[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 148 (2002), Part 8]
[House]
[Pages 10709-10721]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




       NATIONAL SEA GRANT COLLEGE PROGRAM ACT AMENDMENTS OF 2002

  Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Speaker, by direction of the Committee on Rules, 
I call up House Resolution 446 and ask for its immediate consideration.
  The Clerk read the resolution, as follows:

                              H. Res. 446

       Resolved, That at any time after the adoption of this 
     resolution the Speaker may, pursuant to clause 2(b) of rule 
     XVIII, declare the House resolved into the Committee of the 
     Whole House on the state of the Union for consideration of 
     the bill (H.R. 3389) to reauthorize the National Sea Grant 
     College Program Act, and for other purposes. The first 
     reading of the bill shall be dispensed with. General debate 
     shall be confined to the bill and shall not exceed one hour, 
     with 40 minutes equally divided and controlled by the 
     chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on 
     Resources and 20 minutes equally divided and controlled by 
     the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on 
     Science. After general debate the bill shall be considered 
     for amendment under the five-minute rule. In lieu of the 
     amendments recommended by the Committee on Resources and the 
     Committee on Science now printed in the bill, it shall be in 
     order to consider as an original bill for the purpose of 
     amendment under the five-minute rule the amendment in the 
     nature of a substitute printed in the report of the Committee 
     on Rules accompaying this resolution. Each section of that 
     amendment in the nature of a substitute shall be considered 
     as read. All points of order against that amendment in the 
     nature of a substitute are waived. During consideration of 
     the bill for amendment, the Chairman of the Committee of the 
     Whole may accord priority in recognition on the basis of 
     whether the Member offering an amendment has caused it to be 
     printed in the portion of the Congressional Record designated 
     for that purpose of clause 8 of rule XVIII. Amendments so 
     printed shall be considered as read. At the conclusion of 
     consideration of the bill for amendment the Committee shall 
     rise and report the bill to the House with such amendments as 
     may have been adopted. Any Member may demand a separate vote 
     in the House on any amendment adopted in the Committee of the 
     Whole to the bill or to the amendment in the nature of a 
     substitute made in order as original text. The previous 
     question shall be considered as ordered on the bill and 
     amendments thereto to final passage without intervening 
     motion except one motion to recommit with or without 
     instructions.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Sununu). The gentleman from Florida (Mr. 
Diaz-Balart) is recognized for 1 hour.
  Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Speaker, for the purpose of debate only, I yield 
the customary 30 minutes to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Hastings), 
pending which I yield myself such time as I may consume. During 
consideration of this resolution, all time yielded is for the purpose 
of debate only.
  (Mr. DIAZ-BALART asked and was given permission to revise and extend 
his remarks.)
  Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Speaker, House Resolution 446 is an open rule 
providing for the consideration of H.R. 3389, the National Sea Grant 
College Program Act Amendments of 2002. The rule provides 1 hour of 
general debate with 40 minutes equally divided and controlled by the 
chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Resources, and 
20 minutes equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking 
member of the Committee on Science. The rule provides one motion to 
recommit with or without instructions. This obviously is a very fair 
rule, Mr. Speaker, that will allow Members all possible opportunity to 
debate this important issue.
  The underlying legislation of the National Sea Grant College Program 
Act is amended to include an emphasis on ocean and coastal resources 
conservation and management, as well as collaboration between academia 
and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, known as NOAA.
  Sea grant colleges support applied research at the local level and 
support major crosscutting research initiatives. This is a bipartisan 
bill that makes changes to the act that will enhance cooperation 
between Sea Grant and other executive programs with similar missions, 
promote funding disbursements based on competitive merit review, and 
increase authorization levels.
  Florida has enjoyed great success with this program, through research

[[Page 10710]]

and education in the areas of aquaculture, fisheries, coastal process, 
and hazards, marine biotechnology and estuaries.
  The underlying legislation provides not only important research, but 
also resources to communities and academic institutions. I am a proud 
cosponsor of this bill, and I urge my colleagues, Mr. Speaker, to 
support not only the underlying legislation, but this open rule and 
very fair rule as well.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

                              {time}  1145

  Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I 
may consume, and I thank the gentleman from Miami, Florida (Mr. Diaz-
Balart), for yielding me the time.
  Mr. Speaker, today's rule is a fair one. It is an open rule, and it 
is one that I will be supporting. I only wish that my colleagues on the 
other side of the aisle would make it a habit of bringing these types 
of fair and open rules to the floor.
  Mr. Speaker, the National Sea Grant College Program was established 
in 1966 to improve the science, conservation, and management of ocean, 
coastal, and Great Lakes resources through the use of academic grants. 
There are currently 30 designated sea grant programs which utilize a 
network of 300 universities and scientific institutions.
  Those of us in the Florida delegation know all too well the benefits 
that have come as a result of the national sea grant program. Primarily 
housed at the University of Florida, Florida's Sea Grant College 
Program currently enjoys the support of 15 Florida universities, both 
public and private.
  Included in this 15 is my alma mater, and that of the gentlewomen 
from Florida (Ms. Brown) and (Mrs. Meek), Florida A&M University. In 
addition, Florida Atlantic University, and I am proud to say that I 
will be receiving an honorary doctorate from that institution soon, the 
University of Miami, Florida State University, and Nova Southeastern 
University, that is in my district and that of the gentleman from 
Florida (Mr. Deutsch), all are active participants in the Sea Grant 
College Program, as well.
  A footnote there: I overlooked the fact that that university, as 
well, is in the district of the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Shaw).
  Under the National directorship of Dr. Fritz Schuler, the National 
Sea Grant Program has continued to grow every year since its 
conception. Florida universities are privileged enough to have people 
like Jim Cato, William Seaman, and Ed Harvey working for them. I 
applaud the hard work of these individuals and their colleagues and 
commend them for a job well done.
  H.R. 3389 reauthorizes the National Sea Grant College Program from 
fiscal year 2003 through fiscal year 2008. It sends a clear message 
that the National Sea Grant College Program is one that must be 
sustained. Provisions in the bill increase current funding in the 
program every year.
  Further, the bill reauthorizes the Coastal Ocean Program, providing 
$35 million per year through fiscal year 2008. This is a program that 
the people of our respective districts, and certainly mine, benefit 
directly from. I applaud the good work done by the Committee on 
Resources and the Committee on Science for continuing this much needed 
program.
  I commend the work done by the two committee chairpersons, the 
gentleman from Utah (Mr. Hansen) and the gentleman from New York (Mr. 
Boehlert), as well as the ranking Democrats, my good friend, the 
gentleman from West Virginia (Mr. Rahall), and the gentleman from Texas 
(Mr. Hall).
  Finally, the bill includes a provision requiring equal access for 
minority and economically disadvantaged students. Such provisions in 
many of our bills make it possible for minority and economically 
disadvantaged students to achieve in areas and fields where they might 
not otherwise succeed.
  I applaud my colleagues for including this provision in H.R. 3389, 
and I urge them to never forget the immediate and long-term benefits of 
these practices.
  In closing, Mr. Speaker, this is a fair rule. The substitute is a 
fair substitute, as is the amendment being offered by my colleague, the 
gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson-Lee). I urge my colleagues to 
support the rule and the underlying bill.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Rhode Island 
(Mr. Kennedy).
  Mr. KENNEDY of Rhode Island. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from 
Florida (Mr. Hastings) for yielding time to me; and I should say Dr. 
Hastings, given the honorary doctorate the gentleman will be receiving 
shortly.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise to urge my colleagues to support H.R. 3389, the 
National Sea Grant College Program Act. This is a comprehensive piece 
of legislation which will contribute greatly to the valuable work that 
the sea grant programs across the Nation continue to do every day.
  I want to thank the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Gilchrest) for his 
leadership on this in introducing this legislation, and other 
bipartisan cosponsors, including the gentleman from Alaska (Mr. Young), 
the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Saxton), the gentleman from Guam 
(Mr. Underwood), and the gentleman from American Samoa (Mr. 
Faleomavaega). I thank him, as well.
  Mr. Speaker, I represent the first district of Rhode Island. Rhode 
Island is known as the Ocean State. For hundreds of years, my State has 
made its living on the sea, from fishing in the waters to utilizing 
them for transportation. We have now added ocean exploration and 
science to our tasks.
  I am proud to say that Rhode Island has always been at the forefront 
of ocean science. I have worked extensively with the folks at the 
University of Rhode Island Sea Grant Program. They realize that this 
legislation, which will reauthorize the sea grant program for another 5 
years, will allow them to leverage Federal funds in order to continue 
their study of our oceans. This allows us to make valuable strides 
forward in not just ocean exploration, but in biomedical sciences.
  How many people realize how much we derive from the ocean in terms of 
biomedical sciences and advances in pharmaceutical drugs, all found 
because of the sciences we do on our oceans?
  The Coastal Environmental Restoration and Preservation programs are 
also part of this ocean science sea grant program. Food production and 
responsible economic development through the utilization of our waters 
is key, and the sea grant program works with the Aid to International 
Development to help those countries around the world develop their 
coastal ways to feed their people. We have great hunger in the world, 
and the ocean can be a great resource for foodstuffs and fish protein.
  Additionally, this legislation promotes strong relationships between 
the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration and the sea 
grant. I look forward to seeing passage of this rule and also seeing 
passage of this legislation. Ultimately, I will work on the Committee 
on Appropriations to see that its laudable goals are adequately funded.
  Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Florida for bringing this 
bill forward; I look forward to passage of this resolution.
  Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 2 minutes 
to my friend, the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Kind).
  Mr. KIND. Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend, the gentleman from Florida 
(Mr. Hastings), or Dr. Hastings, for yielding me the time.
  I also want to commend my good friend, the gentleman from Maryland 
(Mr. Gilchrest), for reintroducing the legislation and for the 
leadership that he has provided, as well as the leadership that the 
Chair and the ranking members on the appropriate committees have given 
this legislation.
  Mr. Speaker, I do rise as a strong supporter of the rule, as well as 
for H.R. 3389, the bill to reauthorize the National Sea Grant College 
Program Act. While my district is far from either coast, the State of 
Wisconsin is

[[Page 10711]]

host to some of our Nation's most important fresh water resources. With 
the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River as our borders, and more 
lakes, actually, than the State of Minnesota, water-quality issues are 
central to the lives of Wisconsin residents and the residents in the 
upper Midwest region.
  Mr. Speaker, the sea grant program provides Wisconsin with valuable 
tools for research and education associated with our unique natural 
resources. Through the University of Wisconsin system, support from sea 
grant enhances scientific research, education, and outreach throughout 
the entire State. In fact, the University of Wisconsin Sea Grant 
Institute is nationally recognized as a leader in marine science 
education.
  I also have a personal interest in the sea grant program. Since I was 
first elected to Congress, my office has benefited as a participant in 
the Sea Grant Policy Fellowship Program. Serving in 1-year fellowships, 
sea grant Fellows have provided invaluable knowledge and experience to 
my office.
  As a co-chair of the Upper Mississippi River Basin Congressional Task 
Force, these Fellows have had their hands full working not only with 
water resource issues that affect my congressional district, which has 
more miles along the Mississippi River than any other congressional 
district in the Nation, but also have been helping to coordinate 
efforts throughout the entire five-state basin area in the upper 
Midwest.
  The United States has thrived through scientific achievements, and we 
must continue to encourage our students to pursue math and science 
education. The sea grant program is a great example of our efforts in 
this area, and noted accomplishments by the participants in the program 
represent how valuable this investment is.
  In conclusion, Mr. Speaker, I would like to take the opportunity to 
again thank the former sea grant Fellows that have served in my office, 
Jeff Stein, Ed Buckner, Allen Hance, and Laura Cimo, for their 
outstanding work. I would also like to thank the Members of this body 
for their past support of the sea grant program, and I encourage my 
colleagues to support the legislation today.
  Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my 
time.
  Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Speaker, reiterating my support for the rule and 
the underlying legislation, and asking all of our colleagues to support 
both, I yield back the balance of my time, and I move the previous 
question on the resolution.
  The previous question was ordered.
  The resolution was agreed to.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Diaz-Balart). Pursuant to House 
Resolution 446 and rule XVIII, the Chair declares the House in the 
Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union for the 
consideration of the bill, H.R. 3389.

