    [House Report 109-503]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]

    109th Congress                                                   Report
                            HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
     2d Session                                                     109-503

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

           NATIONAL INTEGRATED DROUGHT INFORMATION SYSTEM ACT OF 2006

                                    _______

     June 15, 2006.--Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the
                  State of the Union and ordered to be printed

                                    _______

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

                                  R E P O R T

                            [To accompany H.R. 5136]

          [Including cost estimate of the Congressional Budget Office]

      The Committee on Science, to whom was referred the bill (H.R.
    5136) to establish a National Integrated Drought Information
    System within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
    Administration to improve drought monitoring and forecasting
    capabilities, having considered the same, report favorably
    thereon with an amendment and recommend that the bill as
    amended do pass.

                                    CONTENTS

                                                                       Page
       I. Amendment.......................................................2
      II. Purpose of the Bill.............................................2
     III. Background and Need for the Legislation.........................3
      IV. Summary of Hearings.............................................5
       V. Committee Actions...............................................7
      VI. Summary of Major Provisions of the Bill, as Reported............7
     VII. Section-by-Section Analysis (By Title and Section), as Reported.8
    VIII. Committee Views.................................................8
      IX. Cost Estimate..................................................10
       X. Congressional Budget Office Cost Estimate......................10
      XI. Compliance with Public Law 104-4 (Unfunded Mandates)...........11
     XII. Committee Oversight Findings and Recommendations...............11
    XIII. Statement on General Performance Goals and Objectives..........11
     XIV. Constitutional Authority Statement.............................12
      XV. Federal Advisory Committee Statement...........................12
     XVI. Congressional Accountability Act...............................12
    XVII. Statement on Preemption of State, Local, or Tribal Law.........12
    XVIII.Changes in Existing Law Made by the Bill, as Reported..........12

     XIX. Committee Recommendations......................................12
      XX. Proceedings of Subcommittee Markup.............................13
     XXI. Proceedings of Full Committee Markup...........................25

                                  I. AMENDMENT

      The amendment is as follows:
      Strike all after the enacting clause and insert the
    following:

    SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

      This Act may be cited as the ``National Integrated Drought
    Information System Act of 2006''.

    SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.

      In this Act:
              (1) Drought.--The term ``drought'' means a deficiency in
            precipitation--
                      (A) that leads to a deficiency in surface or
                    subsurface water supplies (including rivers, streams,
                    wetlands, ground water, soil moisture, reservoir
                    supplies, lake levels, and snow pack); and
                      (B) that causes or may cause--
                              (i) substantial economic or social impacts;
                            or
                              (ii) substantial physical damage or injury to
                            individuals, property, or the environment.
              (2) Under secretary.--The term ``Under Secretary'' means the
            Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere.

    SEC. 3. NIDIS PROGRAM.

      (a) In General.--The Under Secretary, through the National Weather
    Service and other appropriate weather and climate programs in the
    National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, shall establish a
    National Integrated Drought Information System.
      (b) System Functions.--The National Integrated Drought Information
    System shall--
              (1) provide an effective drought early warning system that--
                      (A) is a comprehensive system that collects and
                    integrates information on the key indicators of drought
                    in order to make usable, reliable, and timely drought
                    forecasts and assessments of drought, including
                    assessments of the severity of drought conditions and
                    impacts;
                      (B) communicates drought forecasts, drought
                    conditions, and drought impacts on an ongoing basis
                    to--
                              (i) decisionmakers at the Federal, regional,
                            State, tribal, and local levels of government;
                              (ii) the private sector; and
                              (iii) the public,
                    in order to engender better informed and more timely
                    decisions thereby leading to reduced impacts and costs;
                    and
                      (C) includes timely (where possible real-time) data,
                    information, and products that reflect local, regional,
                    and State differences in drought conditions;
              (2) coordinate, and integrate as practicable, Federal
            research in support of a drought early warning system; and
              (3) build upon existing forecasting and assessment programs
            and partnerships.
      (c) Consultation.--The Under Secretary shall consult with relevant
    Federal, regional, State, tribal, and local government agencies,
    research institutions, and the private sector in the development of the
    National Integrated Drought Information System.
      (d) Cooperation From Other Federal Agencies.--Each Federal agency
    shall cooperate as appropriate with the Under Secretary in carrying out
    this Act.

    SEC. 4. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

      There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this Act--
              (1) $11,000,000 for fiscal year 2007;
              (2) $12,000,000 for fiscal year 2008;
              (3) $13,000,000 for fiscal year 2009;
              (4) $14,000,000 for fiscal year 2010;
              (5) $15,000,000 for fiscal year 2011; and
              (6) $16,000,000 for fiscal year 2012.

                            II. PURPOSE OF THE BILL

        The purpose of the bill is to establish a National
    Integrated Drought Information System within the National
    Weather Service of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
    Administration to improve drought forecasting and monitoring
    capabilities.

                  III. BACKGROUND AND NEED FOR THE LEGISLATION

        Drought is neither sudden nor violent but it can be among
    the most devastating of natural disasters. Unlike other natural
    disasters, which have impacts that are often intense but
    localized, drought can simultaneously affect wide swaths of the
    Nation. In every one of the years from 1885 to 1995, some part
    of the United States has experienced a severe or extreme
    drought. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
    (NOAA) estimates that drought results in total economic impacts
    in the U.S. of $6 to $8 billion each year from such impacts as
    crop loss; premature livestock sales; degraded water quality;
    decreased tourism revenue from limited rafting, boating,
    fishing, golfing and skiing; decreased energy generation
    capacity; increased groundwater pumping costs; and reduced
    barge tonnage for commercial shipping. According to NOAA, the
    total cost of particularly severe droughts, including economic
    impact and government aid to affected communities, has exceeded
    $60 billion in the past.
        Experts in drought mitigation argue that substantial losses
    from drought are not inevitable. With adequate forecasting and
    monitoring capabilities, government and business can adjust
    their activities and substantially mitigate the extent and
    severity of many impacts of drought. For example, urban water
    managers can change reservoir release schedules and impose pre-
    drought water restrictions; agricultural users can alter crop
    choice and timing of planting to minimize water needs and
    potential crop loss, including changing crop rotations and use
    of strategic irrigation techniques; forest managers can alter
    fire suppression and mitigation plans, including pre-
    positioning of assets and people, and can heighten public
    awareness of wildfire prevention needs; waterway managers may
    be able to plan water releases and dredging activities to
    maintain open waterways; managers of animal stocks can budget
    for increased feed costs and can sell excess stock when prices
    are more favorable; energy providers can manage reservoir
    levels and fuel supplies to minimize cost increases due to
    reduced hydropower capacity.
        Federal, State and local governments make substantial
    investments in research on, and monitoring of, drought. But
    significant weaknesses remain in current systems for drought
    forecasting and monitoring. Many experts believe these
    weaknesses need to be addressed by tying together and building
    on current drought research and monitoring efforts to improve
    drought forecasting, planning, and mitigation.

