[House Report 108-422]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]



108th Congress                                                   Report
                        HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
 2d Session                                                     108-422

======================================================================



 
            INTERNATIONAL GEOPHYSICAL YEAR 50TH ANNIVERSARY

                                _______
                                

 February 18, 2004.--Referred to the House Calendar and ordered to be 
                                printed

                                _______
                                

  Mr. Boehlert, from the Committee on Science, submitted the following

                              R E P O R T

                    [To accompany H. Con. Res. 189]

    The Committee on Science, to whom was referred the 
concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 189) celebrating the 50th 
anniversary of the International Geophysical Year (IGY) and 
supporting an International Geophysical Year-2 (IGY-2) in 2007-
08, having considered the same, report favorably thereon with 
an amendment and recommend that the concurrent resolution as 
amended be agreed to.

                                CONTENTS

                                                                   Page
   I. Amendment.......................................................1
  II. Purpose of the Bill.............................................2
 III. Background and Need for the Legislation.........................2
  IV. Summary of Hearings.............................................4
   V. Committee Actions...............................................4
  VI. Summary of Major Provisions of the Bill.........................4
 VII. Section-by-Section Analysis (by Title and Section)..............4
VIII. Committee Views.................................................4
  IX. Cost Estimate...................................................5
   X. Congressional Budget Office Cost Estimate.......................5
  XI. Compliance With Public Law 104-4 (Unfunded Mandates)............5
 XII. Committee Oversight Findings and Recommendations................5
XIII. Statement on General Performance Goals and Objectives...........5
 XIV. Constitutional Authority Statement..............................5
  XV. Federal Advisory Committee Statement............................5
 XVI. Congressional Accountability Act................................5
XVII. Statement on Preemption of State, Local, or Tribal Law..........5
XVIII.Changes in Existing Law Made by the Bill, as Reported...........5

 XIX. Committee Recommendations.......................................6
  XX. Proceedings of Full Committee Markup............................7

                              I. Amendment

    The amendment is as follows:
    Strike all after the resolving clause and insert the 
following:
That it is the sense of the Congress that the President should--
          (1) endorse the concept of a worldwide IGY-2 for the 2007-
        2008 timeframe;
          (2) direct the Director of the National Science Foundation 
        and the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space 
        Administration, in association with the National Academy of 
        Sciences and other relevant governmental and nongovernmental 
        organizations, to initiate interagency and international 
        inquiries and discussions that explore the opportunities for a 
        worldwide IGY-2 in the 2007-2008 timeframe, emphasizing 
        activities dedicated to global environmental research, 
        education, and protection; and
          (3) submit to Congress at the earliest practical date, but no 
        later than 6 months after the date of adoption of this 
        resolution, a report detailing the steps taken in carrying out 
        paragraphs (1) and (2), including descriptions of possible 
        activities and organizational structures for an IGY-2 in 2007-
        2008.

                        II. Purpose of the Bill

    The purpose of the concurrent resolution is to celebrate 
the 50th anniversary of the International Geophysical Year 
(IGY) and support an International Geophysical Year-2 (IGY-2) 
in 2007-08.