                              {time}  1157


                     In the Committee of the Whole

  Accordingly, the House resolved itself into the Committee of the 
Whole House on the State of the Union for the consideration of the bill 
(H.R. 3389) to reauthorize the National Sea Grant College Program Act, 
and for other purposes, with Mr. Sununu in the chair.
  The Clerk read the title of the bill.
  The CHAIRMAN. Pursuant to the rule, the bill is considered as having 
been read the first time.
  Under the rule, the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Gilchrest) and the 
gentleman from Guam (Mr. Underwood) each will control 20 minutes, and 
the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Ehlers) and the gentleman from 
Michigan (Mr. Barcia) each will control 10 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Gilchrest).
  Mr. GILCHREST. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Mr. Chairman, today the House is considering H.R. 3389, the National 
Sea Grant College Program Act Amendments of 2002 which we introduced 
last fall. The bill before us is a bipartisan substitute worked out 
between the Committee on Resources and the Committee on Science. It 
reauthorizes the sea grant program for 5 years within the National 
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and makes some minor 
improvements to the program. It also reauthorizes the Coastal Ocean 
Program, but does not consolidate the two programs. I urge my 
colleagues to support the bill.
  Mr. Chairman, in 1964, the concept was created to understand the 
relationship between the oceans, the environment, and the economy, and 
the best way to deal with those issues that would benefit all of us. In 
1966, the idea was put into a statute called the National Sea Grant 
College Program.
  What sea grants do essentially are five very important things. One of 
the aspects is research so we understand the marine ecosystems from 
around the world and human impacts to that ecosystem and the benefits 
that humans can derive from the marine ecosystem if we understand how 
nature works.
  Number two is an education component which deals with colleges and 
universities from around the country. This impacts about 300 
institutions and disseminates and educates a lot of young people to 
have a sense of understanding toward the marine ecosystems and their 
impact on people.

                              {time}  1200

  The third component are advisory agents, and these are mostly those 
young people that are educated through the sea grant program in the 
Nation's universities to go directly to communities to help those 
coastal communities understand how their economy can improve while the 
environment improves. So it has been an extremely successful operation 
over the last almost 40 years now.
  The fourth component affects the U.S. Congress in a very, very 
positive way, and many Members of Congress, especially on this 
particular committee, as was spoken by the gentleman from Wisconsin, 
has the advantage of sea grant fellows, and these sea grant fellows 
offer the kind of data, information, science and understanding into 
these very complex issues so that we as Members of Congress can weave 
our way through the very complex dynamic maze of the mechanics of 
nature.
  The third thing that this particular reauthorization does is to once 
again emphasize the very important aspect of this Congress into 
developing ways that the economy of this country and the environmental 
aspects of legislation can and must be compatible, and this legislation 
goes a long way into doing that.
  The fourth thing this legislation does is to understand the very 
nature and difficulty with environmental degradation and loss of 
dollars to the economy of invasive species, what invasive species need 
to be addressed first, what invasive species are the most problems with 
this country and how invasive species arrive on our shores. Also, the 
research deals with marine biotechnology and agriculture.
  The fifth thing, we ensure that there are dollars for 30 institutions 
and over 300 programs around the country.
  We have worked in a very bipartisan fashion, and I want to thank my 
colleagues on the Democratic side for their cooperation. I want to 
thank the staff on both sides of the aisle for their cooperation. I 
also want to thank the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Ehlers) on the 
Committee on Science for their collaboration into this effort.
  Our amendment strengthens the act by calling for an increase in 
collaboration between the ocean research funding entities and the 
National Research College Program to limit duplication of efforts and 
enhance related research. This legislation increases authorization 
levels that have remained painfully stagnant over the past decade 
almost.
  The amendment also ensures that the quality research and management 
within the sea grant college system is rewarded through a competitive, 
merit-based disbursement of funds, and finally, because of the great 
importance of the coastal and ocean resources of the territories and 
freely associated States within the Pacific Ocean, the act calls for a 
reporting of their efforts

[[Page 10712]]

in developing the infrastructure and expertise necessary to become sea 
grant institutions.
  I want to thank the gentleman from Guam (Mr. Underwood) and the 
gentleman from American Samoa (Mr. Faleomavaega) for their cooperation 
through this process, and also once again the gentleman from Michigan 
(Mr. Ehlers) for his cooperation, and to the patience of the staff on 
both sides of the aisle with Members of Congress.
  Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. UNDERWOOD. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Mr. Chairman, I too am pleased to speak in support of H.R. 3389, a 
bill to reauthorize the national sea grant program. I would also like 
to take this time to express my strong support for the National Sea 
Grant College Program, my support for the manager's amendment in the 
nature of a substitute to H.R. 3389 which requires an annual report of 
the progress of institutions and regional associations seeking to 
develop sea grant status, and my opposition to the administration's 
plan to move the National Sea Grant College Program from NOAA to the 
National Science Foundation.
  Before discussing my specific concerns, I want to commend the 
gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Gilchrest), the chairman of the 
Subcommittee on Fisheries, Conservation, Wildlife and Oceans, and the 
gentleman from New York (Mr. Boehlert), the chairman, and the gentleman 
from Texas (Mr. Hall), the ranking member, of the Committee on Science, 
the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Ehlers) and their staffs for their 
sincere efforts to work cooperatively to develop a consensus bill which 
represents a fair and satisfying compromise to improve the act.
  On a related aside, I find the consideration of the sea grant 
legislation today to be somewhat ironic. I say this because the 
majority has scheduled this bill for consideration today, yet we intend 
to mark up next week in the Committee on Resources that legislation 
which may weaken provisions of the law under the Magnuson-Stevens 
Fisheries Conservation and Management Act.
  As the ranking member on the Subcommittee on Fisheries, Conservation, 
Wildlife and Oceans, I am involved with the oversight of programs vital 
to the interests and jurisdiction of the Committee on Resources, 
including programs at NOAA. I continue to be impressed by the National 
Sea Grant College Program, which has been pointed out repeatedly on the 
floor today, has served since 1966 to promote applied marine research, 
education, outreach and extension services.
  The national sea grant program sponsors peer-reviewed academic 
research, transfers technology and results from this research to 
industry and management agencies, and acts to educate the public about 
marine and coastal issues. It achieves environmental and economically 
important results through fostering partnerships among scientists, 
managers, industries and local, State and Federal Governments.
  These partnerships are further strengthened through sea grant's 
funding requirement that one-third of a program's grants must come from 
non-Federal sources. Sea grant has proven itself a very effective tool 
to leverage limited Federal dollars and, as a result, has built an 
outstanding network program that can use its remarkable research 
education and extension services to serve State and territorial needs.
  Considering the widespread success and support for the National Sea 
Grant College Program, I was amazed to discover that the administration 
had actually chosen to cut funding and transfer sea grant from NOAA to 
the National Science Foundation.
  Many researchers believe that the sea grant's priorities of applied 
research, outreach and education are incompatible with the fundamental 
mission of the National Science Foundation to support basic scientific 
research, and while I approve and certainly respect NSF's mission and 
scientists, and while I continue to support full funding for NSF, I, 
like many Members, believe that the national interest is best served by 
keeping sea grant in NOAA. This legislation, and gratefully I might 
add, to both the majority and minority Members, unequivocally reaffirms 
that commitment.
  It is important because I believe in the importance of the sea grant 
program that I continue to support as well as the development of a sea 
grant regional program in the Western Pacific. I am proud that colleges 
and universities in that part of the world, in that region, College of 
the Marshall Islands, the College of the Micronesia and the FSM, 
Northern Marianas College, University of Guam and Palau Community 
College, have chosen to organize themselves as a consortium working 
towards attaining program status that would bring sea grant research, 
education and extension services to an ocean area equivalent to the 
total land area of the contiguous United States. With fully 100 percent 
of our residents living within 10 miles of the ocean, it is clear that 
the development of a regional sea grant program would flourish and 
serve both regional and national interests.
  I continue to strongly advocate that the sea grant program 
designation process, especially for institutions in areas that are 
overlooked and lacking in the necessary infrastructure, such as the 
U.S. territories, requires Federal financial and technical assistance. 
More importantly, the manager's substitute amendment made in order 
under the rule includes an important benchmark provision to help guide 
the development of future sea grant programs.
  The bill before us would also allow any developing programs access to 
a portion of moneys appropriated beyond the appropriated level funding 
in fiscal year 2002.
  I do support the manager's amendment to H.R. 3389. However, I believe 
that the National Sea Grant College Program could play an even more 
important role in developing and protecting marine resources in the 
U.S. territories and freely associated States.
  In closing, it is important that the House act expeditiously to pass 
H.R. 3389 and reauthorize the National Sea Grant College Program. To do 
so at this time would be a strong commitment, reaffirmation of 
Congress' unwavering commitment to maintain the National Sea Grant 
College Program as a vital element within NOAA. It would also represent 
a rousing endorsement of sea grant's marine research, education and 
extension services that benefit millions of Americans annually.
  The bill before the House is noncontroversial, supported by the 
National Sea Grant Association. Moreover, it would make several 
improvements to the National Sea Grant College Program at a critical 
time in its history. This is good legislation. I strongly urge all 
Members of the House to vote yes on final passage of H.R. 3389.
  Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. EHLERS. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  I rise today in strong support of H.R. 3389, which reauthorizes the 
National Sea Grant College Program. The bill before us today is a 
result of a bipartisan compromise between the House Committee on 
Resources and Committee on Science. The interaction of the two 
committees produced a better bill than either of us could have done 
alone, and I am pleased with the outcome.
  The national sea grant program is unique in connecting research 
results with coastal communities through the combination of research, 
extension and education. Currently, there are 30 sea grant college 
programs which fund and incorporate research from hundreds of 
universities throughout the country.
  I am especially proud of my home State program, the Michigan sea 
grant program. It plays a vital role in enhancing our Nation's 
knowledge and understanding of Great Lakes issues. Projects that 
Michigan sea grant is working on include ballast water cleanup and 
management strategies, remote sensing of pollution in Lake Superior, 
effects of community development on