    Weaknesses in Current Federal Drought Monitoring and Forecasts

        Beginning in 1999 and 2000, the Federal Government began
    providing drought information as two low-resolution-national
    maps: the U.S. Drought Monitor, and the U.S. Seasonal Drought
    Outlook.
        The Drought Monitor map, updated weekly at http://
    www.drought.unl.edu/dm/monitor.html. is a subjective assessment
    of national-scale trends in drought extent and severity. The
    map is a synthesis of multiple drought indices, outlooks and
    news accounts produced after consultation among scientists at
    NOAA, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the
    University of Nebraska.
        In contrast to the Drought Monitor which assesses current
    conditions, the U.S. Seasonal Drought Outlook is a forecast
    that is produced monthly by NOAA. This map and accompanying
    discussion product, the result of a subjective synthesis of
    forecast tools, provide a three-month prediction of general,
    large-scale drought trends and can be found at: http://
    www.cpc.noaa.gov/products/expert_assessment/
    seasonal_drought.html.
        Water managers, water users, and drought researchers have
    identified four primary weaknesses in current drought forecast
    and monitoring efforts. First, no mechanism currently exists to
    comprehensively assess the extent, severity, or impacts of
    drought with the level of detail required to support operation
    decision-making. Determination and assessment of drought is
    made particularly difficult by the lack of a single definition
    that is fully embraced by water users, managers, regulators,
    and scientists. No single definition exists because the
    definition depends on both the causes and impacts of drought,
    which may vary greatly from region to region. Partly due to the
    lack of a standard definition of drought, and partly due to the
    existence of many disparate monitoring efforts, local
    governments each use different sets of indicators and triggers
    to determine when a drought occurs. Equally important, there is
    no comprehensive effort across all levels of government to
    measure the impacts of drought, leaving decision-makers in the
    dark as to the extent and severity of the agricultural,
    economic, and social consequences of drought.
        Second, not all of the data collected by federal programs
    are delivered in a timely fashion, and in compatible formats.
    Some of the data come from cooperative programs that require
    periodic collection and delivery of the data, whereas other
    data are collected in a continuous manner. Furthermore,
    different federal programs use different data formats, making
    the combination of data from multiple sources difficult.
        Third, current drought forecast and monitoring products
    (the U.S. Drought Monitor and U.S. Seasonal Drought Outlook)
    provide general guidance on current and future drought risk,
    but do not provide enough detail and are not updated frequently
    enough to meet the operational needs of most water managers and
    users. While water managers can use these low resolution maps
    to communicate the overall state and trends of drought, the
    maps do not distinguish drought conditions on an individual
    reservoir or watershed level, which is the level at which water
    managers need information to make operational decisions.
        Finally, there is no single coordinating agency that
    operates a clearinghouse or a prediction model incorporating
    the drought-related data and tools produced by the many
    federal, state, and local agencies that work on drought
    management and that collect drought-related information.
    Current drought forecasts provided by the federal government
    involve manually collecting data and products from the many
    federal, state, tribal and local sources, subjectively weighing
    the value of the many forecast parameters and indices that may
    influence drought conditions, and manually drawing maps to
    represent ``best estimates'' of drought risk throughout the
    country.
        To address these issues and facilitate the development of a
    more comprehensive, realtime drought information and
    forecasting system, NOAA collaborated closely with other
    federal agencies, the Western Governors' Association (WGA) and
    other stakeholders to identify the drought product needs of
    state and local users and developed a plan for a National
    Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS). The key goals of
    NIDIS over the next five years are: to expand monitoring and
    data collection systems to include coordinated, comprehensive
    coverage of key indicators such as soil moisture and ground
    water; (2) to implement an integrated data collection and
    dissemination system; and (3) to develop effective and useful
    tools to support analysis and decision-making at all levels and
    geographic scales.
        Under the proposed NIDIS plan, coordination of monitoring
    efforts across agencies is expected to lead to more efficient
    and effective data collection, decreased duplication of effort,
    and more even and complete monitoring of critical regions.
    Expanded monitoring will include collection of soil moisture
    data (soil moisture is currently modeled but only sparsely
    measured) and more comprehensive groundwater measurements.
        Also as part of NIDIS, NOAA will develop a web portal as a
    single point of information for users of drought related
    information and tools, eliminating the need for water managers
    to collect data from multiple sites, in multiple formats. Part
    of the NIDIS plan includes development of new and higher-
    resolution tools to allow users to more closely examine the
    drought risk in their state, watershed, and county. NOAA also
    expects to significantly improve drought forecasts through an
    initiative to statistically re-evaluate drought-related data
    from the past 100 years. This effort is expected to yield a
    better understanding of the conditions that presage drought in
    all regions of the country, providing information that NOAA
    scientists can use to improve drought prediction models.
        NOAA projects that it will take five to six years to fully
    implement NIDIS with gradual improvement in NOAA's drought
    forecasting and monitoring capabilities occurring throughout
    the implementation process. The social, economic and
    environmental effects of drought are expected to grow as
    growing U.S. populations demand more water for more uses,
    including municipal and agricultural use, recreation and
    habitat preservation.

