buildings'' and inserting 
     ``a building, buildings, or infrastructure''; and
       (B) by striking ``To the maximum extent practicable, the 
     Director shall establish and deploy a Team within 48 hours 
     after such an event.'' and inserting ``The Director shall 
     make a decision whether to deploy a Team within 72 hours 
     after such an event.'';
       (2) in section 2(b)(1), by striking ``buildings'' and 
     inserting ``buildings or infrastructure'';
       (3) in section 2(b)(2)(A), by striking ``building'' and 
     inserting ``building or infrastructure'';
       (4) in section 2(b)(2)(D), by striking ``buildings'' and 
     inserting ``buildings or infrastructure'';
       (5) in section 2(c)(1), by striking ``the United States 
     Fire Administration and'';
       (6) in section 2(c)(1)(G), by striking ``building'' and 
     inserting ``building or infrastructure'';
       (7) in section 2(c)(1)(J)--
       (A) by striking ``building'' and inserting ``building or 
     infrastructure''; and
       (B) by inserting ``and the National Windstorm Impact 
     Reduction Act of 2004'' after ``Act of 1977'';
       (8) in section 4(a), by striking ``investigating a 
     building'' and inserting ``investigating building and 
     infrastructure'';
       (9) in section 4(a)(1)--
       (A) by striking ``a building'' and inserting ``a building 
     or infrastructure''; and
       (B) by striking ``building'' both of the other places it 
     appears and inserting ``building or infrastructure'';
       (10) in section 4(a)(3), by striking ``building'' both 
     places it appears and inserting ``building or 
     infrastructure'';
       (11) in section 4(b), by striking ``building'' both places 
     it appears and inserting ``building or infrastructure'';
       (12) in section 4(c)(1) and (2), by striking ``building'' 
     both places it appears and inserting ``building or 
     infrastructure'';
       (13) by amending section 4(d)(1) to read as follows:
       ``(1) In general.--Except as otherwise provided in this 
     subsection, a Team investigation shall have priority over any 
     other investigation which is related to the purpose and 
     duties set forth in section 2(b) and undertaken by any other 
     Federal agency.'';
       (14) in section 4(d)(3) and (4), by striking ``building'' 
     both places it appears and inserting ``building or 
     infrastructure'';
       (15) in section 4, by adding at the end the following new 
     paragraph:
       ``(5) Infrastructure investigations.--With respect to an 
     investigation relating to an infrastructure failure, a 
     Federal agency with primary jurisdiction over the failed 
     infrastructure which is conducting an investigation and 
     asserts priority over the Team investigation shall have such 
     priority. Such priority shall not otherwise affect the 
     authority of the Team to continue its investigation under 
     this Act.'';
       (16) in section 7(a), by striking ``on request and at 
     reasonable cost'';
       (17) in section 7(c), by striking ``building'' and 
     inserting ``building or infrastructure'';
       (18) in section 8(1) and (4), by striking ``building'' both 
     places it appears and inserting ``building or 
     infrastructure'';
       (19) in section 9, by striking ``the United States Fire 
     Administration and'';
       (20) in section 9(2)(C), by striking ``building'' and 
     inserting ``building or infrastructure'';
       (21) in section 10(3), by striking ``building'' and 
     inserting ``building and infrastructure'';
       (22) in section 11(a), by striking ``the United States Fire 
     Administration and''; and
       (23) by striking section 12.

                     TITLE V--FIRE RESEARCH PROGRAM

     SEC. 501. FIRE RESEARCH PROGRAM.

       Section 16(a)(1) of the National Institute of Standards and 
     Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 278f(a)(1)) is amended--
       (1) in subparagraph (D), by inserting ``fires at the 
     wildland-urban interface,'' after ``but not limited to,''; 
     and
       (2) in subparagraph (E), by inserting ``fires at the 
     wildland-urban interface,'' after ``types of fires, 
     including''.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
Oregon (Mr. Wu) and the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Broun) each will 
control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Oregon.


                             General Leave

  Mr. WU. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 
5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and to include 
extraneous material on H.R. 3820, the bill under consideration.

                              {time}  1415

  Mr. WU. I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 3820, the 
Natural Hazards Risk Reduction Act of 2010. This bipartisan bill 
addresses a crucial need--securing our communities against earthquakes, 
hurricanes, tornadoes, and other natural phenomena.