[[Page 10713]]

wetlands and fisheries, and changes in the Great Lakes food web and the 
effects on commercial and sport fishing.
  Sea grant's importance is not solely in its funding of research but 
also in the education and outreach activities that ensure the research 
is conveyed to State and local decision-makers, commercial and 
recreational interests and future marine scientists.
  While many have criticized the administration's fiscal year 2003 
budget proposal to transfer the National Sea Grant College Program from 
the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to the National 
Science Foundation, I saw it as an opportunity to more fully examine 
and improve the program, and H.R. 3389 does just that.
  H.R. 3389 does not move sea grant to NSF. Rather, it reauthorizes sea 
grant within NOAA. The legislation does, however, mandate that sea 
grant better coordinate its activities with other programs within NOAA 
and with NSF. To this end, the bill requires NOAA to provide a 
strategic plan that establishes the priorities for the National Sea 
Grant College Program and must jointly submit, with NSF, a report about 
how the oceans and coastal research activities of both agencies will be 
coordinated.
  H.R. 3389 provides much-needed increases in overall funding levels 
for sea grant. The authorization gradually increases from a total of 
$78 million for fiscal year 2003 to $103 million for fiscal year 2008. 
Included in that amount is $18 million a year specifically for research 
into aquatic nuisance species, harmful algal blooms, oysters and 
fisheries extension activities.
  One issue that was raised during the Committee on Science's hearing 
on sea grant is the seemingly unfair nature of allocating Federal 
funding to sea grant programs. Currently, about 80 percent of the 
Federal funding goes directly to the State programs, based mostly on 
historical averages. Fifteen percent is for national competitive 
projects, and no more than 5 percent can be used for national 
administration of the program.
  The Office of Management and Budget was highly critical of this 
process, and that seems to be one of the main reasons for proposing to 
move sea grant to NSF. Currently, only about $3 million of the total 
that is directly distributed to the State programs is based on the 
merit review process. This is the process by which each State program 
is reviewed by an outside panel and given a rating on how well its 
program is conducting its research, education and extension activities.
  I understand that each State program needs a consistent level of 
funding to ensure it can adequately maintain its extension and 
education activities. However, I believe the system needs to be more 
transparent and based more on competition. Therefore, H.R. 3389 will 
require that any moneys appropriated above the fiscal year 2002 level 
shall be distributed to the State sea grant programs on a merit review, 
competitive basis, or distributed to national strategic initiatives.
  We also allow this funding to be used for sea grant programs 
designated after the enactment of this act and for those universities 
trying to become new sea grant colleges or institutes.
  Finally, I wanted to thank the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. 
Gilchrest) for introducing this bill and for his efforts on behalf of 
the sea grant program. All of us benefit greatly from his leadership on 
these issues. I also want to thank his staff who helped to quickly and 
amicably bring resolution to the differences between our two versions 
of the bill, and I also thank my ranking member, the gentleman from 
Michigan (Mr. Barcia), for his great assistance.
  Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of the manager's 
amendment and for H.R. 3389. Our Nation's coasts and Great Lakes are 
depending on it.
  Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

                              {time}  1215

  The CHAIRMAN. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. 
Barcia) to control the 10 minutes allocated to the minority on the 
Committee on Science.
  Mr. BARCIA. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of H.R. 3389, the National Sea Grant 
College Program Amendments of 2002. This bill reauthorizes a program of 
great importance to our Nation and to my home State of Michigan, and I 
too want to extend gratitude to my distinguished colleague, the 
gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Ehlers), for his important work on this 
vital issue, not only to the Great Lakes region but to the entire 
Nation and beyond.
  Since its establishment in 1966, the National Sea Grant College 
Program has expanded our knowledge about Great Lakes and coastal 
ecosystems, trained thousands of professionals in areas of resource 
management, marine technology, aquaculture, and fisheries, and has 
facilitated the transfer of research results to resource users 
throughout the country. This partnership between the Federal Government 
and participating States has truly been a success.
  The Great Lakes and coastal areas play a vital role in our daily 
lives and in our economy. Information-based management of these 
important resources is essential if we are to continue to enjoy the 
recreational, environmental, and economic benefits that they provide.
  The Sea Grant Program has supported research, education, and 
extension activities for over 30 years. Sportsmen, State and local 
officials, commercial fishermen, recreational users, and business 
people alike have come to rely upon the information and outreach 
services provided by the Sea Grant Program. In Michigan, sea grant 
researchers are working to tackle important problems that have emerged 
in the Great Lakes regions with invasive species, such as zebra mussels 
and the round goby. Researchers are also working to develop improved 
fisheries models for use by Great Lakes fisheries managers. These are 
only two examples of the important research being done in the Great 
Lakes region through the cooperative efforts of the University of 
Michigan and Michigan State University and the Sea Grant Program.
  One of the most important aspects of the Sea Grant Program is that it 
is structured to ensure the transfer of research results into practical 
use. Extension offices, like the one in my district, in Tawas City, and 
throughout the State of Michigan, assist local communities, businesses, 
and citizens to tackle difficult issues such as coastal development, 
aquatic invasive species, and the development of aquaculture.
  This bill provides modest increases in the authorization level for 
this important program through the year 2008. Members of the Committee 
on Resources and the Committee on Science cooperated in a bipartisan 
fashion to resolve the discrepancies in the two versions of the bill to 
produce a result that offers improvement to this important program. I 
urge my colleagues to endorse the fine work being done through the Sea 
Grant College Program throughout the country by supporting the passage 
of H.R. 3389.
  Mr. Chairman, I ask unanimous consent to yield the balance of my time 
to the gentleman from Guam (Mr. Underwood) and that he be allowed to 
control that time.
  The CHAIRMAN. Without objection, the gentleman from Guam (Mr. 
Underwood) will control the balance of the time designated to the 
gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Barcia).
  There was no objection.
  Mr. GILCHREST. Mr. Chairman, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from 
New Jersey (Mr. Saxton).
  Mr. SAXTON. Mr. Chairman, I thank the chairman of the subcommittee 
for yielding me this time.
  Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of H.R. 3389, the National Sea 
Grant College Program Act Amendments of 2002; and, Mr. Chairman, I 
would just like to say at this time that the hard work of the chairman, 
the gentleman from Maryland, should be noted here. To bring this bill 
as expeditiously as he did to the floor, I am sure, took a great deal 
of effort. My hat is also off to the ranking member, who works in a 
great bipartisan partnership with my friend, the gentleman from 
Maryland (Mr. Gilchrest).

[[Page 10714]]

  Mr. Chairman, this bill reauthorizes the National Sea Grant College 
Program for 5 years, encouraging more cooperation between the National 
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NOAA, and the sea grant 
researchers and outreach personnel. It also incorporates the Coastal 
Ocean Research Program into the National Sea Grant Program and provides 
funding for research on zebra mussels, harmful algal bloom, and oyster 
diseases and their possible human health effects.
  The National Sea Grant Program was created in 1966 to improve the 
conservation and management of marine resources. Currently, there are 
30 sea grant programs that represent a network of researchers, 
educators, and marine advisory agents at over 300 academic 
institutions. The program provides effective assistance to these 
schools for research, education, and advisory services.
  Under this act, marine advisory staff educate the general public 
about marine conservation efforts as well as provide technical research 
findings to user groups. The program has been highly successful during 
the more than 40 years since its inception. It has enabled the 
education community to conduct important research on a variety of 
important marine conservation issues and then share their findings with 
the public in order to educate our people on the importance of ensuring 
we can work together to protect these important and often fragile 
ecosystems in our Nation's oceans and waterways.
  Mr. Chairman, I commend all those who have participated in this 
program and committed themselves to the preservation of these 
ecosystems and habitats. I applaud Chairman Gilchrest in reauthorizing 
this important piece of conservation legislation and look forward to 
its passage out of this House.
  Mr. UNDERWOOD. Mr. Chairman, I yield 5 minutes to the distinguished 
gentleman from American Samoa (Mr. Faleomavaega).
  Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of H.R. 3389, 
the National Sea Grant College Amendments Act of 2002, and I certainly 
want to thank the chairman of the Subcommittee on Fisheries 
Conservation, Wildlife and Oceans, the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. 
Gilchrest), and the ranking minority member, the gentleman from Guam 
(Mr. Underwood), for their support and initiative in bringing this 
legislation for consideration at this time. I also want to thank the 
chairman of our Committee on Resources, the gentleman from Utah (Mr. 
Hansen), and our ranking member, the gentleman from West Virginia (Mr. 
Rahall), for their support and endorsement of this legislation.
  Mr. Chairman, I introduced H.R. 1071, a bill which would increase 
authorization for the National Sea Grant Program, last year. Our 
chairman, the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Gilchrest), was kind enough 
to hold a hearing on the matter, and subsequently introduced H.R. 3389 
as an alternative to my legislation. I am pleased to be an original 
cosponsor of H.R. 3389 and am also pleased to support the amendment in 
the nature of a substitute to H.R. 3389.
  This amendment reflects a compromise between the Committee on 
Resources and the Committee on Science. This amendment also includes 
provisions from the Senate companion bill, Senate bill 2428. The 
amendment maintains funding increases for core programs and research 
regarding zebra muscles, oyster diseases, et cetera, and $90 million to 
$100 million annually from fiscal year 2004 through 2008.
  I am particularly pleased that this amendment also includes a 
provision which directs the Secretary of Commerce to report annually to 
the Committee on Resources and the Committee on Science of the House of 
Representatives and to the Committee on Commerce, Science, 
Transportation of the Senate on efforts made by colleges, universities, 
institutions, associations, and alliances in the United States 
territories and freely associated States to develop the expertise 
necessary to be designated as sea grant institutions or colleges.
  This provision also directs the Secretary of Commerce to report the 
administrative, technical, and financial assistance provided by the 
Secretary to those entities.
  Mr. Chairman, I want to particularly thank the ranking member of our 
Subcommittee on Fisheries Conservation, Wildlife and Oceans, the 
gentleman from Guam (Mr. Underwood), for his leadership and his 
outstanding service not only to his people but certainly to this 
institution. Although he intends to run for another office, I will say 
personally that I will sorely miss him, and I really wish him all the 
best in his future endeavors.
  I have worked for some time with the gentleman from Guam in bringing 
attention to the unique and singular needs of the U.S. territories and 
the freely associated states. For most Pacific Islanders, the ocean is 
our farm, Mr. Chairman, and we are in dire need of administrative, 
technical, and financial assistance to develop sea grant affiliations 
within the region.
  I would also like to note that the University of Hawaii's Sea Grant 
Program has been instrumental over the years in assisting Pacific 
Island communities in developing sea grant extension activities. And I 
would like to personally thank Dr. Gordon Grau, the director of the 
Hawaii Sea Grant Program, for his commitment to our remote communities. 
I also want to thank my colleagues, the gentlewoman from the State of 
Hawaii (Mrs. Mink) and the gentleman from Hawaii (Mr. Abercrombie), for 
their support of this program and legislation.
  Mr. Chairman, despite the bipartisan support, current funding for the 
National Sea Grant Program is only about 7 percent of the equivalent 
Federal funding of the Land Grant College Program. Land Grant receives 
approximately $900 million in Federal funding per year. Sea Grant 
receives approximately $62 million. And yet approximately 54 percent of 
our Nation's population lives along the coastlines. I believe this is a 
fact that bears repeating. Nearly 54 percent of our Nation's population 
lives along the coasts, but we devote only pennies to marine research.
  In 1994, the National Research Council review pointed out that Sea 
Grant has been virtually the only source of funding in the United 
States for marine policy research. Yet, on average, there are fewer 
than seven extension agents per coastal State. In many cases, there is 
only one extension agent serving a major urban area. For example, in 
Los Angeles, there is only one extension agent serving 14 million 
people. In New York City, there is only one serving 12 million people.
  Sea Grant funds, on an average, are less than $2 million per State 
program. Many geographic regions are not represented, including the 
western Pacific, which alone has a huge economic exclusive zone. Some 
States, like Mississippi and Alabama, share funding with others 
eligible States like Pennsylvania and Vermont, which have no 
institutional sea grant programs.
  Although this authorization continues to fall short of Land Grant 
funding, Mr. Chairman, I do believe it is a movement in the right 
direction, and I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.
  I thank both the chairman of the Committee on Science and our ranking 
member of the Committee on Science as well as our Committee on 
Resources.
  Mr. EHLERS. Mr. Chairman, I am pleased to yield 3 minutes to the 
gentleman from New York (Mr. Boehlert), the outstanding chairman of the 
Committee on Science.
  Mr. BOEHLERT. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding me 
this time, and I want to thank our colleagues on the Committee on 
Resources, and especially my good friend and neighbor, the gentleman 
from Maryland (Mr. Gilchrest), for working with us to reconcile the 
different versions of the bill that emerged from our two committees.
  This is an important bill that reauthorizes a program that is vital 
to the Nation and to my home State of New York. In New York, the Sea 
Grant Program conducts important research that has helped preserve 
commercial and recreational fishing from the Long Island Sound to Lake 
Erie. The Sea Grant Program, through its research