                            IV. SUMMARY OF HEARINGS

        On May 4, 2006, the Subcommittee on Environment,
    Technology, and Standards held a hearing titled ``Improving
    Drought Monitoring and Forecasting: H.R. 5136, the National
    Integrated Drought Information System Act of 2006'' to better
    understand ways to forecast and predict occurrences of drought,
    which can have profound economic, social, and environmental
    impacts, and to receive comments on H.R. 5136, the National
    Integrated Drought Information System Act of 2006.
        The witnesses were: (1) Dr. Chester Koblinsky, Director,
    Climate Program Office, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
    Administration; (2) Mr. Duane Smith, Vice Chair, Western States
    Water Council; Representative, Western Governors' Association;
    (3) Mr. Kenneth Dierschke, President, Texas Farm Bureau; (4)
    Mr. Marc D. Waage, P.E., Manager, Raw Water Supply, Denver
    Water, Denver, Colorado; (5) Dr. Donald A. Wilhite, Director,
    National Drought Mitigation Center, University of Nebraska.
        All of the witnesses expressed support for more effective
    drought forecasting and monitoring envisioned as part of NIDIS
    in H.R. 5136.
        Dr. Koblinsky discussed the role that NOAA has played in
    monitoring drought, specifically mentioning the U.S. Drought
    Monitor--a weekly update of drought conditions throughout the
    United States. He said that because drought is an interplay
    between water availability and human use, supplying better
    information to natural resource managers will help alleviate
    the effects of drought. According to Dr. Koblinsky, NIDIS will
    incorporate existing drought information and forecasts, and
    fill information and data gaps with additional observations and
    research in order to provide this critical information.
        Mr. Smith testified that much of the currently available
    information is not presented in a usable format. NIDIS, Mr.
    Smith said, will integrate a variety of forecasting methods,
    analysis techniques and observations to allow decision-makers
    to easily access climatic information. Mr. Smith stated that
    NIDIS will include assessments from sectors that have not
    previously been considered, such as livestock, timber,
    wildlife, energy, recreation, and tourism sectors. Mr. Smith
    reported that the Western Governors unanimously support NIDIS.
        Mr. Dierschke discussed the devastating effects of drought
    on his home state of Texas, including over $1 billion in
    damages to the agricultural community in 2005 alone. Beyond
    direct crop loss, Mr. Dierschke mentioned the long-term effect
    of deteriorated rangeland. He argued in support of long-term
    weather forecasting, citing the limitations of current one week
    forecasts for decision-making. Mr. Dierschke concluded by
    saying that the Farm Bureau supports H.R. 5136, and that NIDIS
    will help farmers and ranchers better prepare for the future.
        Mr. Waage, the Manager of Raw Water Supply for Denver,
    discussed the severity of drought in Colorado and how Denver
    uses weather-related information to budget water. Describing
    ways that NIDIS will improve drought preparedness, Mr. Waage
    said NIDISwill: provide a database of up-to-date information;
    facilitate interaction between the government and those affected by
    drought; and provide much needed long-range weather forecasts. Mr.
    Waage strongly supported the bill.
        Dr. Wilhite discussed the role that the National Drought
    Mitigation Center (NDMC) has had in drought monitoring and
    mitigation, including development of the first Internet based
    drought impact database. He emphasized the need for sound
    information to be readily available for decision-makers. Dr.
    Wilhite said that the NDMC could be a helpful partner for NOAA
    throughout the implementation of NIDIS and concurred with other
    witnesses that better climate data, more reliable forecasts and
    a more timely communication of this data will improve water
    management. Dr. Whilhite strongly supported the bill.
        In response to questions, Dr. Koblinsky discussed the scope
    of NIDIS in monitoring not only drought and floods, but a
    variety of climatic states, and discussed how NOAA is using the
    Ocean Observing System to gather information that is expected
    to help develop more accurate long-term forecast tools. While
    discussing NOAA's current capabilities and potential
    improvements to those capabilities, he noted several aspects of
    monitoring and data collection that are in need of improvement,
    specifically in the fields of soil moisture sensors and stream
    gauging networks.

                              V. COMMITTEE ACTIONS

        On April 6, 2006, Congressmen Ralph Hall and Mark Udall
    introduced H.R. 5136, the national Integrated Drought
    Information System Act of 2006, which was referred to the
    Committee on Science. On May 4, 2006, the Environment,
    Technology, and Standards Subcommittee held a hearing on the
    state of drought forecasting and monitoring, drought
    information needs of water users, and on the bill itself.
        The Subcommittee on Environment, Technology, and Standards
    also met on May 4, 2006 to consider the bill. Subcommittee
    Chairman Ehlers offered an amendment, which made technical and
    clarifying corrections. The amendment was adopted by a voice
    vote and the Subcommittee favorably reported the bill, H.R.
    5136, as amended, by a voice vote, and authorized staff to make
    technical and conforming changes as necessary.
        On June 7, 2006, the Full Committee on Science considered
    H.R. 5136. Mr. Hall offered a manager's amendment to reduce
    total authorizations to $81 million. The amendment was agreed
    to by a voice vote, and the motion to adopt the bill, as
    amended, was agreed to by a voice vote. Mr. Gordon moved that
    the Full Committee favorably report H.R. 5136, as amended, to
    the House with the recommendation that the bill, as amended, do
    pass, and 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 bill before the House for consideration. With a
    quorum present, the motion was agreed to by a voice vote.

            VI. SUMMARY OF MAJOR PROVISIONS OF THE BILL AS REPORTED

        The Act provides a definion of drought, and establishes a
    National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS) within
    the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The Act
    specifies that NIDIS shall serve as an effective early drought
    warning system providing the following: (1) a comprehensive
    system to collect and integrate information on drought for
    usable, reliable, and timely drought assessments and forecasts;
    (2) a means to communicate forecasts, conditions and impacts on
    an ongoing basis to the private sector, and decision-makers at
    all levels of government to aid timely, informed decisions
    leading to reduced impacts and costs; and (3) a means to
    include timely and, to the extent practicable, real-time
    information reflecting local, regional, and State differences
    in drought conditions. The Act also specifies that NIDIS shall
    coordinate and integrate federal research in support of a
    drought early warning system. NOAA shall consult with relevant
    government agencies, research institutions and the private
    sector in the development of NIDIS.

      VII. SECTION-BY-SECTION ANALYSIS (BY TITLE AND SECTION), AS REPORTED

    Section 1. short title

        National Integrated Drought Information System Act of 2006.