[[Page H981]]

  As we saw last month in Haiti and just this past weekend in Chile, 
earthquakes can strike without warning, can cause massive damage and 
many, many casualties. Mitigation efforts, like advanced building 
codes, are crucial to preventing loss and injury. Preparation saves 
lives. The Chilean experience demonstrates the importance of 
preparation, of building codes, and of education.
  H.R. 3820 reauthorizes two very important natural hazard mitigation 
programs--the Natural Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program and the 
National Windstorm Impact Reduction Program.
  Since Congress created the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction 
Program, or NEHRP, in 1977, it has been used to study earthquake 
phenomena, to identify seismic hazards, and to develop building codes 
and practices to withstand earthquakes. This reauthorization will allow 
the U.S. Geological Survey, FEMA, the National Science Foundation, and 
the National Institute of Standards and Technology to continue their 
efforts to develop and to promote earthquake mitigation measures.
  Created in 2004, the National Windstorm Impact Reduction Program, or 
NWIRP, is also a critical tool in countering the destructive forces of 
hurricanes, tornadoes, and other severe windstorms. Destructive 
windstorms are not limited to Florida, to the Gulf Coast, or to Tornado 
Alley in our Midwest. Two years ago, in my Pacific Northwest, we 
experienced 150-mile-per-hour winds, a storm which killed 18 people and 
which caused nearly $200 million in damage. Just last week, gusts of up 
to 90 miles per hour were reported in the Northeast, knocking out power 
for more than 87,000 New Yorkers and others in Pennsylvania through the 
Mid-Atlantic. The purpose of NWIRP is to study wind hazards and to 
develop building codes and practices to prevent damage.
  The adoption of mitigation measures is the crucial last step in 
preventing losses from natural disasters. H.R. 3820 includes provisions 
to develop ways to cost effectively retrofit existing structures and to 
secure lifelines as well as provisions for research to identify the 
best methods to encourage homeowners, businesses, and communities to 
plan for natural disasters and to adopt mitigation and education 
measures.
  H.R. 3820 also brings greater coordination to Federal natural hazards 
R&D efforts. It directs the relevant agencies to develop a multihazards 
research agenda and to identify where common research approaches are 
appropriate across different types of hazards. This will enable a 
research agenda where the lessons learned in one disaster will be 
applied to help prevent damage in another and, therefore, save lives. 
It will use scarce taxpayer dollars more effectively and more 
efficiently.
  I would like to thank the ranking member of the Technology and 
Innovation Subcommittee, Mr. Smith of Nebraska, for his hard work and 
support in helping us bring this bill to the floor.
  I would also like to recognize my friend and colleague, Mr. Broun of 
Georgia, who is here on the floor with us today.
  I would similarly like to thank the chairman of the full Science and 
Technology Committee, Mr. Bart Gordon of Tennessee, and the ranking 
member, Mr. Hall of Texas, the unforgettable Mr. Hall.
  H.R. 3820 is supported by the American Society of Civil Engineers. I 
urge my colleagues to vote for its passage.
  I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. BROUN of Georgia. I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 3820, the National Hazards 
Risk Reduction Act of 2010.
  Whether they come in the form of hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, 
tsunamis, or other phenomena, natural hazards are infrequent and 
inevitable, and as illustrated by recent events in Haiti and in Chile, 
can be devastating to life and property.
  The infrequency of such events is, of course, no excuse for 
complacency in taking steps to address them. The programs authorized in 
this legislation are the Federal Government's primary means of 
advancing science and technology to mitigate the risks of natural 
hazards. This legislation authorizes two programs--the National 
Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program, or NEHRP, and the National 
Windstorm Impact Reduction Program, NWIRP.
  NEHRP was established in 1977 in response to growing concerns about 
the threat of damaging earthquakes. It is an agency effort consisting 
of four participating agencies: firstly, the National Institute of 
Standards and Technology, NIST, supporting problem-focused earthquake 
engineering research and development programs aimed at improving 
building design codes and construction standards; secondly, the 
National Science Foundation, NSF, supporting basic research in 
geoscience, engineering, economic, and social aspects of earthquakes; 
thirdly, the U.S. Geological Survey, USGS, conducting basic and applied 
Earth science and seismology research; fourthly, FEMA, which supports 
mitigation, response, education, outreach, and implementation of 
research results.
  Similarly, the Windstorm Impact Reduction Program, created in 2004 
and modeled after NEHRP, consists of four agencies--NIST, NSF and FEMA, 
as well as NOAA, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association, 
which funds research in the atmospheric sciences--to better understand, 
predict, and respond to hurricanes, tornadoes, and other windstorms.
  The goals and activities of these two programs are clear. From 
engineering research to improve the structural resiliency of buildings, 
to the development of model building codes and standards, to recovery 
and response operations, the opportunities for leveraging earthquake 
mitigation and windstorm mitigation activities are numerous and 
substantial. Accordingly, the primary objective of this legislation is 
to establish an overarching coordination structure to improve 
communication, to exploit potential synergies, and to ensure that new 
knowledge developed from both programs can be translated into practice 
and, eventually, into decreased vulnerabilities.
  Much progress has been made with the overall authorization levels in 
this bill, which have been reduced from prior authorization levels. In 
particular, at three of the four NEHRP agencies, authorized levels have 
been reduced to more realistic levels that still achieve its goals--a 
responsible approach given our ominous overall fiscal situation. At the 
fourth NEHRP agency, USGS, the authorization level has been modestly 
increased. This reflects a position by the lead authors of the bill 
that earthquake research should be a priority at USGS.
  These two programs, if directed to the right priorities and 
implemented as a true, coordinated interagency effort, can become more 
effective and can be leveraged many times over.
  I appreciate the hard work from my fellow members of the committee 
and staff to balance the need for minimizing the risk of these natural 
disasters with the fiscal reality of large deficits and debt.
  Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. WU. Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the chairman of the 
Research and Science Education Subcommittee of the Science Committee, 
the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Lipinski).
  Mr. LIPINSKI. I thank the chairman for yielding.
  Madam Speaker, I have a background as an engineer. I actually have a 
master's degree in systems engineering. I understand the need for 
understanding how systems work and for understanding what can be done 
in preparation so that, in the case of Mr. Wu's bill, we can do the 
best that we can to mitigate, to avoid the problems, and to deal with 
what happens in the aftermath of earthquakes and windstorms.
  I thank Mr. Wu for this bill, and I thank Chairman Gordon also for 
moving this bill forward and for bringing it to the House floor. I 
thank the Republicans for their work, and I thank Mr. Broun here today.
  I think this is something that we often forget about until after a 
disaster strikes. With the earthquake in Chile, we've heard so much 
talk about the planning beforehand, about the requirements that 
buildings have to be designed in a certain way to withstand 
earthquakes, and about the lives that were saved. Probably tens of 
thousands of lives were saved from this. This was all through a type of 
planning that can come through this bill.