[[Page 10715]]

and extension activities, funds good science; and most importantly, it 
ensures that that good science is put to use. It is a model program.
  Like any program, the Sea Grant Program can be improved; and this 
bill takes critically important steps to reform it. These steps will, 
among other things, address the concerns that lead the administration 
to suggest moving the program to the National Science Foundation.
  The most significant feature of this bill is that it will ensure that 
more Sea Grant Program funds are distributed through the merit-reviewed 
competitions. Under the bill, any new money the program receives can be 
used solely for national strategic investments and/or competitive 
awards to the State Sea Grant programs.
  We expect the competitions among the State programs to mirror 
National Science Foundation merit-reviewed competitions. Only those 
programs that are the best run and the most successful, and that can 
make the clearest case for why they need the additional money, should 
share in any funds that Sea Grant receives above the fiscal 2002 level. 
The amount of funding a meritorious State receives should be based on 
its demonstrated needs and not on any previous assumptions about 
funding formulas.
  This competition will ensure that the taxpayers are getting their 
money's worth out of Sea Grant, and will create an incentive for every 
one of the State programs to ensure that their research and extension 
activities are exemplary.
  Mr. Chairman, Sea Grant is an excellent program that we are making 
even better. I urge my colleagues to support the bill.

                              {time}  1230

  Mr. UNDERWOOD. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from 
Texas (Mr. Green).
  Mr. GREEN of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I thank both the Committee on 
Resources and the Committee on Science for this legislation.
  I rise in support of H.R. 3389, the National Sea Grant College 
Program Act Amendments of 2002. This important legislation reauthorizes 
the Sea Grant Program in Texas and its counterparts around the country 
to continue the important work done.
  When Congress passed the Sea Grant College Program in 1966, it 
intended to apply the successful attributes of the Land Grant College 
Program to coastal and marine issues. Today, the National Sea Grant 
Program represents the bridge between government, academia, industry, 
scientists and private citizens to help Americans understand and 
maintain the oceans and Great Lakes for long-term economic growth.
  Sea Grant also serves as a bond uniting 350 participating 
institutions in 35 States, U.S. territories and the District of 
Columbia and millions of people. In short, Sea Grant is an agent for 
scientific discovery, technology transfer, economic growth and public 
education as they involve coastal, ocean and Great Lakes resources.
  Every day, Sea Grant scientists make progress on important marine 
issues of our time. A network of outreach professionals takes this 
information out of the laboratory and into the field, working to 
enhance a coastal business, a fishery, or a resident's safety and 
quality of life.
  The dedicated corps of communication specialists builds public 
understanding, and bring discoveries into our Nation's schools to 
pioneer better ways of teaching.
  Through these research, education and outreach activities, Sea Grant 
has helped position the United States as a world leader in marine 
research and the sustainable growth of coastal resources.
  Mr. Chairman, Texas A&M University was among the first four 
institutions to be designated a Sea Grant College in 1971, and its 
researchers had been involved since passage of the National Sea Grant 
College and Program Act of 1968. As a Sea Grant College, Texas A&M 
provides research support for university-level faculty throughout the 
state through a competitive grants process. A great amount of this 
research is conducted at the Texas A&M--Galveston, Texas campus.
  In Texas, the Sea Grant program has conducted research in hyperbaric 
physiology, endangered species ecology, marine aquaculture, coastal 
processes, fisheries biology and ecosystem health.
  As a result of these and other Sea Grant efforts, we have seen 
development of a major shrimp aquaculture industry in South Texas, 
marina initiatives to adopt best management practices and minimize 
water pollution, non-point source pollution reduction from residential 
landscapes, improvements in seafood handling to reduced loss in the 
retail markets and expanding marine educational opportunities in 
support of the state's, and nation's teachers and students.
  I urge my colleagues to support the National Sea Grant College 
Program Act Amendments of 2002.
  Mr. GILCHREST. Mr. Chairman, I yield 4 minutes to the gentlewoman 
from Maryland (Mrs. Morella).
  Mrs. MORELLA. Mr. Chairman, it is with great pleasure that I rise as 
a cosponsor of H.R. 3389, the National Sea Grant College Program Act 
Amendments of 2002. I thank the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Gilchrest) 
for yielding the time to me, but I particularly want to commend the 
gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Gilchrest) for his tireless efforts on 
behalf of this program. I thank the gentleman personally for bringing 
this bill before us today.
  Sea Grant enables us to understand our complex coastal and marine 
environments, and to develop these natural resources without 
overextending them. The United States' jurisdiction over marine 
environments is the largest of any country in the world. It covers an 
area greater than the entire U.S. landmass. Proper stewardship of the 
vast resources contained within these waters are of great concern both 
to the economic and environmental health of our Nation, and Sea Grant 
plays a pivotal role in the proper management of these areas.
  Within Maryland, Sea Grant plays a vital role in maintaining the 
Chesapeake Bay. As many Members know, we have sorely abused this 
resource and mismanaged it in the past. Sea Grant is providing the 
science that is needed to return the bay to its former health and 
productivity. Sea Grant is improving our understanding of key fisheries 
issues, including the renowned blue crab stock and the return of the 
oyster reefs, which provide important food stocks to the region and the 
country as a whole. Sea Grant plays a lead role in the control of 
invasive species by studying ways to control the spread to foreign 
aquatic life and microbial organisms through ballast water and on ship 
hulls. And Sea Grant makes important contributions to the overall 
environmental condition by studying and monitoring various pollution 
and contamination issues through the entire watershed such as urban 
runoff and industrial waste.
  Mr. Chairman, Sea Grant is an important educational program. In 
Maryland, Sea Grant alone has supported more than 150 graduate research 
fellows and a similar number of undergraduate fellows. Other programs 
include research opportunities for high school students, outreach and 
educational efforts all of the way down to kindergarten. Sea Grant also 
provides opportunities for public service, sponsoring programs which 
allow marine scientists to put their skills to practical use in 
governmental agencies and in the Congress. These programs provide a 
vital link between the policymakers and scientists, and enrich the 
decision-making process.
  I hope I have convinced Members. Along with continuing these efforts, 
this bill also makes fundamental changes in the Sea Grant allocation 
process. Most notably, the Committee on Science, working in a 
bipartisan manner, has increased the amount of money allocated through 
merit-based review as opposed to historical involvement.
  The best ideas and the most effective programs are most deserving of 
our limited resources, and should be given priority. Also, competition 
will allow new ideas and perspectives to gain a foothold in the grant 
process. These are very positive changes, and I am proud to have played 
a role in their inclusion. Sea Grant has been very successful, affected 
our Nation's economic and environmental health in a profound way. It 
deserves our support. I