              III. Background and Need for the Legislation

    This resolution calls for a worldwide program of activities 
to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the most successful 
global scientific endeavor in human history--the International 
Geophysical Year (IGY) of 1957-58. The Committee first 
discussed the idea of an IGY resolution with Mr. Harvey 
Meyerson, who served as the President of the 1992 International 
Space Year (ISY).
    The 60 nations and 60,000 scientists who participated in 
the IGY left an ongoing legacy beyond measure. Satellite 
communications, modern weather forecasting, modern natural 
disaster prediction and management, from volcanic eruptions to 
El Nino--are all legacies of IGY scientific activities that 
covered the globe and breached the space frontier.
    The space age itself is a child of the IGY. The program of 
events included the launching of the first artificial 
satellites, Sputnik and Vanguard. The IGY also produced the 
pathbreaking decision to set aside an entire continent--
Antarctica--for cooperative study. This IGY program alone--
which was permanently institutionalized by the Antarctica 
Treaty--made the year a scientific triumph.
    In a still broader context, the IGY marked the coming of 
age of international science. Globally coordinated activities 
that save millions of lives today--such as the campaigns to 
contain and find cures for SARS and AIDS--owe their inspiration 
and working model to the unprecedented number of scientists 
from throughout the world who banded together to implement the 
IGY. Scientific findings from thousands of locations, ranging 
from world research centers to remote field stations, were 
collected and organized by this global team. The result was an 
unprecedented range of discoveries for human benefit. The great 
British geophysicist Sydney Chapman, who helped conceive the 
IGY, called it ``the greatest example of world-wide scientific 
cooperation in the history of our race.''
    The concurrent resolution calls for an ``IGY-2'' that would 
be even more extensive in its global reach and more 
comprehensive in its research and applications. The biological 
sciences, genetics, computer sciences, and the neurosciences, 
among others, have made tremendous advances worldwide during 
the half century since the IGY. At the same time, new 
integrative linkages are being established among mathematics, 
physics, the geosciences, the life sciences, the social 
sciences, and the humanities as well.
    As a consequence, there is a coming together in the study 
of our planet and its diverse inhabitants whose potential scope 
and significance is only beginning to be perceived even among 
those directly involved. In addition to promoting research, 
IGY-2 would provide a stage for showcasing these new 
developments and a forum for presentation and discussion of 
their continually unfolding cultural as well as scientific 
significance.
    Indeed, one of IGY-2's most important contributions would 
be to enhance public awareness of global activities that 
provide hope and example in an era when conflict and strife 
occupy the foreground of public policy and public attention. 
George Kistiakowsky, science adviser to President Dwight 
Eisenhower under whose presidency the IGY occurred, said at the 
time: ``Science is today one of the few common languages of 
mankind; it can provide a basis for understanding and 
communication of ideas between people that is independent of 
political boundaries and ideologies [and] that can contribute 
in a major way to the reduction of tension between nations.''
    Those words spoken more than 40 years ago resonate with 
special significance today when the web of global ties among 
scientists is so much more extensive yet still largely 
unrecognized. There is a glimpse of its saving potential in the 
inspiring worldwide response of scientists and public health 
professionals to the SARS outbreak--a response inconceivable 
without the collaborative lines of communication established 
during the past half century. At a minimum, the work of these 
unsung heroes deserves greater recognition than it has 
received--and IGY-2 would do that.
    It is entirely fitting that the United States take the lead 
in launching an IGY-2 and that Congress provide the impetus. 
The IGY of 1957-58 was conceived in 1950 in Silver Spring, 
Maryland, at a dinner hosted by Professor James Van Allen and 
attended by scientists from Europe, including Sydney Chapman. 
They discussed the International Polar Years that had been held 
at 50 year intervals--first in 1882, then in 1932. The next one 
was scheduled for 1982. These visionary scientists came up with 
the idea of accelerating the schedule to a 25-year interval, 
which would occur in 1957, and expanding its coverage to the 
entire globe, so as to take full advantage of rapid advances in 
research and instrumentation. They took their idea to 
governments and scientific organizations and made it happen. 
Fittingly, James Van Allen won the Nobel Prize for discovery 
during the IGY of the radiation belts that bear his name.
    Subsequently, in 1985, Congress passed a resolution calling 
for a year of globally coordinated space activity in 1992, to 
mark the simultaneously occurring 35th anniversary of the IGY 
and 500th anniversary of Columbus' voyage of discovery. The 
bipartisan resolution for this International Space Year, or 
ISY, was introduced by Senator Spark Matsunaga and endorsed by 
President Reagan. At the President's direction, the United 
States led a worldwide planning effort that culminated with the 
implementation of an ISY in 1992 that made major contributions 
to international scientific cooperation, notably in the field 
of global environmental monitoring.
    The contributions to humanity of an IGY-2 will be 
remembered with gratitude both in the near future and for 
generations to come.

                        IV. Summary of Hearings

    The Committee did not hold any hearings on the concurrent 
resolution.

                          V. Committee Actions

    On Wednesday, February 4, 2004, the Full Committee on 
Science met to consider the concurrent resolution. Mr. Udall 
offered an amendment that changed the reporting date to 6 
months after the adoption of this resolution. The amendment was 
adopted by a voice vote.
    Mr. Gordon moved that the Committee favorably report the 
concurrent resolution, H. Con. Res. 189, as amended, to the 
House with the recommendation that the concurrent resolution, 
as amended, be agreed to, and that the staff be instructed to 
make technical and conforming changes to the concurrent 
resolution, as amended, and prepare the legislative report and 
that the Chairman take all necessary steps to bring the 
concurrent resolution before the House for consideration. The 
motion was agreed to by a voice vote.

            VI. Summary of Major Provisions of the Amendment

    The concurrent resolution, as reported, is designed to 
celebrate the 50th anniversary of the International Geophysical 
Year (IGY) and support an International Geophysical Year-2 
(IGY-2) in 2007-08.

        VII. Section-by-Section Analysis of the Bill as Reported

    The concurrent resolution states several findings 
establishing the significance of the International Geophysical 
Year and resolves that the President should:
          (1) Endorse the concept of a worldwide IGY-2 for the 
        2007-2008 period;
          (2) Direct the Director of the National Science 
        Foundation and the Administrator of the National 
        Aeronautics and Space Administration, in association 
        with the National Academy of Sciences and other 
        governmental and nongovernmental organizations, to 
        initiate interagency and international inquiries and 
        discussions that explore the opportunities for a 
        worldwide IGY-2 in the 2007-2008 period, emphasizing 
        activities dedicated to global environmental research, 
        education, and protection; and
          (3) Submit to Congress at the earliest practical date 
        but no later than 6 months after the date of adoption 
        of this resolution, a report detailing the steps taken 
        in carrying out paragraphs (1) and (2); including 
        descriptions of possible activities and organizational 
        structures for an IGY-2 in 2007-2008.