    Section 2. Definitions

        Defines two terms: (1) ``drought'' means a deficiency in
    precipitation that leads to a deficiency in surface or
    subsurface water supplies and that causes (or may cause)
    substantial economic or social impacts or physical damage or
    injury to people, property, or the environment; (2) ``Under
    Secretary'' means the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans
    and Atmosphere.

    Section 3. NIDIS program

        Directs the Under Secretary to establish the National
    Integrated Drought Information System through the National
    Weather Service and other appropriate programs in NOAA.
        Specifies that the system shall provide an effective
    drought early warning system and shall coordinate and
    integrate, as practicable, Federal research in support of the
    system. Specifies that NIDIS: be a comprehensive system that
    collects and integrates information on drought in order to make
    usable, reliable, and timely drought forecasts and assessments;
    communicate drought forecasts, conditions and impacts on an
    ongoing basis to the public and private sectors, and decision-
    makers at all levels of government in order to engender
    informed and timely decisions leading to reduced impacts and
    costs; include timely, and where practicable, real-time data,
    information and products reflecting local, regional, and state
    differences in drought conditions; and build upon existing
    forecasting and assessment programs and partnerships.
        Directs the Under Secretary to consult with relevant
    Federal, regional, State, tribal and local government agencies,
    research institutions, and the private sector in the
    development of NIDIS, and requires each Federal agency to
    cooperate, as appropriate, with the Under Secretary in carrying
    out the Act.

    Section 4. Authorization of appropriations

        Authorizes $11 million for Fiscal Year 2007, $12 million
    for Fiscal Year 2008, $13 million for Fiscal Year 2009, $14
    million for Fiscal Year 2010, and $15 million for Fiscal Year
    2011 and $16 million for Fiscal Year 2012.

                             VIII. COMMITTEE VIEWS

    Sec 4(a): NIDIS program established

        The Committee commends NOAA and other participating public
    and private institutions for developing and disseminating
    useful drought information such as the U.S. Drought Monitor and
    the U.S. Seasonal Drought Outlook. As the pressure on water
    resources grows, so does the need for timely information for
    managing those resources. The Committee believes that NOAA can
    tap extensive existing resources inside and outside of the
    agency to develop an effective integrated drought forecast and
    monitoring system, including drawing on the National Weather
    Service's (NWS) expertise in managing operational forecast
    programs and in disseminating timely products to support local
    decision-making. As it implements the National Integrated
    Drought Information System, the Committee expects NOAA to first
    leverage existing information, systems and expertise before
    investing in new capabilities.
        As a first step towards coordination and integration of
    existing efforts, not later than one year after the date of
    enactment of this Act, the Committee expects NOAA to produce a
    report, with input from other Federal and non-Federal entities,
    that identifies and inventories current information, systems,
    expertise and other resources that can contribute to, and be
    incorporated into, NIDIS. The report shall be made widely
    available to stakeholders and the public, and copies are to be
    delivered to the House Committee on Science and the Senate
    Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

    Sec 4(b): System functions

        The information and products produced by NIDIS must be
    effectively communicated to decision-makers at all levels of
    government (including Federal, state, local, and tribal
    governments) and public and private users on an ongoing, and
    where possible, real-time, basis. The Committee expects NOAA to
    make use of its experience disseminating other climate and
    weather products in support of decision-making, as well as
    knowledge gained from direct study of how end users interpret
    hydrologic forecasts, such as the Forecast Evaluation Tool
    studies funded by NOAA's Office of Global Programs. The
    Committee expects NOAA's activities to include engaging end
    users in the development of drought-related products. The
    Committee further expects NOAA to work with state, regional,
    and local entities to ensure that the drought-related data,
    information and products developed and disseminated through
    NIDIS are put to effective use. This includes, but is not
    limited to, encouraging and supporting the development and
    implementation of drought response plans.

    Sec 4(b)(3): Building on existing efforts

        Existing efforts by Federal, State, and other entities
    provide an extensive base on which NIDIS can be built. The
    Committee intends NIDIS to provide an example for U.S. efforts
    to establish a Global Earth Observing System of Systems that
    shall coordinate and integrate existing operational
    environmental observation systems.
        The Committee expects NOAA to coordinate the activities of
    NIDIS with existing established drought-related monitoring,
    information, and forecasting systems, including efforts to
    assess social, economic and environmental impacts of drought,
    such as the National Drought Mitigation Center, U.S. Geological
    Survey stream gauge networks, and NOAA's Regional Climate
    Centers and Regional Integrated Science and Assessment program,
    and university-based programs with expertise in climatic,
    mesonet, or drought-related issues (such as NOAA's existing
    partnerships with the Oklahoma Climatological Survey, the
    Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences in
    Colorado, and the Utah Climate Center at Utah State
    University).
        The Committee notes that NIDIS will integrate information
    that could be useful for planning related to any extremes of
    the hydrologic cycle, including both drought and flooding.
    Measurement of precipitation, winds, ground water, soil
    saturation as well as snowpack, snow depth and coverage will
    greatly facilitate hydrological forecasting to predict and
    mitigate the impacts of both drought and flooding.

    Sec 4(c): Consultation

        The Committee expects NOAA to consult on an ongoing basis
    with Federal, regional, state, local, tribal, public and
    private entities that are involved in the monitoring or
    prediction of, or affected by, drought.

    Sec 4(d): Cooperation from other Federal Agencies

        NIDIS shall build on existing monitoring efforts of Federal
    agencies. To prevent unnecessary duplication of effort and to
    make the best possible use of federal resources, the Act
    requires all Federal agencies that collect or produce
    information that NOAA deems useful to NIDIS to cooperate fully,
    at whatever level is necessary to ensure success of the system,
    in making that information available in a timely manner.

                               IX. COST ESTIMATE

        A cost estimate and comparison prepared by the Director of
    the Congressional Budget Office under section 402 of the
    Congressional Budget Act of 1974 has been timely submitted to
    the Committee on Science prior to the filing of this report and
    is included in Section X of this report pursuant to House Rule
    XIII, clause 3(c)(3).
        H.R. 5136 does not contain new budget authority, credit
    authority, or changes in revenues or tax expenditures. Assuming
    that the sums authorized under the bill are appropriated, H.R.
    5136 does authorize additional discretionary spending, as
    described in the Congressional Budget Office report on the
    bill, which is contained in Section X of this report.