[[Page 10716]]

thank Members on both committees on both sides of the aisle for 
bringing this bill before us, and particularly the gentleman from 
Maryland (Mr. Gilchrest).
  Mr. UNDERWOOD. Mr. Chairman, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from 
South Carolina (Mr. Clyburn).
  Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support of H.R. 3389, and 
I commend Members for bringing forth this outstanding reauthorization 
bill for the National Sea Grant College Program. I should note that I 
am a cosponsor of this important legislation.
  H.R. 3389 makes significant improvements in the Sea Grant program. It 
reauthorizes the Sea Grant Program within NOAA for 5 years, increases 
the authorization for appropriations, extends the term of office for 
members of the Sea Grant Review Panel from 3 to 4 years, and specifies 
how funds appropriated above fiscal year 2002 levels shall be 
allocated.
  The National Sea Grant Program is a nationwide network of over 300 
colleges, universities, technical schools and research institutions 
that respond to issues and opportunities of national, regional, and 
local importance. Sea Grant engages partnerships with the public and 
private sectors to maximize the environmental, economic, and social 
value of the country's coastal, marine and Great Lakes resources, 
resulting in an extraordinary return on a small Federal investment.
  Studies show that each Federal dollar is leveraged tenfold or more in 
private sector economic development, often in small businesses. For 
instance, the Sea Grant Program in my home State of South Carolina has 
been instrumental in supporting the involvement of students with 
diverse backgrounds in careers in marine science and others. South 
Carolina State University, my alma mater, was awarded a 3-year grant 
from Sea Grant in a national competition to encourage minority students 
to pursue education and careers in marine and related sciences.
  Over the last year and a half, minority students have been supported 
with internships and mentored by scientists from the South Carolina 
Department of Natural Resources; the Oak Ridge National Laboratories; a 
fish hatchery in Orangeburg, South Carolina; and South Carolina State 
University.
  In total, Sea Grant in South Carolina has supported more than 400 
graduate and undergraduate students in the successful completion of 
their theses and dissertations over the last 2 decades, adding 
significant human and intellectual capital to the State and national 
workforces. Nationwide, Sea Grant has supported more than 14,000 
college students in similar situations.
  The southeastern region of the United States is subject to a variety 
of coastal natural hazards, including hurricanes during the summer and 
coastal storms during the fall and winter. Risks to life and property 
will only become more severe with the anticipated growth of coastal 
populations over the next several decades.
  Since 1989 when Hurricane Hugo struck South Carolina, South Carolina 
Sea Grant has been supporting the work of wind engineers at Clemson 
University to develop low-cost methods to reduce the loss of lives and 
property. Many of these solutions can now be observed at the 113 
Calhoun Street Sustainability Center, a regional educational and 
training facility dedicated to extending coastal hazards research 
information to a diverse group of users.
  Mr. Chairman, I urge Members to recognize and acknowledge the many 
contributions of the National Sea Grant College Program to the Nation's 
economic development and resource conservation by voting in support of 
this important legislation.
  Mr. EHLERS. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. UNDERWOOD. Mr. Chairman, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from 
California (Mr. Farr).
  Mr. FARR of California. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman from Guam 
(Mr. Underwood) for yielding me this time. It is sad that the gentleman 
will be leaving us when he gets elected Governor of Guam, and we will 
not have the privilege of his great leadership on the floor.
  I rise in strong support of the Gilchrest substitute amendment to 
reauthorize the Sea Grant Program. I think we have all benefited here 
in Congress from the Sea Grant Program because they are also providing 
us with interns or fellows who are essentially people trained with 
master's degrees and above on ocean issues. They come and work in and 
around the legislature, and I have always thought there is a great need 
to have an understanding of science and politics. When we think about 
it, we rely on the facts of science in order to make public policy, and 
so often scientists do not have much knowledge about how public policy 
is formed or funded. This is a tiny way in at least on marine issues we 
can bring together scientists and policymakers.
  Over half of the Sea Grant funding comes from non-Federal sources, so 
we are not the only ones that participate, and that means we get a 
better deal for the Federal buck. I support the Gilchrest substitute 
because the gentleman is a leader on ocean issues, and I would urge all 
Members to support it.
  The increase in appropriations is necessary to face the growing 
challenges of the marine environments. We have talked about how 
important the ocean is to the world. Particularly, the ocean is the 
birthplace of weather on the planet. We know that we have to understand 
more about the ocean in order to protect not only our national 
security, but the world in itself, to be able to live peacefully on 
this planet.
  The gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Gilchrest) has taken the pains to 
produce a substitute bill which took into consideration the concerns of 
both the Committee on Resources and the Committee on Science, and even 
incorporates helpful parts from the Senate version.
  Finally, this amendment strongly affirms that the place for the Sea 
Grant Program is in with NOAA, and I urge Members to support the 
Gilchrest amendment.
  Mr. GILCHREST. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from 
Michigan (Mr. Smith).
  Mr. SMITH of Michigan. Mr. Chairman, I just want to suggest that some 
of us agree with the President in where it is appropriate to have the 
Sea Grant Program administered. I just would like to reinforce for our 
future consideration the possibility and the logic of having this under 
the National Science Foundation because research is so important as 
part of the Sea Grant Program as we most effectively and efficiently 
move ahead with this issue.
  It is especially important to the State of Michigan, and I am sure 
the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Ehlers) will counsel with NSF as we 
proceed under his jurisdiction for Sea Grant.

                              {time}  1245

  But as we look at next year and the year after, I think it is 
important that we acknowledge what the administration has suggested in 
the most appropriate place for the jurisdiction of this program.
  Mr. UNDERWOOD. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  I would like to acknowledge that one of the most important features 
of the Sea Grant Program is the Sea Grant fellows. Certainly there have 
been a number of Sea Grant fellows that have served the Democrat 
Members on the Committee on Resources. In addition to former fellows 
Dave Jansen and Jean Flemma, Mindy Gensler in my office and Catherine 
Ware on the Subcommittee on Fisheries Conservation, Wildlife and 
Oceans, other past Sea Grant fellows include Sarah Morison, Matt 
Huggler, Cynthia Suchman, John Fields, Debbie Colbert, and many, many 
others dating back to the Subcommittee on Merchant Marine and 
Fisheries.
  Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. EHLERS. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. 
I just wish to respond to my good friend and colleague from Michigan 
(Mr. Smith) in regard to his comments, because I also am a very strong 
supporter of the National Science Foundation and the way they handle 
their research efforts.

[[Page 10717]]

  But I want to point out that a century and a half ago, this country 
established one of the landmarks in research efforts in this country, 
and that is the land grant university system. That system has worked 
very well precisely because it not only did the research but also 
through that system we developed a cooperative extension service that 
literally gets the results from the laboratory to the farmer's fields 
within 1 year. It is the best technology transfer program we have in 
the United States.
  The reason that I did not support transferring Sea Grant to NSF is 
simply because they also have an extension service. The Sea Grant 
Program is modeled not after programs in NSF, but rather it is modeled 
after the land grant system. For that reason it is better to remain 
where it is and continue to operate as it is. However, what this bill 
does is move the Sea Grant Program in terms of its research grants into 
the NSF model. That is why we are requiring Sea Grant to work 
cooperatively and coordinate their work with the National Science 
Foundation and, furthermore, to report back to us on their progress on 
that score.
  Furthermore, this bill also no longer will allocate all the money on 
an historical basis but, rather, the new money put into this activity 
from now on will be assigned on the basis of peer review and merit-
based evaluations, which again is the model followed by the National 
Science Foundation.
  In view of that, I believe it is better to have the Sea Grant Program 
remain where it is and not move to the NSF. The NSF is simply not 
equipped to do the extension and education activities that are included 
in this bill.
  Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.
  The CHAIRMAN. The time of the gentleman from Michigan has expired.
  Mr. UNDERWOOD. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  I just wanted the opportunity to ratify what the gentleman from 
Michigan has just stated. The Sea Grant Program makes an enormous 
contribution not simply because of its applied research, but because of 
technology transfer and an excellent extension service. Going back to 
an earlier point made by the gentleman from American Samoa, it is a 
tremendous vacuum in terms of providing those level of services for Sea 
Grant in comparison to land grant.
  Having worked, I am sure, like the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. 
Ehlers) in a university in my previous existence, I am very personally 
familiar with the enormous benefits given to the community, given to 
applied research, given to technology transfer, given to general 
community awareness provided by land grant institutions, and certainly 
one would hope that eventually not that Sea Grant would reach that 
level but approximate that level.
  Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. GILCHREST. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  I would like to reiterate what the gentleman from Guam (Mr. 
Underwood) has said and the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Ehlers) has 
said concerning the issue of the National Sea Grant Program falling 
under the umbrella of the National Science Foundation, both very 
reputable scientific organizations, and the administration's hope to 
improve the type of research in the science by connecting the National 
Sea Grant Program to the National Science Foundation and the peer 
review that is so respected that comes out of the National Science 
Foundation. But what the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Ehlers) made a 
comment on in reference to the land grant programs and the agricultural 
extension agents is also true with the Sea Grant Program so that 
whenever there is a strange disease with a particular species called 
striped bass or a problem between the economics or the ecosystem 
approach to protecting crabs or dealing with a very difficult situation 
with a toxic microorganism known as physteria, the quick reaction time 
of the Sea Grant Program is second to none.
  We respect the administration's proposal and we will continue to work 
with them on this issue, and we have in this legislation, to tie those 
two organizations more closely together. We feel that the independence 
of the National Sea Grant Program has affected this country in a very 
positive way.
  I want to also thank the gentleman from Guam for his collaboration on 
the bipartisan work on this and also to work with him, perhaps even 
after the votes today, to talk about some of the issues dealing with 
Magnuson, because this is an outstanding piece of legislation that we 
have here this morning. We want to make sure that the Magnuson bill 
that we deal with next Tuesday is equally a bipartisan approach to 
protecting the Nation's fisheries.
  In closing, Mr. Chairman, a friend of mine that I have not seen since 
May 14, 1967, as colleagues in the Marine Corps fighting for democracy 
in Vietnam, Mr. Gary Downs, is present this afternoon in the House of 
Representatives. He has worked, as a young man, for freedom for this 
country and as many years have passed, he has worked to continue that 
tradition and also to enhance the quality of life for all Americans 
through his environmental work. I thank Mr. Downs for being here today, 
and his family.
  Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in full support of H.R. 3389, 
the National Sea Grant College Program Act. I am pleased that we are 
acting expeditiously to reauthorize this important program in the 
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration so that Sea Grant 
programs can continue their work encouraging sustainable development of 
coastal and Great Lakes resources through education, research and 
outreach.
  I believe that we need to strengthen our understanding of the coastal 
and marine environment given the ever-increasing pressures that 
threaten to harm these sensitive areas. In order for policy makers and 
managers to best understand how to direct the use and conservation of 
aquatic ecosystems and their resources, it is imperative that we have a 
strong scientific understanding as well as the support of local 
communities. Due to the interdisciplinary nature of environmental 
issues, partnerships with Sea Grant have proven to be highly successful 
in tackling problems that face our nation's oceans, coasts, and Great 
Lakes. As a Sea Grant extension agent myself, I had the opportunity to 
see first hand how successful this program can be.
  Another reason that I support this bill is due to my concerns over 
the Administration's proposed transfer of the Sea Grant program from 
NOAA to the National Science Foundation. I am concerned that the 
applied science, management, as well as the education and outreach 
components of Sea Grant will be sacrificed in such a transfer. Sea 
Grant plays an important role in NOAA's ability to fulfill goals like 
building sustainable fisheries, protecting coastal and marine resources 
and mitigating the impacts of natural disasters. This bill calls for 
the reauthorization of Sea Grant within the Department where it 
belongs, NOAA.
  In my home state of New Jersey, the benefits of the Sea Grant Program 
are innumerable. New Jersey Sea Grant facilitates technology transfer 
of research through constituent driven programs of instruction, 
publications and workshops that are all focused on outcome-based 
objectives. As a result, thousands of residents have been positively 
impacted. For example, New Jersey Sea Grant has been able to promote 
pollution prevention technologies and strategies that protect coastal 
resources from point sources and non-point sources of contamination.
  Sea Grant is a unique program that has been successful over the past 
30 years and should continue to grow. H.R. 3389 not only supports, but 
also strengthens the National Sea Grant College Program. I will vote 
today in favor of this bill and I would urge my colleagues to do the 
same.
  Mr. GRUCCI. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of H.R. 3389, the 
National Sea Grant College Program reauthorization. I thank Chairman 
Ehlers for his leadership on this important issue, as well as my 
colleagues on the Resources Committee for their work on this import 
legislation.
  My district is home to the New York Sea Grant College program, of 
which I am extremely proud. Housed at the State University of New York 
at Stony Brook and in partnership with Cornell University, this program 
has conducted cutting edge research on many marine issues throughout 
the First Congressional District of New York. New York Sea Grant has 
also studied seafood safety and barrier beach breaches and the 
surrounding ecosystem, as