                         VIII. Committee Views

    The Committee strongly endorses the purpose of the 
concurrent resolution.

                           IX. Cost Estimate

    A cost estimate and comparison was not prepared by the 
Director of the Congressional Budget Office since the measure 
is a concurrent resolution.
    Since H. Con. Res. 189 is a resolution, the measure does 
not contain new budget authority, credit authority, or changes 
in revenues or tax expenditures.

              X. Congressional Budget Office Cost Estimate

    The Congressional Budget Office is not required to submit a 
cost estimate on a resolution.

                  XI. Compliance With Public Law 104-4

    H. Con. Res. 189 contains no unfunded mandates.

         XII. Committee Oversight Findings and Recommendations

    The Committee on Science's oversight findings and 
recommendations are reflected in the body of this report.

      XIII. Statement on General Performance Goals and Objectives

    Pursuant to clause (3)(c) of House rule XIII, the goals of 
H. Con. Res. 189 are to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the 
International Geophysical Year and support an International 
Geophysical Year-2 (IGY-2) in 2007-2008.

                XIV. Constitutional Authority Statement

    Article I of the Constitution of the United States grants 
Congress the authority to adopt H. Con. Res. 189.

                XV. Federal Advisory Committee Statement

    H. Con. Res. 189 does not establish or authorize the 
establishment of any advisory committee.

                 XVI. Congressional Accountability Act

    The Committee finds that H. Con. Res. 189 does not relate 
to the terms and conditions of employment or access to public 
services or accommodations within the meaning of section 
102(b)(3) of the Congressional Accountability Act (Public Law 
104-1).

      XVII. Statement on Preemption of State, Local, or Tribal Law

    This measure is a resolution and therefore, does not 
preempt any state, local, or tribal law.

      XVIII. Changes in Existing Law Made by the Bill, as Reported

    This resolution does not amend any existing Federal 
statute.

                     XIX. Committee Recommendations

    On February 4, 2004, the Committee on Science favorably 
reported the H. Con. Res. 189, as amended, by a voice vote, and 
recommended that it be agreed to.


   XX. PROCEEDINGS OF THE FULL COMMITTEE MARKUP ON H. CON. RES. 189, 
CELEBRATING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE INTERNATIONAL GEOPHYSICAL YEAR 
  (IGY) AND SUPPORTING AN INTERNATIONAL GEOPHYSICAL YEAR-2 (IGY-2) IN 
                                2007-08

                              ----------                              


                      WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2004

                          House of Representatives,
                                      Committee on Science,
                                                    Washington, DC.