[[Page H982]]

  I think it is also important--and I see this so often, not just in 
the NSF, NIST, USGS, or NOAA. We see all these silos--all these 
departments, agencies--which are doing separate work, and they don't 
oftentimes enough coordinate the work that they are doing. So I think 
this bill does a very good job of making sure that we have the 
coordination when it comes to planning for earthquakes and for looking 
into what we can do about that for windstorms.
  So I thank Mr. Wu for introducing this bill, and I urge my colleagues 
to support it.
  Mr. BROUN of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I appreciate the hard work that 
my good friend from Oregon (Mr. Wu) and my friend from Nebraska (Mr. 
Smith) have put into this bill. Certainly, as a fiscal conservative, I 
am concerned about how the agencies within the Federal Government 
coordinate their activities and coordinate their communications. I 
congratulate Mr. Wu on trying to bring overarching communications 
between these four governmental agencies.
  Just today on Fox and Friends news, they had a seismologist who was 
predicting just in the very near future a major earthquake which would 
affect Mr. Wu's home State of Oregon, the State of Washington, as well 
as the State of California. We've seen a tremendous number of 
earthquakes recently, and, I think, having the Federal Government 
agencies coordinate their efforts to try to find some way to 
communicate between those is absolutely a much needed process. I 
congratulate Mr. Wu on his efforts to do that.
  So, having said all of that, Madam Speaker, I am prepared to close, 
but I do just want to congratulate Mr. Wu again on his hard work on 
this bill.
  I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. WU. I want to thank the gentleman from Georgia for his very kind 
remarks.
  Madam Speaker, we do not and we actually should not agree all the 
time, because these are sincere differences which, I think, we reflect 
in our personal values and in the values of our constituents; but the 
legislation that we are dealing with today demonstrates this Congress' 
working at its best on those issues where we should be coming together, 
and we do.
  I want to thank the gentleman. I want to thank Mr. Smith and Mr. Hall 
on the minority side.
  Mr. BROUN of Georgia. Would the gentleman yield?
  Mr. WU. I would be happy to yield to the gentleman.
  Mr. BROUN of Georgia. I agree wholeheartedly.
  I wish we could get together on health reform and could get together 
and do something that's right for the American people. I wish we could 
get together on an economic stimulus package. Folks on our side would 
very much like to do so. It is unfortunate that we have such a 
philosophical divide on many issues.
  Mr. Wu, I have enjoyed working with you on the Science and Technology 
Committee. I love your State. I did my internship in Portland, Oregon, 
and I know that's where you live, in that area. I wish we could get 
together on many issues. I congratulate you on your leadership and for 
bringing together a bipartisan bill so that people do get together at 
least on this issue.
  I commit to you, as well as to my Democratic colleagues, to work to 
try to find some commonsense solutions, market-based solutions, to 
health reform and to getting our economy back on course and other 
things. I hope that we can work together on these.

                              {time}  1430

  Mr. WU. I thank the gentleman for his kind remarks. Sometimes the 
largest things start in small ways, and the longest journey starts with 
a small step, and perhaps we are taking that step today, Mr. Broun.
  Storms teach us all sorts of things, and personal effort and caring 
matter a lot. The snowstorms that paralyzed this city a couple of weeks 
ago in some respects are a metaphor for what has been going on with the 
political and policy mechanisms that also occupy this city.
  I believe that in my home State, within a few hours of the storm 
being over, we would be out there starting to clean up, and we would be 
doing a reasonable job fairly soon. What happened here was paralysis 
for days at a time, schools closing for the rest of the week, and 
people complaining about the city not cleaning the streets.
  But what I noticed was that in my neighborhood, folks did shovel 