[[Page 10718]]

well as many various marine science projects. Recently, my district 
experienced a severe die-off of lobsters in the Long Island Sound, a 
situation that had a serious effect on my constituents and the local 
economy. I am pleased that Sea Grant received $1.4 million to 
investigate this important issue and have been working to solve this 
baffling problem. New York Sea Grant extension and research specialists 
collaborated to produce a report on the ``Economic Contribution of the 
Sport Fishing, Commercial Fishing, and Seafood Industries to New York 
State,'' estimating the combined economic contribution of these three 
industries at approximately $11.5 billion in New York State. As you can 
see, the research done at New York Sea Grant is crucial to not only the 
natural resources but also the economic wellbeing of my constituents. 
This research is repeated in coastal communities throughout America, 
helping to understand our waters and marine ecosystems and make our 
natural resources vibrant and healthy.
  H.R. 3389 is a strong, bipartisan bill that authorizes the Sea Grant 
College Program with its much needed resources. I urge my colleagues to 
support this bill.
  Mr. GILCHREST. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.


                      Announcement by the Chairman

  The CHAIRMAN. Members are reminded to refrain from referring to 
individuals in the galleries.
  All time for general debate has expired.
  In lieu of the amendments recommended by the Committees on Resources 
and Science printed in the bill, it shall be in order to consider as an 
original bill for the purpose of amendment under the 5-minute rule an 
amendment in the nature of a substitute printed in House Report 107-
514. That amendment in the nature of a substitute shall be considered 
by sections as an original bill for the purpose of amendment and each 
section is considered read.
  During consideration of the bill for amendment, the Chair may accord 
priority in recognition to a Member offering an amendment that he has 
printed in the designated place in the Congressional Record. Those 
amendments will be considered read.
  The Clerk will designate section 1.
  The text of section 1 is as follows:

       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 ``National Sea Grant College 
     Program Act Amendments of 2002''.

  Mr. GILCHREST. Mr. Chairman, I ask unanimous consent that the 
remainder of the amendment in the nature of a substitute be printed in 
the Record and open to amendment at any point.
  The CHAIRMAN. Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from 
Maryland?
  There was no objection.
  The text of the remainder of the amendment in the nature of a 
substitute is as follows:

     SEC. 2. AMENDMENTS TO FINDINGS.

       Section 202(a)(6) of the National Sea Grant College Program 
     Act (33 U.S.C. 1121(a)(6)) is amended by striking the period 
     at the end and inserting ``, including strong collaborations 
     between Administration scientists and scientists at academic 
     institutions.''.

     SEC. 3. REQUIREMENTS APPLICABLE TO NATIONAL SEA GRANT COLLEGE 
                   PROGRAM.

       (a) Quadrennial Strategic Plan.--Section 204 (c)(1) of the 
     National Sea Grant College Program Act (33 U.S.C. 1123 
     (c)(1)) is amended to read as follows:
       ``(1) The Secretary, in consultation with the panel, sea 
     grant colleges, and sea grant institutes, shall develop at 
     least every 4 years a strategic plan that establishes 
     priorities for the national sea grant college program, 
     provides an appropriately balanced response to local, 
     regional, and national needs, and is reflective of 
     integration with the relevant portions of the strategic plans 
     of the Department of Commerce and of the Administration.''.
       (b) Ranking of Programs.--Section 204(d)(3)(A) of the 
     National Sea Grant College Program Act (33 U.S.C. 
     1123(d)(3)(A)) is amended by inserting ``and competitively 
     rank'' after ``evaluate''.
       (c) Functions of Director.--Section 204(d)(3)(B) of the 
     National Sea Grant College Program Act (33 U.S.C. 
     1123(d)(3)(B)) is amended by striking ``and'' after the 
     semicolon at the end of clause (ii) and by adding at the end 
     the following:
       ``(iv) encourage and promote coordination and cooperation 
     between the research, education, and outreach programs of the 
     Administration and those of academic institutions; and''.

     SEC. 4. COST SHARE.

       Section 205(a) of the National Sea Grant College Program 
     Act (33 U.S.C. 1124(a)) is amended by striking ``section 
     204(d)(6)'' and inserting ``section 204(c)(4)(F)''.

     SEC. 5. FELLOWSHIPS.

       (a) Access.--Section 208(a) of the National Sea Grant 
     College Program Act (33 U.S.C. 1127(a)) is amended by adding 
     at the end the following: ``The Secretary shall strive to 
     ensure equal access for minority and economically 
     disadvantaged students to the program carried out under this 
     subsection.''.
       (b) Postdoctoral Fellows.--Section 208(c) of the National 
     Sea Grant College Program Act (33 U.S.C. 1127(c)) is 
     repealed.

     SEC. 6. TERMS OF MEMBERSHIP FOR SEA GRANT REVIEW PANEL.

       Section 209(c)(2) of the National Sea Grant College Program 
     Act (33 U.S.C. 1128(c)(2)) is amended by striking the first 
     sentence and inserting the following: ``The term of office of 
     a voting member of the panel shall be 3 years for a member 
     appointed before the date of enactment of the National Sea 
     Grant College Program Act Amendments of 2002, and 4 years for 
     a member appointed or reappointed after the date of enactment 
     of the National Sea Grant College Program Act Amendments of 
     2002. The Director may extend the term of office of a voting 
     member of the panel appointed before the date of enactment of 
     the National Sea Grant College Program Act Amendments of 2002 
     by up to 1 year.''.

     SEC. 7. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

       Subsections (a), (b), and (c) of section 212 of the 
     National Sea Grant College Program Act (33 U.S.C. 1131) are 
     amended to read as follows:
       ``(a) Authorization.--
       ``(1) In general.--There is authorized to be appropriated 
     to the Secretary to carry out this title--
       ``(A) $60,000,000 for fiscal year 2003;
       ``(B) $75,000,000 for fiscal year 2004;
       ``(C) $77,500,000 for fiscal year 2005;
       ``(D) $80,000,000 for fiscal year 2006;
       ``(E) $82,500,000 for fiscal year 2007; and
       ``(F) $85,000,000 for fiscal year 2008.
       ``(2) Priority activities.--In addition to the amount 
     authorized under paragraph (1), there is authorized to be 
     appropriated for each of fiscal years 2003 through 2008--
       ``(A) $5,000,000 for competitive grants for university 
     research on the biology and control of zebra mussels and 
     other important aquatic nonnative species;
       ``(B) $5,000,000 for competitive grants for university 
     research on oyster diseases, oyster restoration, and oyster-
     related human health risks;
       ``(C) $5,000,000 for competitive grants for university 
     research on the biology, prevention, and forecasting of 
     harmful algal blooms, including Pfiesteria piscicida; and
       ``(D) $3,000,000 for competitive grants for fishery 
     extension activities conducted by sea grant colleges or sea 
     grant institutes.
       ``(b) Program Elements.--
       ``(1) Limitation.--No more than 5 percent of the lesser 
     of--
       ``(A) the amount authorized to be appropriated; or
       ``(B) the amount appropriated,

     for each fiscal year under subsection (a)(1) may be used to 
     fund the program element contained in section 204(b)(2).
       ``(2) Use for other offices or programs.--Sums appropriated 
     under the authority of subsection (a)(2) shall not be 
     available for administration of this title by the National 
     Sea Grant Office, for any other Administration or department 
     program, or for any other administrative expenses.
       ``(c) Distribution of Funds.--In any fiscal year in which 
     the appropriations made under subsection (a)(1) exceed the 
     amounts appropriated for fiscal year 2002 for the purposes 
     described in such subsection, the Secretary shall distribute 
     any excess amounts (except amounts used for the 
     administration of the sea grant program) to--
       ``(1) sea grant programs that, based on the evaluation and 
     competitive ranking required under section 204(d)(3)(A), are 
     determined to be the best managed and to carry out the 
     highest quality research, education, extension, and training 
     activities;
       ``(2) national strategic investments authorized under 
     section 204(b)(4);
       ``(3) a college, university, institution, association, or 
     alliance for activities that are necessary for it to be 
     designated as a sea grant college or sea grant institute; or
       ``(4) a sea grant college or sea grant institute designated 
     after the date of enactment of the National Sea Grant College 
     Program Act Amendments of 2002.''.

     SEC. 8. ANNUAL REPORT ON PROGRESS IN BECOMING DESIGNATED AS 
                   SEA GRANT COLLEGES AND SEA GRANT INSTITUTES.

       Section 207 of the National Sea Grant College Program Act 
     (16 U.S.C. 1126) is amended by adding at the end the 
     following:
       ``(e) Annual Report on Progress.--
       ``(1) Report requirement.--The Secretary shall report 
     annually to the Committee on Resources and the Committee on 
     Science of the House of Representatives, and to the Committee 
     on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate, on 
     efforts and progress made by colleges, universities, 
     institutions, associations, and alliances to become 
     designated under this section as sea grant colleges or sea 
     grant institutes, including efforts and progress made by sea 
     grant

[[Page 10719]]

     institutes in being designated as sea grant colleges.
       ``(2) Territories and freely associated states.--The report 
     shall include description of--
       ``(A) efforts made by colleges, universities, associations, 
     institutions, and alliances in United States territories and 
     freely associated States to develop the expertise necessary 
     to be designated as a sea grant institute or sea grant 
     college;
       ``(B) the administrative, technical, and financial 
     assistance provided by the Secretary to those entities 
     seeking to be designated; and
       ``(C) the additional actions or activities necessary for 
     those entities to meet the qualifications for such 
     designation under subsection (a)(1).''.