    The Committee met, pursuant to call, at 10:08 a.m., in Room 
2318 of the Rayburn House Office Building, Hon. Sherwood L. 
Boehlert [Chairman of the Committee] presiding.
    Chairman Boehlert. Good morning. The Committee on Science 
will be in order. We will begin with a few brief administrative 
matters involving the Subcommittee assignments. I ask unanimous 
consent to change the ratio of the Subcommittee on Energy from 
ten Republican Members and eight Democrat Members to eleven 
Republican Members and nine Democrats. Without objection, so 
ordered.
    I ask unanimous consent that the gentleman from Texas, the 
Honorable Ralph Hall, be elected to the Subcommittee on Energy 
and to the Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics. Without 
objection, so ordered.
    Let me just say this is--you will notice some adjustments 
in the chairs up here, in the line up. First of all, it is a 
pleasure for me to welcome Mr. Hall to our side of the aisle. 
We have come to expect wonderful things from Mr. Hall. And one 
of the things that I admire most about him, in addition to his 
wit, is his good judgment. So Mr. Hall, welcome.
    And I also want to welcome my dear friend and colleague of 
many years, Bart Gordon, to the position as Ranking Member as 
leader of the Democrats. He is not leader of the opposition; he 
is leader of our partners in this effort. And I want to 
particularly note that he has been a most active Member of this 
committee from the beginning, from his first time here in 1985 
as a freshman Member. He is a thoughtful, deliberative guy. He 
is a guy who pays attention to the issues and one from whom I 
will expect great things in the future. I would point out that 
he also has a minor Committee assignment. He is a Member of 
Energy and Commerce, but this is where he devotes his--so much 
time and attention to very productive results. So Mr. Gordon, 
welcome. Mr. Hall, welcome. We are glad to have everyone here.
    And now the Chair is pleased to recognize the Ranking 
Member from Tennessee, Mr. Gordon.
    Mr. Gordon. Mr. Chairman, I should just say amen. I don't 
think I can beat your kind remarks. Thank you very much. I am 
excited about having the opportunity to serve as the Ranking 
Member. And I am pleased that our friend, Mr. Hall, is going to 
stay and be the referee. He has set a very good example for us, 
as you said, in working in a bipartisan manner. We want to 
continue that example.
    I think today is fitting that we have a full agenda, and so 
I want to be very brief and--so that we can move forward, but I 
do want to thank you for allowing Congressman Udall and 
Congressman Miller to have two bills today. And I hope that you 
will help us bring these to the Floor as promptly as you have 
brought them to this committee.
    Thank you very much.
    Chairman Boehlert. Mr. Hall.
    Mr. Hall. Mr. Chairman, and to the Ranking Member and to 
the other Members, I thank you very much. I am honored to be 
back on the Committee.
    I want to thank Mr. Gordon for his good judgment and for 
his kindness in keeping the team in place that we had set in 
place. They are good people and good folks to work with. I want 
to thank all of them from either side of the docket who have 
welcomed me here. Actually, when I decided--made the decision 
to switch parties, I didn't call anyone. I didn't call the 
President or anyone. I didn't tell anyone, including my wife, 
which was a mistake. I announced that I was making the switch 
and put it on the wire and then called and spoke to the 
Speaker. All I expected from him was that my seniority would be 
honored, and he said it would be. You have done that. And to 
both sides, I am the same guy I was when I came over here. I am 
probably the Speaker's problem now. So we will just have to 
wait and see how things go, but I am honored to be back with a 
group of men and women that I admire, respect, and look forward 
to working with.
    Thank you, and I yield back my time.
    Chairman Boehlert. Thank you so much.
    As those who have observed the deliberations of this 
committee would have testified to, it really doesn't matter 
where you sit in this committee, because we have some very 
important work and partisanship doesn't rear its ugly head very 
often here. On occasion it does, and we are all familiar with 
that. But when all is said and done, we work as a team, this 
Science Committee, and I am very proud of that. And so no 
matter where they are sitting, everybody is part of the team, 
and I thank them for their cooperation and support and vision 
as we look to the future.
    Pursuant to notice, the Committee on Science meets today to 
consider the following measures: H.R. 3551, the Surface 
Transportation Research Act of 2004; H.R. 3752, the Commercial 
Space Launch Amendments Act of 2004; H.R. 912, Charles ``Pete'' 
Conrad Astronomy Awards Act; H.R. 1292, Remote Sensing 
Applications Act of 2003; H.R. 3389, To amend the Stevenson-
Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 to permit Malcolm 
Baldrige National Quality Awards to be made to nonprofit 
organizations; and H. Con. Res. 189, Celebrating the 50th 
anniversary of the International Geophysical Year and 
supporting an International Geophysical Year-2 in 2007-08. I 
ask unanimous consent for the authority to recess the 
Subcommittee at any point, and without objection, it is 
ordered.
    We will now proceed with opening statements. I want to 
welcome everyone here for this important markup. We want to get 
done by 11:00 a.m., so we will need to be brief. I am not 
planning to make any statements this morning other than this 
one, so I will discuss each of the bills right now. But first 
let me say that all of the bills, as usual, reflect long hours 
of bipartisan work on important issues. The smooth markup that 
we expect today is the result of countless hours of staff work 
on both sides of the aisle working out the kinks.
    The first that we will take up is the Transportation 
Research and Development Act offered by Dr. Ehlers and the 
negotiated amendments to it. The bill ensures that we will be 
devoting more resources to transportation R&D and that those 
resources will be better targeted. The bill authorizes an 
organized R&D effort that will focus on questions related to 
safety, environment, demographics, and getting the most out of 
the infrastructure that is already in place. It is an eminently 
sensible approach, and we will work hard to see that it becomes 
part of the overall highway bill. I know many Members have 
contributed ideas to the bill and to the amendments, including, 
in addition to the ones I have to offer, two freshmen Members 
on our side of the aisle, Mr. Neugebauer and Ms. Burgess--Dr. 
Burgess. I thank them for their contributions.
    The second measure on the roster is Mr. Rohrabacher's bill 
to amend the Commercial Space Launch Act. I want to thank 
Chairman Rohrabacher for bringing this important matter to our 
attention. We need to create a balanced and predictable 
regulatory regime that can help jump-start a commercial human 
space flight industry while protecting the public. I think that 
this bill does just that. I know some have concerns about the 
provision in the bill extending indemnification for just 3 
years. I don't want to have a long debate in this now, but the 
argument for indemnification has always been that we need to 
help out an infant industry. Well, no industry can remain 
infant forever. Indemnification has already been extended many 
times. Infancy has lasted long enough. In industry's interest, 
we need to send the signal now that the insurance regime out to 
be changing in the future. It certainly would not be fair or 
wise to catch industry off guard.
    The third bill is also offered by Chairman Rohrabacher. It 
would set up awards for amateur astronomers who discover near-
Earth asteroids. It is one of those ideas that is so obviously 
good that it is amazing that it hasn't happened already.
    The fourth bill is Mr. Udall's remote sensing bill. This is 
also a sensible bill that we passed in the last Congress. We 
ought to be doing more to ensure that the remote sensing data 
we have is actually being used. Mr. Weldon will be offering a 
helpful amendment on that to single out one use of the data: 
locating forest fires. I support that amendment.
    The fifth bill would expand the Baldrige Quality Awards to 
include nonprofits. I helped craft the legislation creating the 
Baldrige Award years ago. Little did I appreciate then what a 
major success the award would be. I congratulate Mr. Miller on 
his bill to expand the award.
    The sixth bill by Mr. Udall would call for another 
International Geophysical Year, 50 years after the first one 
was so successful in bringing the world together to conduct 
pioneering research in Antarctica, research several of us got 
to see firsthand last year. This is another idea that deserves 
this committee's support.
    I congratulate all of my colleagues on their hard work on 
these bills, and I look forward to their prompt passage here 
and on the House Floor.
    Let me once again restate the deep appreciation all of us 
have, on both sides, for the outstanding work of the very 
capable and hardworking professional staff. These are people 
who are here long after we have gone home, long after we have 
checked out of the airport to return to our Districts, working 
day and night and weekends to provide us with the support we 
need to do the good work we are doing.
    I now recognize Mr. Gordon for five minutes to present his 
opening remarks.
    [The prepared statement of Chairman Boehlert follows:]