                  X. CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET OFFICE COST ESTIMATE

    H.R.5136--National Integrated Drought Information System Act of 2006

        Summary: H.R. 5136 would direct the National Oceanic and
    Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to establish an integrated
    drought information system within the National Weather Service.
    The new system would provide early warnings of droughts by
    collecting and disseminating information and would coordinate
    federal research on this subject. The bill would authorize the
    appropriation of between $11 million and $16 million a year
    over the 2007-2012 period.
        Assuming appropriation of the authorized amounts, CBO
    estimates that implementing H.R 5136 would cost $4 million in
    2007 and $55 million over the 2007-2011 period. (An additional
    $26 million would be spent after 2011, including $16 million
    authorized to be appropriated for 2012.) CBO estimates that
    enacting this bill would have no effect on revenues or direct
    spending.
        H.R. 5136 contains no intergovernmental or private-sector
    mandates as defined in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (UMRA)
    and would impose no costs on state, local, or tribal
    governments.
        Estimated Cost to the Federal Government: The estimated
    budgetary impact of H.R. 5136 is shown in the following table.
    The costs of this legislation fall within budget function 300
    (natural resources and environment).

    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                         By fiscal year, in millions of dollars--
                                                                     -----------------------------------------------
                                                                       2007    2008    2009    2010    2011    2012
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      CHANGES IN SPENDING SUBJECT TO APPROPRIATION
    Authorization Level.............................................      11      12      13      14      15      16
    Estimated Outlays...............................................       4      11      12      14      14      15
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

        Basis of Estimate: For this estimate, CBO assumes that H.R.
    5136 will be enacted by the beginning of fiscal year 2007 and
    that the entire amounts authorized for the drought information
    system will be appropriated for each year. Outlays for the new
    system have been estimated on the basis of spending patterns
    for similar NOAA programs.
        Intergovernmental and Private-Sector Impact: H.R. 5136
    contains no intergovernmental or private-sector mandates as
    defined in UMRA and would impose no costs on state, local, or
    tribal governments.
        Estimate Prepared by: Federal Costs: Deborah Reis. Impact
    on State, local, and Tribal Governments: Lisa Ramirez-Branum
    Impact on the Private Sector: Craig Cammarata
        Estimate Approved by: Peter H. Fontaine Deputy Assistant
    Director for Budget Analysis.

                                                          June 9, 2006.
    Hon. Sherwood L. Boehlert,
    Chairman, Committee on Science,
    House of Representatives, Washington, DC.
        Dear Mr. Chairman: The Congressional Budget Office has
    prepared the enclosed cost estimate for H.R. 5136, the National
    Integrated Drought Information System Act of 2006.
        If you wish further details on this estimate, we will be
    pleased to provide them. The CBO staff contact is Deborah Reis.
                Sincerely,
                             Donald B. Marron, Acting Director.
        Enclosure.

                      XI. COMPLIANCE WITH PUBLIC LAW 104-4

        H.R. 5136 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.R. 5136 are (1) to improve upon existing drought-related
    observations and develop a comprehensive drought information
    portal that is easily accessible by all water managers and
    interested parties, (2) increase research to improve forecasts,
    monitoring, analyses, and decision support related to drought
    and reducing drought impacts, (3) increase and improve
    monitoring, assessment, analysis and communication of the
    social, economic, and environmental impacts of drought,
    including quantitative products.

                    XIV. CONSTITUTIONAL AUTHORITY STATEMENT

        Article I, section 8 of the Constitution of the United
    States grants Congress the authority to enact H.R. 5136.

                    XV. FEDERAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE STATEMENT

        H.R. 5136, does not create any advisory committees.

                     XVI. CONGRESSIONAL ACCOUNTABILITY ACT

        The Committee finds that H.R. 5136 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 (Pub. L. 104-1).

          XVII. STATEMENT ON PREEMPTION OF STATE, LOCAL, OR TRIBAL LAW

        This bill is not intended to preempt any State, local, or
    tribal law.

          XVIII. CHANGES IN EXISTING LAW MADE BY THE BILL, AS REPORTED

        This legislation does not amend any existing Federal
    statute.

                         XIX. COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

        On 7 June, 2006, a quorum being present, the Committee on
    Science favorably reported the National Integrated Drought
    Information System Act of 2006, as amended, by a voice vote,
    and recommended its enactment.

       XX. PROCEEDINGS OF THE MARKUP BY THE SUBCOMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT,
      TECHNOLOGY, AND STANDARDS ON H.R. 5136, NATIONAL INTEGRATED DROUGHT
                         INFORMATION SYSTEM ACT OF 2006

                                  ----------

                             THURSDAY, MAY 4, 2006

                      House of Representatives,
          Subcommittee on Environment, Technology, and
                                             Standards,
                                          Committee on Science,
                                                        Washington, DC.

        The Subcommittee met, pursuant to other business, at 11:41
    a.m., in Room 2318 of the Rayburn House Office Building, Hon.
    Vernon J. Ehlers [Chairman of the Subcommittee] presiding.
        Chairman Ehlers. The Subcommittee markup of H.R. 5136,
    National Integrated Drought Information System Act of 2006. If
    the witnesses wish to stay for the markup, they may.
        The Subcommittee on Environment, Technology, and Standards
    will come to order. Pursuant to notice, the Subcommittee meets
    to consider the following measure, H.R. 5136, National
    Integrated Drought Information System Act of 2006.
        We will now proceed with the markup, beginning with opening
    statements, and the Chairman yields himself such time as he may
    consume.
        I thank everyone for staying for today's brief Subcommittee
    markup of H.R. 5136, National Integrated Drought Information
    System Act of 2006. H.R. 5136 directs NOAA to establish a
    National Integrated Drought Information System, known as NIDIS.
    The system will provide an effective drought early warning
    system that will help water resource managers make important
    decisions to mitigate the impacts of drought.
        I have one short amendment, to clarify some sections of the
    bill, and we do not anticipate any other amendments today. I
    thank Mr. Hall and Mr. Udall for developing this important
    legislation, and I urge my colleagues to support my amendment,
    and then to move the underlying bill onto the Full Committee
    for its consideration.
        [The prepared statement of Chairman Ehlers follows:]
                Prepared Statement of Chairman Vernon J. Ehlers
        I thank everyone for staying for today's brief Subcommittee markup
    of H.R. 5136, National Integrated Drought Information System Act of
    2006. H.R. 5136 directs NOAA to establish a National Integrated Drought
    Information System (known as NIDIS, nye-diss). The system will provide
    an effective drought early warning system that will help water resource
    managers make important decisions to mitigate the impacts of drought. I
    have one short amendment to clarify some sections of the bill and we do
    not anticipate any other amendments today. I thank Mr. Hall and Mr.
    Udall for developing this important legislation and I urge my
    colleagues to support my amendment and then to move the underlying bill
    onto the Full Committee for its consideration.
        I now yield to Mr. Wu for an opening statement.

