[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 125 (Wednesday, July 27, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E790]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        NOAA CHIEF SCIENTIST ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. MIKIE SHERRILL

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 26, 2022

  Ms. SHERRILL. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of my bill, H.R. 3952, 
the NOAA Chief Scientist Act.
  The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is the premier 
federal agency in oceanic and atmospheric research. From climate 
modeling to aquatic habitat preservation, NOAA conducts scientific 
research that improves the lives of all Americans, especially in my 
home state of New Jersey.
  The agency's Chief Scientist performs an integral and extensive role 
in facilitating the coordination of research efforts across each of 
NOAA's six unique line offices and with other federal agencies. 
Previous Chief Scientists come from decorated and distinguished 
backgrounds, including scientists from preeminent roles in oceanography 
and atmospheric science. Dr. Sarah Kapnick, an executive with 18 years 
of experience at the intersection of climate science and economics, has 
been most recently named to this role.
  The Chief Scientist also plays a critical role in ensuring that NOAA 
can accurately predict future weather events, an essential service to 
help Americans prepare for severe weather. In New Jersey, the forecast 
residents received in advance of Hurricane Ida did not adequately 
prepare them for the storm, which killed 25 people across the state and 
cost the United States $65 billion. As weather events become more 
frequent and severe due to climate change, accurate weather forecasting 
from the agency will save lives and money.
  This bipartisan bill clarifies the role that the Chief Scientist has 
in advising NOAA on scientific technology policies and strategies. The 
Chief Scientist's role requires an established and experienced 
background in producing sound scientific work as well as respect from 
the scientific community to facilitate connections towards cutting edge 
research that does not merely reflect partisan interests. It is 
important that NOAA's Chief Scientist is insulated from political 
interference and maintain scientific integrity. That is why this bill 
requires the Chief Scientist to both adhere to, and uphold, scientific 
integrity policies.
  This bill directs the NOAA Administrator to give due consideration to 
recommendations that are submitted by reputable and diverse scientific 
and academic organizations within the U.S. This includes scientific 
organizations such as the National Academies and NOAA's Science 
Advisory Board, which have extensive experience with scientists of this 
caliber. It also requires the Chief Scientist to be knowledgeable in 
the scientific disciplines associated with the work at NOAA--a 
reasonable requirement given the complexities of NOAA's work.
  This bill further establishes an Office of the Chief Scientist, to be 
staffed by Federal employees of NOAA which will be detailed into the 
office on a rotating basis. Detailing employees from all line offices 
ensures that each will remain represented in overseeing the research at 
NOAA. The new role of Deputy Chief Scientist, designated by the NOAA 
Administrator, will further support the functions of the Chief 
Scientist, and will perform the role of Acting Chief Scientist in the 
event of a vacancy in the position. These steps will provide crucial 
support to the Chief Scientist to further the mission of NOAA.
  Finally, this bill requires that the Chief Scientist produce a 
yearly, public report which describes the accomplishments and 
implementation of NOAA's scientific and technological strategies. This 
report will also detail any challenges faced by the agency and provide 
a transparent summary of all research funded by NOAA. This will include 
a breakdown of the percentage of research funded and carried out by the 
private sector, cooperative institutes, academia, nongovernmental 
organizations, and other institutions. This yearly report will further 
ensure that the research mission of NOAA is transparent and forward-
thinking.
  I want to thank my colleague from the Science Committee, 
Representative Feenstra of Iowa, for working with me to introduce this 
bill. This bill has also been endorsed by the American Meteorological 
Society and the Union of Concerned Scientists.
  Scientific research is at its best when it is approached 
collaboratively and includes a variety of perspectives and skillsets. 
This bill outlines the responsibilities and requirements for a NOAA 
Chief Scientist to ensure that a qualified individual can help the 
agency advance its cross-cutting mission of science and service. This 
will support NOAA's efforts to provide world-class research to serve 
communities through future research endeavors.

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