            Prepared Statement of Chairman Sherwood Boehlert

    I want to welcome everyone here for this important markup. We want 
to get done by 11 a.m., so we all need to be brief. I'm not planning to 
make any statements this morning other than this one, so I will discuss 
each of the bills right now.
    But first let me say that all the bills, as usual, reflect long 
hours of bipartisan work on important issues. The smooth markup that we 
expect today is a result of countless hours of staff work on both sides 
of the aisle working out the kinks.
    The first bill we will take up is the transportation research and 
development (R&D) bill offered by Mr. Ehlers and the negotiated 
amendments to it. This bill ensures that we will be devoting more 
resources to transportation R&D and that those resources will be better 
targeted. The bill authorizes an organized R&D effort that will focus 
on questions related to safety, environment, demographics, and getting 
the most out of the infrastructure that is already in place. It's an 
eminently sensible approach, and we will work hard to see that it 
becomes part of the overall highway bill.
    I know many Members have contributed ideas to the bill and to the 
amendments, including (in addition to me), two freshmen Members on our 
side of the aisle, Mr. Neugebauer and Mr. Burgess. I thank them for 
their contributions.
    The second measure on the roster is Mr. Rohrabacher's bill to amend 
the Commercial Space Launch Act.
    I want to thank Chairman Rohrabacher for bringing this important 
matter to our attention. We need to create a balanced and predictable 
regulatory regime that can help jump-start a commercial human space 
flight industry while protecting the public. I think this bill does 
just that.
    I know some have concerns about the provision in the bill extending 
indemnification for just three years. I don't want to have a long 
debate on this now, but the argument for indemnification has always 
been that we need to help out an infant industry. Well, no industry can 
remain an infant forever. Indemnification has already been extended 
many times. Infancy has lasted long enough. In industry's interest, we 
need to send the signal now that the insurance regime ought to be 
changing in the future. It certainly would not be fair or wise to catch 
industry off guard.
    The third bill is also offered by Mr. Rohrabacher. It would set up 
awards for amateur astronomers who discover near-Earth asteroids. It's 
one of those ideas that is so obviously good that it's amazing that it 
isn't happening already.
    The fourth bill is Mr. Udall's remote sensing bill. This is also a 
sensible bill that we passed in the last Congress. We ought to be doing 
more to ensure that the remote sensing data we have is actually being 
used. Mr. Weldon will be offering a helpful amendment on that bill to 
single out one use of the data--locating forest fires. I support that 
amendment.
    The fifth bill would expand the Baldrige Quality Award to include 
non-profits. I helped craft the legislation creating the Baldrige Award 
years ago; little did I understand then what a major success the Award 
would be. I congratulate Mr. Miller on his bill to expand the Award.
    The sixth bill, by Mr. Udall, would call for another International 
Geophysical Year, 50 years after the first one was so successful in 
bringing the world together to conduct pioneering research in 
Antarctica--research several of us got to see firsthand last year. This 
is another idea that deserves this committee's support.
    I congratulate all my colleagues on their hard work on these bills, 
and I look forward to their prompt passage here--and on the House 
Floor.
    Mr. Gordon.