        Chairman Ehlers. I now yield to Mr. Wu for an opening
    statement.
        Mr. Wu. Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman.
        Drought is a bipartisan issue. A National Integrated
    Drought Information System will provide an important tool to
    decision-makers, to mitigate the effects of drought on our
    economy, environment, and society.
        I thank Mr. Hall and Mr. Udall for introducing the
    legislation, and you, Mr. Chairman, for a perfecting amendment,
    and I also thank the Chairman and his staff for cooperating so
    fully with my colleagues and staff on this very important
    issue.
        I fully support the bill, and in order to expedite
    consideration of H.R. 5136, I would conclude by encouraging my
    colleagues to join me in support of this legislation.
        I yield back the balance of my time.
        Chairman Ehlers. The gentleman yields back the balance of
    his time. Without objection, all other Members may place
    statements in the record. So ordered.
        [The prepared statement of Mr. Udall follows:]
                Prepared Statement of Representative Mark Udall
        First, I would like to thank the Chairman and Ranking Member for
    scheduling this hearing and markup and assisting the speedy
    consideration of this bill.
        I would also like to welcome our witnesses here today. I am very
    interested to hear from each of you about your experiences with
    planning for drought as well as the potential for a system such as
    NIDIS.
        As most of you know, the western portion of this country have
    experienced severe drought conditions in the past few years.
        In my own home State of Colorado, the reduced precipitation in
    addition to high temperatures have caused extreme wildfire conditions,
    water restrictions, a decline in tourism, reduced crop yields, and many
    other harmful effects.
        There is no doubt that drought has extremely harmful affects on our
    economy, however it is not always addressed as a natural disasters
    because it is slow to develop.
        Unlike disasters such as tornadoes, droughts do not have a clear
    beginning or end, but rather precipitation slowly declines and our
    reservoirs and soil becomes increasingly drier.
        While the Department of Homeland Security is working to prepare for
    natural disasters such as floods and hurricanes, the Federal Government
    is not doing enough to mitigate and reduce the effects of drought.
        I do not want to disparage the current efforts of NOAA and the
    Drought Monitor. This program provides important seasonal drought
    information that has aided countless communities to make decisions to
    mitigate drought.
        But I believe there is much more NOAA can do to provide detailed,
    seasonal and long-term, drought monitors on a regional and localized
    basis.
        I also believe we must do this by making information easily
    accessible and understandable to the general public.
        There are several different federal agencies that have some
    involvement in drought monitoring or forecasts.
        Often their information is not available to the general consumer,
    or requires a user to visit several different locations to piece
    together an accurate picture of the drought conditions in their area.
        The federal investment in drought research and mitigation is only
    useful if decision-makers can obtain and utilize the information.
        This is where I believe NIDIS can be most useful. Not only will
    this allow for more comprehensive drought monitoring and forecasting,
    but also can provide a one stop shop for drought information.
        As one of the sponsors of this legislation, it is no surprise that
    I am supportive of the NIDIS proposal.
        But we are here today to hear from our witnesses about NIDIS.
        And I am intrigued to learn their opinions about NIDIS and how it
    can be most effective as well as what improvements we can make to our
    drought monitoring systems to provide the most informative data.
        I again thank our witnesses for joining us here today and look
    forward to your testimony.

        [The prepared statement of Mr. Matheson follows:]
               Prepared Statement of Representative Jim Matheson
        I want to begin today by thanking the Subcommittee on Environment,
    Technology, and Standards for holding this hearing and for bringing
    attention to an issue that resonates deeply with my constituents and
    residents in every state.
        Only a few years ago, Utah experienced its worst drought in over
    two decades. As I witnessed the profound impact of water scarcity on
    agricultural crop losses, forest fires, and the day-to-day lives of
    Utahans, I felt it was time to focus national awareness on the topic of
    drought and its impact on Utah's economy and resources. In 2002, with
    the help of Science Committee staff, I hosted a similar Full Committee
    hearing in Salt Lake City entitled, ``Drought: Prediction, Preparation,
    and Response.'' We put together an expert panel of witnesses who
    illustrated many of the major challenges posed by drought in the West
    today and highlighted the need to accurately predict and manage drought
    conditions in this country.
        The people of Utah have always understood the scarcity and
    importance of water much more clearly than the Federal Government. The
    West was, is, and always will be a land of little rain. When the first
    settlers arrived in Utah over 150 years ago, they faced huge challenges
    in successfully finding and moving water so that they could grow crops
    and develop communities. Utah's booming population and rapid growth
    continues to test the state's ability to meet the increased water
    demands of its residents to this day.
        Recently, Mother Nature has shown Utah her kinder, gentler side, at
    least temporarily. Last year was wetter than average and drought
    conditions have somewhat abated for most of the state. But some regions
    aren't so lucky. Drought continues to affect the American West but is
    also crippling the southern Great Plains and south Texas. History has
    shown that no portion of the U.S. is safe from the ravages of extreme
    or severe drought conditions.
        I believe that part of the solution must include a long-term plan
    to better predict and prepare for the drought conditions we will face
    throughout the United States. I am pleased the Subcommittee is marking
    up the bill, H.R. 5136, National Integrated Drought Information System
    Act of 2006, because I believe we need a single, comprehensive network
    of drought information to update the tools decision-makers need to
    accurately forecast drought and manage water resources. This bill is a
    good first step, but I believe we should also invest in data collection
    by funding the agencies that monitor snowpack, streamflow and soil
    moisture that would better enable us to predict a drought.
        More importantly, I also believe we need a comprehensive federal
    drought plan that integrates different regional responses and
    preparation for drought. That is why I am a co-sponsor of bipartisan
    legislation, H.R. 1386, the National Drought Preparedness Act, which
    calls for improved drought forecasting similar to H.R. 5136. In
    addition, the National Drought Preparedness Act creates a national
    drought policy, provides additional tools for drought preparedness
    planning, and coordinates the delivery of federal drought programs.
        Drought is not a problem we are going to solve this year. It is
    complex, and it will continue to affect our nation in profound ways.
    But I thank the Subcommittee for raising awareness of this issue and
    moving legislation that helps solve one piece of the puzzle by
    improving drought forecasting and monitoring. I look forward to all the
    testimonies today and to working with my colleagues on the Science
    Committee and in Congress to further address this critical issue.
        Thank you.