their sidewalks, and it makes a big difference. Just take care of your 
own sidewalk, and maybe help your neighbor, if your neighbor is old or 
just not able to do these things for him or herself. In the second 
storm, I actually offered to pay my son a little bit of money to shovel 
the whole block. Shoveling the block was the second most important 
thing to do. I think the most important thing to do was to teach him 
civic virtue and what serving the broader good is all about.
  This bill does serve the broader national good. The example of Chile 
demonstrates the importance of preparation. It demonstrates the 
importance of American technology, because the Chileans borrowed their 
designs from the United States. It also helps us understand where we 
need to get better, because their highways had a lot of collapses, just 
as our highways during the quake in Los Angeles unfortunately 
collapsed, and perhaps we can improve our designs for that.
  Education is also a very, very important component of earthquake 
safety. In my State, it is estimated that we could have a 9.5 Richter 
scale quake, just like the world's largest quake ever recorded. That 
one was down in Peru and Chile, and it was 9.5 on the Richter scale. 
The scientists tell us that is what can happen in the Pacific 
Northwest, and it actually has happened in the past.
  Since the last ice age, these quakes have occurred every 200 to 1,000 
years, and the average period was 300 years. We didn't know that this 
was going to go on. When I moved to Oregon, we didn't know anything 
about problems like this. But this is the problem of science.
  Through research on tree roots which were buried in mud and research 
on Japanese records, we found out that the last such earthquake 
occurred in January of 1701, 309 years ago. So if the average period is 
300 years, we are in that zone, and we ought to be prepared.
  Education is key. Preparation is key. And it is not just the 
buildings, it is not just design, but it is also about educating people 
about what to do before the quake, what to do during the quake, what to 
do after the quake, and how do you prepare for a tsunami, how do you 
get out of the way.
  It takes courage, and it takes overcoming fear, and there are 
different kinds of courage, and there are different kinds of fear. I 
know that some folks are concerned about what happens when we move to 
an all-hazards approach to these natural phenomena, and I can tell you 
that this Congress, this committee, Mr. Broun and I, will stand united 
in providing the resources so that we can appropriately reduce risk 
across different phenomena, whether the risk is created by wind, by 
water, by earthquake, or by tsunami. That is the obligation of 
leadership, and we will provide the leadership to do that, because at 
the end of the day, the earthquakes, the wind and other hazards, they 
know no bounds, they know no geographic bounds, and they know no bounds 
with respect to age or income or any other hazard.
  Madam Speaker, I ask all Members to vote in favor of this 
legislation.
  Mr. OBERSTAR. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 3820, 
the ``Natural Hazards Risk Reduction Act of 2010''. This bill 
reauthorizes natural hazard risk reduction programs, in particular the 
National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program and the National 
Windstorm Impact Reduction Program.
  Members of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and I 
have been strong advocates for the reduction of the risks our Nation 
faces from natural hazards. I commend the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. 
Gordon), Chairman of the Committee on Science and Technology, and the 
gentleman from Oregon (Mr. Wu), for bringing this bill before the House 
today and for the cooperative spirit in which they have worked with our 
committee on this legislation.
  The ``Natural Hazards Risk Reduction Act of 2010'', and the programs 
it authorizes, will assist communities and citizens across the country 
in reducing their risk from several natural hazards, that, 
unfortunately, occur all too often in our Nation. Specifically, this 
legislation addresses the risks from three hazards: earthquakes, 
windstorms, and fires.
  We have all recently seen the destruction that earthquakes can cause. 
On January 12,