    Mr. Gordon. Mr. Chairman, I am pleased to report to the 
Committee that the Democratic Caucus of the Science Committee 
has elected the Honorable Nick Lampson of Texas as the Ranking 
Democrat on the Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics. Mr. 
Lampson has been a Member of the Committee and the Subcommittee 
since his election to Congress in 1996. He represents the 
Johnson--we will try again here. Okay. He represents the 
Johnson Space Center in Houston, and he has been out front in 
his vision for human space flight. Accordingly, I ask unanimous 
consent that the seniority order for the Democratic membership 
of the Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics be changed to 
reflect the action of our Caucus, placing Mr. Lampson first in 
the Democratic seniority.
    Chairman Boehlert. Without objection.
    Mr. Gordon. Mr. Chairman, I ask unanimous consent for 
another request, and that is I am pleased to report to the 
Committee that the Democratic Caucus of the Science Committee 
has elected the Honorable John Larson of Connecticut as ranking 
Democrat on the Subcommittee on Energy. John has been a Member 
of the Committee since 1998, also serves as the Ranking Member 
on the House Administration Committee, and was a leader in 
developing many of the R&D provisions of the energy bill. 
Accordingly, I ask unanimous consent that the Honorable John 
Larson be elected to the Subcommittee on Energy and that rank 
in seniority is first on the Democratic membership.
    Chairman Boehlert. Without objection.
    Mr. Gordon. Mr. Chairman, respecting your interest in 
getting out by 11:00, I will reserve any remarks on the bills 
as they come forth.
    Chairman Boehlert. Thank you very much. Without objection, 
all Members may place opening statements in the records at this 
point--in the record at this point.
    We will now consider the Concurrent Resolution, H. Con. 
Res. 189, Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the International 
Geophysical Year and supporting an International Geophysical 
Year-2 in 2007-08.
    I now recognize Mr. Gordon for such time as he may consume.
    Mr. Gordon. Thank you. I want to congratulate Mr. Udall 
for, once again, showing leadership on an important 
environmental issue. The bill properly commemorates the 
magnificent achievements of International Geophysical Year. A 
new IGY will be good for the environment. It will also be 
healthy for our standing as a Nation to take the leadership 
role in developing a new IGY for the 21st Century.
    And I yield the balance of my time to Mr. Udall.
    Mr. Udall. I want to thank my colleague for Tennessee--from 
Tennessee for yielding. And Mr. Chairman, I am really pleased 
that we are going to mark this important resolution up today. 
And I would like to ask unanimous consent to enter into the 
record letters of endorsement for this resolution.
    Chairman Boehlert. Without objection, so ordered.
    [The information follows:]

    
    
    Mr. Udall. I introduced the resolution last year, calling 
for a worldwide program of activities to commemorate the 50th 
anniversary of the most successful global scientific endeavor 
in human history, the International Geophysical Year of 1957-
58. It is hard to imagine not commemorating the historical 
global undertaking that was the International Geophysical Year, 
popularly known as the IGY.
    There were 60,000 scientists in 60 nations who participated 
in that IGY, and they left an ongoing legacy that is beyond 
measure. Satellite communications, modern weather forecasting, 
modern natural disaster prediction and management from volcanic 
eruptions to El Nino, these are all legacies of the IGY 
scientific activities.
    In a broader context, the IGY marked the coming of age of 
international science, globally coordinated activities that 
saved millions of lives today, such as the campaigns to contain 
and find cures for SARS and AIDS owe their working model to the 
scientists from throughout the world who banded together to 
implement IGY.
    My resolution calls for an IGY-2 that would be even more 
extensive in its global reach and more comprehensive in its 
research and applications. The frontiers of science are 
continually expanding. The biological sciences, genetics, 
computer sciences, and the neurosciences, among others, have 
made tremendous advances worldwide during the 50 years since 
the IGY.
    IGY-2 would not only promote research, but it would provide 
a stage for showcasing these new scientific developments in a 
forum for presentation and discussion of their unfolding 
significance. And I think, Mr. Chairman, you would agree with 
this that it is entirely fitting that the United States take 
the lead in launching an IGY-2 and that we, in the Science 
Committee, and the Congress provide the impetus. In 1985, the 
35th anniversary was marked by a resolution authored by Senator 
Spark Matsunaga, which called for a year of global coordination 
of space activity. And from President Reagan's direction, the--
out of that resolution, the U.S. led a worldwide planning 
effort that culminated in the implementation of an 
International Space Year in 1992, which made major scientific 
contributions.
    So we have both scientific and congressional precedence for 
the U.S. to take the lead internationally in calling for an 
IGY-2. In that spirit, I urge my colleagues to join me in 
promoting this initiative in support of modern science, if I 
could add, the mission of the Science Committee and 
international scientific cooperation.
    In conclusion, Mr. Chairman, as we have discussed, I will 
have a technical amendment to offer to adjust dates in the 
resolution, and I want to thank you for indicating your support 
for the amendment and for the resolution in general.
    [The prepared statement of Mr. Udall follows:]