     SEC. 9. COORDINATION.

       Not later than February 15 of each year, the Under 
     Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere and the 
     Director of the National Science Foundation shall jointly 
     submit to the Committees on Resources and Science of the 
     House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, 
     Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report on how the 
     oceans and coastal research activities of the National 
     Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, including the Coastal 
     Ocean Program and the National Sea Grant College Program, and 
     of the National Science Foundation will be coordinated during 
     the fiscal year following the fiscal year in which the report 
     is submitted. The report shall describe in detail any 
     overlapping ocean and coastal research interests between the 
     agencies and specify how such research interests will be 
     pursued by the programs in a complementary manner.

     SEC. 10. COASTAL OCEAN PROGRAM.

       Section 201(c) of Public Law 102-567 is amended by--
       (1) striking ``Of the sums authorized under subsection 
     (b)(1), $17,352,000 for each of the fiscal years 1992 and 
     1993 are authorized to be appropriated'' and inserting 
     ``There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary of 
     Commerce $35,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 2003 to 
     2008''; and
       (2) striking ``to promote development of ocean 
     technology,''.


             Amendment Offered by Ms. Jackson-Lee of Texas

  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.
  The Clerk read as follows:

       Amendment offered by Ms. Jackson-Lee of Texas:
       At the end of section 5(a), after the first period insert 
     the following: ``Not later than 1 year after the date of the 
     enactment of the National Sea Grant College Program Act 
     Amendments of 2002, and every 2 years thereafter, the 
     Secretary shall submit a report to the Congress describing 
     the efforts by the Secretary to ensure equal access for 
     minority and economically disadvantaged students to the 
     program carried out under this subsection, and the results of 
     such efforts.''.

  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas (during the reading). Mr. Chairman, I ask 
unanimous consent that the amendment be considered as read and printed 
in the Record.
  The CHAIRMAN. Is there objection to the request of the gentlewoman 
from Texas?
  There was no objection.
  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Chairman, let me first of all 
acknowledge the wonderful partnership that has now been established 
between the Committee on Science and the Committee on Resources. I am 
delighted of the words Chairman Gilchrest mentioned with the 
partnership of the Sea Grant College program under the National Science 
Foundation to be able to enhance the college for the work that it 
already does but to provide those standards and accountability. I look 
forward to working with the Committee on Resources. I appreciate the 
work of Chairman Gilchrest. I do thank the distinguished gentleman from 
Guam who, I do not know if we allow a contempt of Congress, but we do 
not want him to leave. We thank him for his great leadership on these 
issues, and my colleagues on the Committee on Science, the gentleman 
from Michigan (Mr. Ehlers) and the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Barcia) 
for their leadership. I am a member of the Committee on Science and 
have seen the good work of this college.
  I live in a coastal community, though many people would argue with 
me. I come from Houston, but we are 50 feet under sea level and 
certainly as our neighbors in Galveston saw the most horrific and maybe 
notorious hurricane in the early 1900s that literally took the island 
away, we know what it is to face the sea in all of its challenges. But 
we also realize the bounty that the sea offers. Therefore, this 
particular college and its program, I believe, is very vital.
  My amendment is simple, but it also reaffirms the good work that this 
amendment does. For example, I am very pleased to note that this 
amendment, the substitute amendment, provides fellowships. In 
particular, the Secretary shall strive to ensure equal access for 
minority and economically disadvantaged students to the program carried 
out under this subsection. So we have seen the difference with the 
access to fellowship in working with institutions in our Nation that 
reflect both Hispanic serving and African-American youngsters as well 
as other minorities and, of course, hard-to-serve areas. I cite in 
particular Texas Southern University, Prairie View A&M, all of the 
universities in Texas, in the Valley area in South Texas, who are 
outstanding, that the Pan-American and others that are reflective of 
the diversity of our State will have the ability to access this 
program.
  The amendment I have calls for a report to Congress describing 
efforts by the Secretary to ensure equal access to the Sea Grant 
Program. Education opportunity is the fundamental principle behind the 
National Sea Grant College Program Act. This program enhances the 
careers and future of students interested in marine science, marine 
policy issues, by placing them in a position to take advantage of a 
national network of Sea Grant colleges and research institutions. When 
these students thrive in the study of marine science, we all benefit. 
They provide the cutting edge for scientific information that will help 
improve the outcome for our environment, increase the potential of our 
oceans to offer medicines and food, and save the precious resources 
that are so valuable to America.
  All of us are in awe of the oceans and seas. They obviously take 
their place by being the dominant, if you will, element of this world's 
structure. Because of the importance of the Sea Grant, we understand 
more about our oceans and seas. We must ensure that all students with a 
potential to excel also have access to study the ocean and the seas.
  According to census projections, minority groups will make up 50 
percent of the United States population by 2050. What we want is all of 
America to be prepared to be able to tell the story that is so 
important and do the research that is so important to make this Nation 
better, but also to take advantage of our resources. It is vital that 
this partnership between the Committee on Resources and the Committee 
on Science go forward with the enhancement of the Sea Grant Program. I 
am particularly pleased as well that the partnership includes 
coordination with related activities of the National Science 
Foundation, the Coastal Ocean Research Program of the National Oceanic 
and Atmospheric Administration, and a lot of other Federal agencies 
that have the ability to cooperate.
  Let me acknowledge that we in America are looking more now for 
cooperative sharing of information. That usually is attendant to the 
tragedy of September 11, knowing more, cooperating more, exchanging 
information, exchanging intelligence. This is a legislative initiative, 
I believe, that will help us do so. My amendment, then, follows up by 
saying as we give access to minorities in underserved areas, let us 
have accountability. This amendment will require the Secretary to 
submit a report to the Congress describing the efforts by the Secretary 
to ensure equal access for minority and economically disadvantaged 
students to the program carried out under this section and the results 
of such efforts.
  Mr. Chairman, I ask my colleagues to support this amendment inasmuch 
as it will provide accountability and good works on behalf of this 
legislation.
  Mr. Chairman, I rise to offer an amendment to H.R. 3389, The National 
Sea Grant College Program Act. This amendment calls for a report to 
Congress describing the efforts by the secretary to ensure equal access 
to the National Sea Grant Program.
  Educational opportunity is the fundamental principal behind the 
National Sea Grant College Program Act. This program enhances the 
careers and future of students interested in marine science and marine 
policy issues by

[[Page 10720]]

placing them in a position to take advantage of a national network of 
Sea Grant Colleges and research institutions. When these students 
thrive in the study of marine science we all benefit. They provide the 
cutting edge scientific information that will help improve the outcome 
for our environment, increase the potential of our oceans to offer 
medicines and food, and save the precious resources that are so 
valuable to America.
  Because of the importance of the Sea Grant we must ensure that all 
students with the potential to excel have access. According to census 
projections, minority groups will make up 50% of the U.S. population by 
2050. Unfortunately, these groups are traditionally underrepresented in 
the sciences and more specifically marine sciences. This reality is 
especially concerning in Texas and similar states where we have a large 
and rapidly growing minority group such as Hispanic students and 
teachers. As the demographics of our Nation change we must do 
everything possible to have all of America involved in the decisions 
affecting our U.S. coastal resources.
  Sea Grant programs have worked hard to change the trend of under-
representation of minorities by providing the help and scaffold 
necessary to increase the participation of minority students at all 
levels of the educational system. To bring minority students into the 
sciences, Sea Grant has developed marine science projects that directly 
involve middle and secondary school students, train teachers, and 
create educational materials. At the undergraduate and graduate level, 
Sea Grant program shave provided scholarships, research assistantships, 
and fellowships to undergraduate students.
  I believe this amendment will ensure that the hard work and 
meaningful efforts of the Sea Grant to encourage and support minority 
participation will have the broad reach that is so critical to equal 
access to the sciences. This amendment will help to monitor progress in 
reaching and providing opportunities for under-represented groups in 
undergraduate and graduate education.
  The Sea Grant has played a major role in educating a significant 
portion of marine and Great Lakes scientists who hold research and 
policy degrees in the United States. More than 12,000 graduate 
assistants have been supported by the Sea Grant and have become a major 
factor in the Nation's marine sector. These scientists have the skills 
that will benefit our environment and build our economy. They will help 
communities address issues of erosion and flooding, improve public 
access to our marine resources, and shape tourism expansion in ways 
that protect the environment while enhancing the economy.
  The Sea Grant is a relatively small annual appropriation yet it is an 
investment that yields a large return for our Nation. As a result of 
Sea Grant research and extension efforts, hybrid striped bass pond 
culture has expanded in just 10 years from a small demonstration 
project to an industry producing 10 million pounds of fish valued at 
$25 million annually. Sea Grant investigators have developed sterile 
oyster that can be grown year round and now makes up one third of the 
$86 million U.S. oyster market. Sea Grant research and outreach on 
Manila clams and blue mussel have resulted in new industries worth $19 
million annually. Sea Grant's efforts to develop underwater preserves 
have boosted the economy of a wide range of businesses in Great Lakes 
coastal communities. A recent study suggests that diving activity 
provided an economic stimulus of at least $1.5 million over a two-year 
period for small towns near the preserves.
  The present bill already reflects the need to have equal access of 
minorities and under-represented groups to Sea Grant programs. Mr. 
Chairman, this amendment will support the Sea Grant's current efforts 
to encourage minority participation and ensure accountability and 
progress in the endeavor to sustain racial, and socio-economic 
diversity of the Sea Grant Awardees.
  Mr. GILCHREST. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word.
  Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson-Lee) 
for her beautiful statement about this legislation, about the intent of 
the legislation. I also want to emphasize that in our legislation we 
have assured equal access to this program but her addition to that 
ensures that in an enhanced way and we are prepared to accept the 
gentlewoman's amendment.
  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Chairman, will the gentleman yield?
  Mr. GILCHREST. I yield to the gentlewoman from Texas.
  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I would like to compliment 
the Committee on Resources and the Committee on Science. As a member of 
the Committee on Science, I came in with the commitment that we should 
open up science and math and the understanding of our resources to all 
of our Nation and have often offered these amendments to expand the 
outreach.