[[Page H983]]

2010, a catastrophic earthquake measuring 7.0 on the Richter scale 
struck the island nation of Haiti. This earthquake was the largest 
earthquake to hit Haiti in over 200 years. An estimated 230,000 people 
lost their lives in this disaster, which affected over three million 
people.
  I have a deep, personal connection to the people of Haiti: before I 
went to work for people of Minnesota, I lived in Haiti for almost 3 
years. Since that time, I have followed events in that nation and have 
maintained many good friendships with Haitian citizens. In fact, I was 
in Haiti shortly before the earthquake hit, in October 2009. When I 
accompanied Speaker Pelosi on a bipartisan, bicameral trip to Haiti 
last month, I was struck by visions of places I saw just three months 
prior that were unrecognizable as they lie in complete and utter ruin. 
These haunting images clearly demonstrate the power of an earthquake, 
and the importance of ensuring we do everything we can to protect our 
citizens from such devastation.
  This past weekend, another devastating earthquake struck Chile. This 
earthquake is believed to be hundreds of times more powerful than the 
earthquake that struck Haiti, yet early reports seem to indicate that 
the loss of life and destruction--while no less tragic--was less severe 
than in Haiti. There are likely a number of reasons for the reduced 
damage, including where the earthquake struck. However, it must also be 
recognized that Chile is a nation that is at great risk of seismic 
activity and has taken significant steps to reduce the risk that 
earthquakes pose to that nation and its citizens.
  H.R. 3820 also addresses risks due to windstorms and wildfires. In my 
district in Minnesota, we have been unfortunate to bear witness to the 
devastating effects of both of these hazards, and how they can be 
related. On July 4, 1999, a straight line windstorm, also known as a 
derecho, struck the Boundary Waters Canoe Wilderness Area and downed 
millions of trees. Not only did this devastate the wilderness area and 
its surroundings, it also created a huge fire hazard from the fallen 
timber.
  The citizens of Minnesota made every effort to reduce the risk of the 
fire. Residents in the affected areas utilized Federal Emergency 
Management Agency, FEMA, mitigation funds to install outdoor sprinkler 
systems to protect against wildfire. Unfortunately, although not 
unpredictably, in 2007, the Ham Lake Fire struck the area. The 
structures that had installed and maintained sprinkler systems were 
protected from the fire. This is another good example of how important 
it is to reduce the risk of natural hazards.
  H.R. 3820 contains several amendments at the request of the Committee 
on Transportation and Infrastructure that will help ensure the 
earthquake, windstorm, and wildfire risk reduction programs authorized 
in this bill are consistent with FEMA's all-hazards approach. While the 
Federal Government currently administers risk reduction programs for 
earthquakes, floods, and windstorms as free-standing programs, it is 
important that such programs do not operate completely independently or 
in a ``stove piped'' manner. In the past, I have strongly opposed 
efforts by the Department of Homeland Security to channel Federal 
resources and focus away from all-hazards preparedness and response 
programs into terrorism programs, because this approach would segment 
by particular risk.
  Specifically, H.R. 3820, as amended, will require that the National 
Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program and the National Windstorm Impact 
Reduction Program to be operated in coordination with the all-hazards 
mitigation and preparedness programs administered by FEMA and 
authorized by the Stafford Act. In this manner, States, communities, 
and citizens can utilize these programs in a coordinated manner. FEMA 
is already taking steps to coordinate among the agency's mitigation 
programs, by making the administrative requirements of its all-hazards 
and flood programs as consistent as possible. We anticipate FEMA will 
apply this sound approach to the programs authorized under this bill as 
well.
  In addition, this legislation calls for the mapping of windstorm and 
earthquake risks. H.R. 3820, as amended, will require that, to the 
extent possible, these maps be developed consistent with the multi-
hazard advisory maps authorized by the Stafford Act. It is not 
efficient or effective for communities to use separate maps identifying 
risk from each particular natural hazard the community may face. As 
hazard maps are now digitized, data for each type of risk can be easily 
superimposed on the same map, which will allow communities to use one 
common map in planning and identifying risks.
  Finally, H.R. 3820 contains amendments to the National Construction 
Safety Teams Act and expands authority of the National Institute of 
Standards and Technology, NIST, to deploy teams to investigate 
infrastructure failure. NIST's current authority is limited to building 