            Prepared Statement of Representative Mark Udall

    Mr. Chairman, I'm pleased that we're marking up this important 
resolution today. (I'd like to ask unanimous consent to enter into the 
record letters of endorsement for my resolution.)
    Last year, I introduced this resolution calling for a worldwide 
program of activities to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the most 
successful global scientific endeavor in human history--the 
International Geophysical Year of 1957-58.
    It is hard to imagine not commemorating the historic global 
undertaking that was the International Geophysical Year, popularly 
remembered as the IGY.
    The 60 nations and 60,000 scientists who participated in the IGY 
left an ongoing legacy that is beyond measure. Satellite 
communications, modern weather forecasting, modern natural disaster 
prediction and management, from volcanic eruptions to El Nino--they are 
all legacies of IGY scientific activities that spanned the globe and 
breached the space frontier.
    In a broader context, the IGY marked the coming of age of 
international science. Globally coordinated activities that save 
millions of lives today--such as the campaigns to contain and find 
cures for SARS and AIDS--owe their working model to the scientists from 
throughout the world who banded together to implement the IGY.
    My resolution calls for an ``IGY-2'' that would be even more 
extensive in its global reach and more comprehensive in its research 
and applications. After all, the frontiers of science are continually 
expanding. The biological sciences, genetics, computer sciences, and 
the neurosciences, among others, have made tremendous advances 
worldwide during the half-century since the IGY.
    IGY-2 would not only promote research, but it would also provide a 
stage for showcasing these new scientific developments and a forum for 
presentation and discussion of their continually unfolding 
significance.
    It is entirely fitting that the United States take the lead in 
launching an IGY-2 and that Congress provide the impetus.
    In 1985, to mark the 35th anniversary of the IGY, Congress passed a 
resolution--authored by Senator Spark Matsunaga--calling for a year of 
globally coordinated space activity.
    At President Reagan's direction, the U.S. led a worldwide planning 
effort that culminated in the implementation of an International Space 
Year in 1992, which made major scientific contributions, notably in the 
field of global environmental monitoring.
    So we have both scientific and Congressional precedent for the U.S. 
to take the lead internationally in calling for an IGY-2.
    I urge my colleagues to join me in promoting this initiative in 
support of modern science and international scientific cooperation.
    Mr. Chairman, as we've discussed, I will have a technical amendment 
to offer to adjust dates in the resolution. I'd like to thank you for 
indicating you will accept this amendment.

    Chairman Boehlert. Thank you so much.
    Without objection, all Members may place opening statements 
in the record at this point.
    I ask unanimous consent that the Concurrent Resolution is 
considered as read and open to amendment at any point and that 
the Members proceed with the amendments in the order of the 
roster. Without objection, so ordered.
    The first amendment on the roster is offered by Mr. Udall.
    Mr. Udall. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.
    Chairman Boehlert. The Clerk shall report.
    Ms. Tessieri. Amendment to H. Con. Res. 189 offered by Mr. 
Udall of Colorado.
    [Amendment offered by Mr. Udall appears in the Appendix.]
    Chairman Boehlert. I ask unanimous consent to dispense with 
the reading. Without objection, so ordered.
    The gentleman from Colorado?
    Mr. Udall. Mr. Chairman, briefly, this is a straightforward 
technical amendment to adjust the dates in the bill. I would 
urge its adoption.
    Chairman Boehlert. Thank you very much.
    Mr. Ehlers.
    Mr. Ehlers. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
    I am pleased to support my colleague's amendment and the 
underlying resolution. In 1958, as he observed, over 60,000 
scientists from around the globe participated in the first 
International Geophysical Year. I was a graduate student at 
that time, and I still remember the event and the tremendous 
effect that it had on geophysical sciences. Tremendous 
scientific advances in Earth sciences--in all Earth sciences 
came about because of their efforts. For example, work to 
develop satellites for studying the upper atmosphere led to the 
beginning of our nation's space program.
    Yet, with all of the advances we have seen, understanding 
the complex behavior of the Earth's environment remains a 
daunting task. So I am pleased that the resolution calls for a 
second International Geophysical Year that will coordinate the 
efforts a new generation of Earth scientists. We can barely 
begin to imagine what amazing discoveries will come about 
through their work.
    I urge my colleagues to recognize the legacy of the 
International Geophysical Year and support this resolution.
    I yield back the balance of my time.
    [The prepared statement of Mr. Ehlers follows:]
         Prepared Statement of Representative Vernon J. Ehlers
    I am pleased to support my colleague's amendment and the underlying 
resolution. In 1958, over 60,000 scientists from around the globe 
participated in the first International Geophysical Year. Tremendous 
scientific advances in earth sciences came about because of their 
efforts. For example, work to develop satellites for studying the upper 
atmosphere led to the beginning of our nation's space program.
    Yet, with all the advances we've seen, understanding the complex 
behavior of the Earth's environment remains a daunting task. So, I am 
pleased that the resolution calls for a second International 
Geophysical Year that will coordinate the efforts of a new generation 
of Earth scientists. We can barely begin to imagine what amazing 
discoveries will come about through their work.
    I urge my colleagues to recognize the legacy of the International 
Geophysical Year and support this resolution.