        Chairman Ehlers. I ask unanimous consent for the authority
    to recess the Subcommittee at any point, and without objection,
    it is so ordered.
        We will now consider the bill H.R. 5136, the National
    Integrated Drought Information System Act of 2006. I ask
    unanimous consent that the bill is considered as read, and open
    to amendment at any point.
        And let the Members proceed with the amendments in the
    order of the roster. Without objection, so ordered.
        The first amendment on the roster is a manager's amendment
    offered by the Chair. I have an amendment at the desk. The
    Clerk shall report the amendment.
        The Clerk. Amendment offered by Mr. Ehlers of Michigan.
        Chairman Ehlers. I ask unanimous consent to dispense with
    the reading. Without objection, so ordered.
        I recognize myself to explain the manager's amendment.
        As I mentioned earlier, my amendment simply clarifies the
    intent of the bill. It emphasizes that NOAA should build upon
    existing forecasting and assessment programs in developing
    NIDIS, and makes some small grammatical corrections to the bill
    text.
        Is there further discussion on this amendment? If no, the
    vote occurs on the amendment. All in favor say aye. Those
    opposed, say no. The ayes have it, and the amendment is agreed
    to.
        Are there any other amendments? Hearing none, the question
    is on the bill, H.R. 5136, the National Integrated Drought
    Information System Act of 2006, as amended. All those in favor
    will say aye. All those opposed will say no.
        In the opinion of the Chair, the ayes have it.
        I will now recognize Mr. Wu to offer a motion.
        Mr. Wu. Mr. Chairman, I move that the Subcommittee
    favorably report the bill, H.R. 5136, as amended, to the Full
    Committee, with the recommendation that the bill, as amended,
    be favorably reported to the House.
        Further, I ask unanimous consent that the staff be
    instructed to make all necessary technical and conforming
    changes to the bill, as amended, in accordance with the
    recommendations of the Subcommittee.
        Chairman Ehlers. The question is on the motion to report
    the bill, as amended, favorably. Those in favor of the motion
    will signify by saying aye. Those opposed, no. The ayes have
    it, and the bill is favorably reported.
        Without objection, the motion to reconsider is laid upon
    the table.
        I do want to thank the Members for their attendance. This
    concludes our Subcommittee markup. The Subcommittee is
    adjourned.
        [Whereupon, at 11:46 a.m., the Subcommittee was adjourned.]

                                   Appendix:

                                  ----------

            H.R. 5136, Section-by-Section Analysis, Amendment Roster

                   Section-by-Section Analysis of H.R. 5136,
           National Integrated Drought Information System Act of 2006

    Section 1. Short Title.

        National Integrated Drought Information System Act of 2006.

    Section 2. Definitions.

        Defines two terms: 1) ``drought'' means a deficiency in
    precipitation that leads to a deficiency in surface or subsurface water
    supplies and that causes (or may cause) substantial economic or social
    impacts or physical damage or injury to people, property, or the
    environment; 2) ``Under Secretary'' means the Under Secretary of
    Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere.

    Section 3. NIDIS Program.

        Directs the Under Secretary to establish the National Integrated
    Drought Information System (NIDIS) through the National Weather Service
    and other appropriate programs in NOAA.
        Specifies that the system shall provide an effective drought early
    warning system and shall coordinate and integrate federal research in
    support of the system. Specifies that NIDIS: be a comprehensive system
    that collects and integrates information on drought for usable,
    reliable, and timely drought assessments and forecasts; communicate
    forecasts, conditions and impacts to the public and private sectors,
    and decision-makers at all levels of government in order to aid timely,
    informed decisions leading to reduced impacts and costs; include timely
    and real-time information and products reflecting local, regional, and
    State differences in drought conditions.
        Directs the Under Secretary to consult with relevant federal,
    regional, State, tribal and local agencies, institutions, and the
    private sector in the development of NIDIS. Requires each federal
    agency to cooperate with the Under Secretary as appropriate in carrying
    out the Act.

    Section 4. Authorization of Appropriations.

        Authorizes $12 million for FY07, $14 million for FY08, $16 million
    for each of FY09 and FY10, and $18 million for each of FY11 and FY12.

     XXI. PROCEEDINGS OF THE FULL COMMITTEE MARKUP ON H.R. 5136, NATIONAL
               INTEGRATED DROUGHT INFORMATION SYSTEM ACT OF 2006