collapse investigations. I am pleased that this bill, as amended, 
clarifies that the authority to deploy teams for infrastructure failure 
is limited to NIST's existing authority and expertise to investigate 
the structural causes of collapse, as well as building codes, and does 
not give NIST authority beyond that arena, such as a related 
transportation accident and incident investigation if there is also an 
infrastructure failure component. The amendment also ensures that if 
another Federal agency with jurisdiction over the infrastructure 
investigates the failure, such agency investigation will have priority 
over the NIST investigation. I look forward to continued work with the 
Committee on Science and Technology on this provision as we move ahead 
with this legislation.
  I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 3820, the 
``Natural Hazards Risk Reduction Act of 2010.''
  Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 
3820, the Natural Hazards Risk Reduction Act of 2009. As a 
representative of a state that faces perhaps more natural hazard risk 
than any other--including not just from earthquakes, but also 
wildfires, windstorms, landslides, and tsunamis--I cannot overstate the 
importance of the programs authorized in this legislation, which are 
essential for protecting the lives and property of tens of millions of 
Californians.
  Two tragedies over the past two months have shown us the dramatic 
difference that comes from being properly prepared for a natural 
disaster. The magnitude 7.0 earthquake in Haiti on January 12th struck 
a country that was woefully unprepared for such an event. Unreinforced 
buildings collapsed like houses of cards, and an almost unfathomable 
200,000 people were killed. This past Sunday, a far-stronger magnitude 
8.8 earthquake hit Chile, and while this tragedy claimed the lives of 
over 700, the death toll was much lower than Haiti's because people 
were protected by buildings constructed to withstand that sort of 
shaking.
  The United States has not suffered these sorts of staggering 
casualties from a seismic event in over a hundred years, in large part 
due to the work of the U.S. Geological Survey's Earthquake Hazard 
Program. We cannot predict when the next major earthquake will strike 
the United States. But we know where it is most likely. And we have 
been able to enact building codes in those areas to protect people in 
their homes and offices. We have conducted preparedness drills so 
people know what to do when the Big One hits. We have been able to 
engineer pipelines, power lines, and roads to survive a major quake, so 
we can rebuild and recover as quickly as possible. The U.S. Geological 
Survey has helped make this all possible.
  This legislation reauthorizes the National Earthquake Hazard 
Reduction Program, of which the U.S. Geological Survey's Earthquake 
Hazard Program is a part. When this legislation was first reported out 
of the Science and Technology Committee, I was concerned about the cut 
in authorization levels to the U.S. Geological Survey, which I believed 
reflected the wrong message about the importance of this critical 
program. I am pleased to say that after a hearing in my subcommittee on 
January 20th, my good friends Bart Gordon, Chairman of the Science and 
Technology Committee, and David Wu, chief sponsor of this legislation, 
worked with me to increase the authorization levels and put the 
Earthquake Hazard Program on the path for continued growth. I would 
also like to thank the ranking member of my subcommittee, Doug Lamborn 
of Colorado, for working with me in this endeavor, as well as all the 
scientists and engineers who wrote to me expressing their support for 
this program.
  Madam Speaker, in closing, I urge my colleagues to support this bill, 
but more importantly, I urge us all to help the people of Haiti and 
Chile in any way we can as they attempt to clean up and rebuild. The 
hopes and prayers of everyone in this Chamber are with them.
  Mr. GORDON of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, I would like to thank 
Subcommittee Chairman David Wu, Subcommittee Ranking Member Adrian 
Smith, and Ranking Member Ralph Hall for their hard work on this very 
important legislation that will do so much to help protect our 
communities from natural disasters. I also want to recognize the work 
of the Natural Resources Committee as well as the Transportation and 
Infrastructure Committee in arriving at the text we are considering 
today. Both Chairman Rahall and Chairman Oberstar have been enormously 
helpful in getting this bill to the floor today. In addition, I want to 
recognize Jim Costa, who chairs the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral 
Resources at the Natural Resources Committee, and who has been a leader 
in working to protect our communities from earthquakes. At this time I 
would like to insert an exchange of letters between Chairman Rahall and 
myself into the Record, and once again thank both Chairmen for their 
support.