    Chairman Boehlert. Thank you very much. The question is on 
the amendment. All of those in favor, signify by saying aye. 
Opposed, no. The ayes appear to have it, and the amendment is 
agreed to.
    The question--Counselor, are you signaling me for 
something? When an upstate New Yorker tries to get my 
attention, he does, and you did.
    The question is now on the concurrent resolution, as 
amended, H. Con. Res. 189, Celebrating the 50th anniversary of 
the International Geophysical Year and supporting an 
International Geophysical Year-2 in 2007-08. All of those in 
favor, say aye. Opposed, say no. In the opinion of the Chair, 
the ayes have it.
    I will now recognize Mr. Gordon to offer a motion.
    Mr. Gordon. Mr. Chairman, I move that the Committee 
favorably report H. Con. Res. 189 as the amendment to the House 
with the recommendation that the concurrent resolution, as 
amended, do pass. Furthermore, I move that the staff be 
instructed to prepare the legislative report and make necessary 
technical and conforming changes, and that the Chairman take 
all necessary steps to bring the concurrent resolution before 
the House for consideration.
    Chairman Boehlert. The question is on the motion to report 
the bill favorably. Those in favor of the motion will signify 
by saying aye. Opposed, no. The ayes appear to have it, and the 
resolution is favorably reported.
    Without objection, the motion to reconsider is laid upon 
the table. I move that Members have two subsequent calendar 
days in which to submit supplemental, minority, or additional 
views on the measure. I move pursuant to Clause 1 of Rule 22 of 
the Rules of the House of Representatives that the Committee 
authorize the Chairman to offer such motions as may be 
necessary in the House to adopt and pass House Concurrent 
Resolution 189, as amended, and go to conference with the 
Senate on House Concurrent Resolution 189 or a similar Senate 
bill. Without objection, so ordered.
    This concludes our committee markup, and I thank my 
colleagues for their enthusiastic participation. We are now 
adjourned.
    [Whereupon, at 1:33 p.m., the Committee was adjourned.]

                               Appendix:

                              ----------                              


Amendment Roster, Amendment, H. Con. Res. 189, Summary of H. Con. Res. 
                                  189





  Summary of H. Con. Res 189, Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the 
    International Geophysical Year and Supporting an International 
                     Geophysical Year-2 in 2007-08

Purpose of the Resolution

    To recognize the 50th anniversary of the International Geophysical 
Year and support an International Geophysical Year-2 in 2007-08.

Background

    In 1952, the International Council of Scientific Unions proposed a 
comprehensive series of global geophysical activities to span the 
period July 1957-December 1958, called the International Geophysical 
Year (IGY). The purpose, as described by the National Academy of 
Sciences (NAS), was ``. . .to observe geophysical phenomena and to 
secure data from all parts of the world; to conduct this effort on a 
coordinated basis by fields, and in space and time, so that results 
could be collated in a meaningful manner.''
    Although representatives of 46 countries originally agreed to 
participate in the IGY, by the close of the year, 67 countries had 
become involved. American participation in the IGY was charged to a 
U.S. National Committee appointed in March 1953 by the NAS. The U.S. 
program included investigations of aurora and airglow, cosmic rays, 
geomagnetism, glaciology, gravity, the ionosphere, determinations of 
longitude and latitude, meteorology, oceanography, seismology, solar 
activity, and the upper atmosphere. In addition, a technical panel was 
set up to attempt to launch an artificial satellite into orbit around 
the earth. It was the IGY rocket and satellite research that led the 
U.S. to develop its space program.
    IGY activities spanned the globe from the North to the South Poles. 
Special attention was given to the Antarctic, where research on ice 
depths yielded radically new estimates of the Earth's total ice 
content. IGY Antarctic research also contributed to improved 
meteorological prediction, advances in the theoretical analysis of 
glaciers, and better understanding of seismological phenomena in the 
Southern Hemisphere.
    This resolution expresses the sense of Congress that the President 
should: (1) endorse the concept of a worldwide International 
Geophysical Year-Two (IGY-2) for the 2007-2008 time frame (the 50th 
anniversary of the IGY of 1957-1958); (2) require the Director of the 
National Science Foundation and the Administrator of the National 
Aeronautics and Space Administration to initiate interagency and 
international inquiries and discussions that explore the opportunities 
for a worldwide IGY-2, emphasizing activities dedicated to global 
environmental research, education, and protection; and (3) submit to 
Congress a report detailing the steps taken in carrying out this Act.
    This resolution is endorsed by the American Geophysical Union.

                                
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