                              {time}  1300

  But I want to applaud the committee for having the access provision. 
This amendment will hopefully complement it to the extent of providing 
the accountability.
  Might I also say that this is the first amendment of a new staff 
person of mine, Sophia King. I wanted to acknowledge that and hope she 
will have many more to open up the opportunities for all of us.
  Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman so very much.
  Mr. UNDERWOOD. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the requisite number of 
words.
  Mr. Chairman, as part of the compromise before us, we have agreed to 
amend the John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship Program to encourage 
the Secretary of Commerce to strive to ensure equal access for minority 
and economically disadvantaged students. There was broad agreement that 
this was a worthy refinement to this outstanding program.
  The amendment offered by our colleague, the gentlewoman from Texas 
(Ms. Jackson-Lee), would simply amend this provision to require the 
Secretary to provide an initial report to describe the level of 
minority and disadvantaged student participation within the Knauss 
Fellowship Program and also require subsequent reports every 2 years 
thereafter on progress in providing opportunities for under-represented 
groups to participate.
  I agree with the intent of this amendment, and I congratulate our 
colleague for this excellent amendment. Certainly we want to encourage 
NOAA to reach out to under-represented groups to offer them the 
opportunity to compete for Knauss fellowships like every other graduate 
student.
  Additionally, NOAA has implemented a commendable program of outreach 
to historically black and minority institutions of higher education, 
higher learning over the past few years. I would add that all of the 
institutions I mentioned in the Western Pacific are minority 
institutions. This amendment would appear consistent with that overall 
initiative as well.
  I believe that the Jackson-Lee amendment will improve the bill, and I 
urge its adoption.
  The CHAIRMAN. The question is on the amendment offered by the 
gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson-Lee).
  The question was taken; and the Chairman announced that the ayes 
appeared to have it.
  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I demand a recorded vote.
  The CHAIRMAN. A recorded vote has been demanded. All those in favor 
of taking this by a recorded vote are asked to stand and remain 
standing.
  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Chairman, since there will be a 
recorded vote on the entire bill, I thought it was going to be voiced, 
if there is going to be a recorded vote on the entire bill, I withdraw 
my request for a vote on my amendment.
  The CHAIRMAN. The request is withdrawn.
  So the amendment was agreed to.
  The CHAIRMAN. Are there further amendments?
  If not, the question is on the amendment in the nature of a 
substitute, as amended.
  The amendment in the nature of a substitute, as amended, was agreed 
to.
  The CHAIRMAN. Under the rule, the Committee rises.
  Accordingly, the Committee rose; and the Speaker pro tempore (Mr. 
Hoekstra) having assumed the chair, Mr. Sununu, Chairman of the 
Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union, reported that 
that Committee, having had under consideration the bill (H.R. 3389) to 
reauthorize the National Sea Grant College Program Act, and for other 
purposes, pursuant to House Resolution 446, he reported the bill back 
to the House with an amendment adopted by the Committee of the Whole.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under the rule, the previous question is 
ordered.

[[Page 10721]]

  Is a separate vote demanded on the amendment to the amendment in the 
nature of a substitute adopted by the Committee of the Whole? If not, 
the question is on the amendment in the nature of a substitute.
  The amendment in the nature of a substitute was agreed to.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the engrossment and third 
reading of the bill.
  The bill was ordered to be engrossed and read a third time, and was 
read the third time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the passage of the bill.
  The question was taken; and the Speaker pro tempore announced that 
the ayes appeared to have it.
  Mr. UNDERWOOD. Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a 
quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not 
present.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Evidently a quorum is not present.
  The Sergeant at Arms will notify absent Members.
  Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, this vote will be followed by a 5-
minute vote on the motion to instruct conferees offered by the 
gentleman from Florida (Mr. Hastings).
  The vote was taken by electronic device, and there were--yeas 407, 
nays 2, not voting 25, as follows:

                             [Roll No. 237]

                               YEAS--407

     Abercrombie
     Ackerman
     Aderholt
     Akin
     Allen
     Andrews
     Baca
     Bachus
     Baird
     Baldacci
     Baldwin
     Ballenger
     Barcia
     Barr
     Barrett
     Bartlett
     Barton
     Bass
     Becerra
     Bentsen
     Bereuter
     Berkley
     Berman
     Berry
     Biggert
     Bilirakis
     Blumenauer
     Boehlert
     Boehner
     Bonilla
     Bonior
     Bono
     Boozman
     Borski
     Boswell
     Boucher
     Boyd
     Brady (PA)
     Brady (TX)
     Brown (FL)
     Brown (OH)
     Brown (SC)
     Bryant
     Burr
     Burton
     Buyer
     Callahan
     Calvert
     Camp
     Cannon
     Cantor
     Capito
     Capps
     Capuano
     Cardin
     Carson (IN)
     Carson (OK)
     Castle
     Chabot
     Chambliss
     Clay
     Clayton
     Clement
     Clyburn
     Coble
     Combest
     Condit
     Costello
     Cox
     Coyne
     Cramer
     Crane
     Crenshaw
     Crowley
     Cubin
     Culberson
     Cummings
     Cunningham
     Davis (CA)
     Davis (FL)
     Davis (IL)
     Davis, Jo Ann
     Davis, Tom
     DeFazio
     DeGette
     Delahunt
     DeLauro
     DeLay
     DeMint
     Deutsch
     Diaz-Balart
     Dicks
     Dingell
     Doggett
     Dooley
     Doolittle
     Doyle
     Dreier
     Duncan
     Dunn
     Edwards
     Ehlers
     Ehrlich
     Emerson
     Engel
     English
     Eshoo
     Etheridge
     Evans
     Everett
     Farr
     Fattah
     Ferguson
     Filner
     Fletcher
     Foley
     Forbes
     Ford
     Fossella
     Frank
     Frelinghuysen
     Frost
     Gallegly
     Ganske
     Gekas
     Gephardt
     Gibbons
     Gilchrest
     Gillmor
     Gilman
     Gonzalez
     Goode
     Goodlatte
     Gordon
     Goss
     Graham
     Granger
     Graves
     Green (TX)
     Green (WI)
     Greenwood
     Grucci
     Gutknecht
     Hall (OH)
     Hall (TX)
     Hansen
     Harman
     Hart
     Hastings (FL)
     Hastings (WA)
     Hayes
     Hayworth
     Hefley
     Herger
     Hill
     Hilleary
     Hinchey
     Hinojosa
     Hobson
     Hoeffel
     Hoekstra
     Holden
     Holt
     Honda
     Hooley
     Horn
     Hostettler
     Houghton
     Hoyer
     Hulshof
     Hunter
     Hyde
     Inslee
     Isakson
     Israel
     Issa
     Istook
     Jackson (IL)
     Jackson-Lee (TX)
     Jefferson
     Jenkins
     John
     Johnson (CT)
     Johnson (IL)
     Johnson, E. B.
     Johnson, Sam
     Jones (NC)
     Jones (OH)
     Kanjorski
     Kaptur
     Keller
     Kelly
     Kennedy (MN)
     Kennedy (RI)
     Kerns
     Kildee
     Kilpatrick
     Kind (WI)
     King (NY)
     Kingston
     Kirk
     Knollenberg
     Kolbe
     Kucinich
     LaFalce
     LaHood
     Lampson
     Langevin
     Lantos
     Larsen (WA)
     Larson (CT)
     Latham
     LaTourette
     Leach
     Lee
     Levin
     Lewis (CA)
     Lewis (KY)
     Lipinski
     LoBiondo
     Lofgren
     Lowey
     Lucas (KY)
     Lucas (OK)
     Luther
     Lynch
     Maloney (CT)
     Maloney (NY)
     Manzullo
     Markey
     Mascara
     Matheson
     Matsui
     McCarthy (MO)
     McCarthy (NY)
     McCollum
     McCrery
     McDermott
     McGovern
     McInnis
     McIntyre
     McKeon
     McKinney
     McNulty
     Meehan
     Meek (FL)
     Meeks (NY)
     Menendez
     Mica
     Millender-McDonald
     Miller, Dan
     Miller, Gary
     Miller, George
     Miller, Jeff
     Mink
     Mollohan
     Moore
     Moran (KS)
     Moran (VA)
     Morella
     Murtha
     Myrick
     Nadler
     Neal
     Nethercutt
     Ney
     Northup
     Nussle
     Oberstar
     Obey
     Olver
     Ortiz
     Osborne
     Ose
     Otter
     Owens
     Oxley
     Pallone
     Pascrell
     Pastor
     Payne
     Pelosi
     Pence
     Peterson (MN)
     Peterson (PA)
     Petri
     Phelps
     Pickering
     Pitts
     Platts
     Pombo
     Pomeroy
     Portman
     Price (NC)
     Pryce (OH)
     Quinn
     Radanovich
     Rahall
     Ramstad
     Rangel
     Regula
     Rehberg
     Reyes
     Reynolds
     Riley
     Rivers
     Rodriguez
     Roemer
     Rogers (KY)
     Rogers (MI)
     Rohrabacher
     Ros-Lehtinen
     Ross
     Rothman
     Roybal-Allard
     Royce
     Rush
     Ryan (WI)
     Ryun (KS)
     Sabo
     Sanchez
     Sandlin
     Sawyer
     Saxton
     Schaffer
     Schiff
     Schrock
     Scott
     Sensenbrenner
     Serrano
     Sessions
     Shadegg
     Shaw
     Sherman
     Sherwood
     Shimkus
     Shows
     Shuster
     Simmons
     Simpson
     Skeen
     Skelton
     Slaughter
     Smith (MI)
     Smith (NJ)
     Smith (TX)
     Smith (WA)
     Snyder
     Solis
     Souder
     Spratt
     Stark
     Stearns
     Stenholm
     Strickland
     Stump
     Stupak
     Sullivan
     Sununu
     Tancredo
     Tanner
     Tauscher
     Tauzin
     Taylor (MS)
     Terry
     Thomas
     Thompson (CA)
     Thompson (MS)
     Thornberry
     Thune
     Thurman
     Tiahrt
     Tiberi
     Tierney
     Toomey
     Towns
     Turner
     Udall (CO)
     Udall (NM)
     Upton
     Velazquez
     Visclosky
     Vitter
     Walden
     Walsh
     Wamp
     Waters
     Watkins (OK)
     Watson (CA)
     Watt (NC)
     Watts (OK)
     Waxman
     Weiner
     Weldon (FL)
     Weldon (PA)
     Weller
     Wexler
     Whitfield
     Wicker
     Wilson (NM)
     Wilson (SC)
     Wolf
     Woolsey
     Wu
     Wynn
     Young (AK)
     Young (FL)

                                NAYS--2

     Flake
     Paul
       

                             NOT VOTING--25

     Armey
     Baker
     Bishop
     Blagojevich
     Blunt
     Collins
     Conyers
     Cooksey
     Deal
     Gutierrez
     Hilliard
     Kleczka
     Lewis (GA)
     Linder
     McHugh
     Napolitano
     Norwood
     Putnam
     Roukema
     Sanders
     Schakowsky
     Shays
     Sweeney
     Taylor (NC)
     Traficant

                              {time}  1327

  Mr. PAUL changed his vote from ``yea'' to ``nay.''
  So the bill was passed.
  The result of the vote was announced as above recorded.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
  Stated for:
  Mrs. NAPOLITANO. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 237, had I been 
present, I would have voted ``yea.''
  Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 237, I was unavoidably 
detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

                          ____________________