[[Page H984]]


                                         House of Representatives,


                               Committee on Natural Resources,

                                Washington, DC, February 24, 2010.
     Hon. Bart Gordon,
     Chairman, Committee on Science and Technology, Washington, 
         DC.
       Dear Mr. Chairman: Thank you for the opportunity to work 
     with you on H.R. 3820, the Natural Hazards Risk Reduction Act 
     of 2009, which was referred to the Committee on Science and 
     Technology, and in addition to the Committee on Natural 
     Resources.
       Because of the continued cooperation and consideration that 
     you have afforded me and my staff in developing these 
     provisions, and knowing of your interest in expediting this 
     legislation, I am willing to waive further consideration of 
     H.R. 3820 by the Committee on Natural Resources at this time. 
     Of course, this waiver is not intended to prejudice any 
     future jurisdictional claims over the provisions of this 
     legislation or similar language. I also reserve the right to 
     seek to have conferees named from the Committee on Natural 
     Resources on these provisions, and request your support if 
     such a request is made.
       Please place this letter into the committee report on H.R. 
     3820 and into the Congressional Record during consideration 
     of the measure on the House floor.
       With warm regards, I am
           Sincerely,
                                                Nick J. Rahall II,
                         Chairman, Committee on Natural Resources.
                                  ____
                                  
                                              Committee on Science


                                               and Technology,

                                Washington, DC, February 24, 2010.
     Hon. Nick J. Rahall II
     Chairman, Committee on Natural Resources, Washington, DC.
       Dear Chairman Rahall: Thank you for your letter regarding 
     H.R. 3820, the Natural Hazards Risk Reduction Act of 2009. 
     Your support for this legislation and your assistance in 
     ensuring its timely consideration are greatly appreciated.
       I agree that provisions in the bill are of jurisdictional 
     interest to the Committee on Natural Resources. I acknowledge 
     that by discharging the Committee on Natural Resources from 
     further consideration of H.R. 3820, your Committee is not 
     relinquishing its jurisdiction and I will fully support your 
     request to be represented in a House-Senate conference on 
     those provisions over which the Committee on Natural 
     Resources has jurisdiction. A copy of our letters will be 
     placed in the Committee Report on H.R. 3820 and in the 
     Congressional Record during consideration of the bill on the 
     House floor.
       I value your cooperation and look forward to working with 
     you as we move ahead with this important legislation.
           Sincerely,
                                                      Bart Gordon,
                                                         Chairman.

  Mr. WU. 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 Oregon (Mr. Wu) that the House suspend the rules and 
pass the bill, H.R. 3820, 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. BROUN of Georgia. 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.

                          ____________________