                                  ----------

                            WEDNESDAY, JUNE 7, 2006

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

        The Committee met, pursuant to call, at 2:39 p.m., in Room
    2318 of the Rayburn House Office Building, Hon. Sherwood L.
    Boehlert [Chairman of the Committee] presiding.
        Chairman Boehlert. I want to welcome everyone here for this
    markup on three important and bipartisan bills. The Committee
    on Science will come to order, as I started to say.
        Pursuant to notice, the Committee on Science meets to
    consider H.R. 5136, the National Integrated Drought Information
    System Act of 2006; H.R. 5358, the Science and Mathematics
    Education for Competitiveness Act; and H.R. 5356, the Early
    Career Research Act.
        I ask unanimous consent for the authority to recess the
    Committee at any point during consideration of these matters,
    and without objection, it is so ordered.
        We will now proceed with the markup beginning with opening
    statements. I will go first, followed by my distinguished
    colleague and partner in this venture, Mr. Gordon.
        I am going to make all my general comments on today's bills
    now, and not speak on the bills later on. Since we have to
    squeeze in a lot of business this afternoon between Floor
    votes, and according to the report from the Floor, we can
    expect a series of votes some time in the 4:00 to 4:15
    timeframe.
        As usual with this committee, these bills reflect a lot of
    bipartisan work to solve real problems in practical ways.
        Our first bill today will be a measure to improve drought
    forecasting and monitoring, introduced by Mr. Hall. I
    appreciate Mr. Hall bringing this matter to our attention.
        Drought may seem like something that is easy to detect, but
    hard to do anything about; but that turns out to be wrong on
    both counts. It is tricky to figure out when a drought is
    developing, but if one knows, one can take many steps to alter
    water usage to mitigate drought's often severe economic
    consequences. So we need to pay more attention to this costly
    phenomenon, and Mr. Hall's bill, building on existing federal
    efforts, will enable us to improve drought forecasting and
    monitoring, which will save billions, with a ``B,'' billions of
    dollars. So, I expect this bill to move smoothly today, and on
    the House Floor. We will have one manager's amendment today, to
    reduce the authorization levels, to make that progress to the
    Floor a little easier.
        The other two bills we will take up today are the
    Committee's long-awaited innovation package.
        Our goal here is to take action on the recommendations of
    the National Academy of Sciences, the Council on
    Competitiveness, AEA, the Business Roundtable, the National
    Association of Manufacturers, and others, who have been calling
    for the U.S. to shore up its competitiveness by focusing more
    attention and more dollars on research and education.
        These calls were really music to our ears, because we have
    been issuing the same entreaties ourselves on this committee
    for a number of years, and especially in the last couple of
    years, as the challenge to future U.S. competitiveness has
    never become clearer.
        But we didn't want to answer those calls with a laundry
    list of new programs of dubious value, that would be unlikely
    to ever get funded. It might give us a lot of satisfaction and
    some fancy press releases, but that is not what this committee
    is about. We are about results. Indeed, we looked around to see
    what is working right now, or what has worked in the recent
    past, and then, we extended or expanded or built on those
    successful programs, and the result is a focused, bipartisan
    measure that should be able to move swiftly through the House.
        This measure is an intelligent middle ground between those
    who want to create scores of new, untested, expensive programs,
    and those who argue that all that is necessary is to increase
    overall funding for basic research, and leave everything else
    to chance. If we are to remain competitive, then we have to
    bolster key programs at the National Science Foundation,
    especially focused on K-12 and undergraduate education, and it
    is the prerogative of the Congress to do that.
        I want to thank Dr. Schwarz and Mr. McCaul, two active
    freshmen on this committee with a deep understanding of these
    issues, for introducing these bills.
        And I want to thank Mr. Gordon and the Members on both
    sides of the aisle, who worked with us on developing the final
    versions of these bills that are in the amendments in the
    nature of a substitute, including Dr. Ehlers and Ms. Biggert
    and Mr. Calvert, Ms. Jackson Lee and Mr. Green, and Mr. Honda.
    You get the idea of how we operate. Fingerprints of Members on
    both sides of the aisle are all over these bills, and that is
    the way it should be.
        The Schwarz bill focuses on education programs at the
    National Science Foundation, which runs programs that are
    critical to improving math and science education at all levels.
    The bill includes enhancing and extending the Noyce Scholarship
    program, one of my pet projects, to attract and better train
    science and math teachers. We also give renewed emphasis to the
    Math and Science Partnership program, now renamed the School
    and University Partnership Program.
        And we underscore NSF's role in the sometimes neglected,
    but critical area of undergraduate education. We also give
    clear authority to the Department of Energy for education
    programs, and we require an inventory and an evaluation of
    those programs.
        In Mr. McCaul's bill, we bolster research by ensuring that
    both NSF and DOE, we will set aside funding for young
    researchers, who are likely to perform the most creative and
    pathbreaking work. And we revive and idea from the 1980s, to
    try to get industry interested in these young academic
    researchers and in their long-term, basic research.
        I would add that both of these bills, and the underlying
    2002 NSF Act, direct that the programs in these bills, among
    other things, help bring more individuals from under-
    represented groups into science, math, and engineering, and
    that is a goal that many members of this committee have been
    very active in pursuing.
        So, we are taking action today, as we promised when we
    heard from the leaders of the National Academies Gathering
    Storm panel last year. We are setting a realistic agenda to
    increase U.S. investment in research and education in carefully
    targeted ways.
        I look forward to moving this legislation today, and to
    continuing efforts to see it signed into law this year. And I
    will continue to work with the appropriators to see that they
    provide the funding called for in the American Competitiveness
    Initiative and in these bills.
        Now, it is my privilege to turn to my partner in this
    venture, the distinguished gentleman from Tennessee, Mr.
    Gordon.
        [The prepared statement of Chairman Boehlert follows:]

              Prepared Statement of Chairman Sherwood L. Boehlert

        I want to welcome everyone here for this markup on three important
    and bipartisan bills. I'm going to make all my general comments on
    today's bills now and not speak on the bills later, since we have to
    squeeze in a lot of business this afternoon between Floor votes.
        As usual with this committee, these bills reflect a lot of
    bipartisan work to solve real problems in practical ways.
        Our first bill today will be a measure to improve drought
    forecasting and monitoring, introduced by Mr. Hall. I appreciate Mr.
    Hall bringing this matter to our attention.
        Drought may seem like something that is easy to detect but hard to
    do anything about. But that turns out to be wrong on both counts. It's
    tricky to figure out when a drought is developing, but if one knows,
    one can take many steps to alter water usage to mitigate drought's
    often severe economic consequences. So we need to pay more attention to
    this costly phenomenon, and Mr. Hall's bill, building on existing
    federal efforts, will enable us to improve drought forecasting and
    monitoring, which will save billions of dollars. So I expect this bill
    to move smoothly today and on the House Floor.
        We will have one manager's amendment today to reduce the
    authorization levels to make that progress to the Floor a little
    easier.
        The other two bills we will take up today are the Committee's long
    awaited innovation package.
        Our goal here is to take action on the recommendations of the
    National Academy of Sciences, the Council on Competitiveness, AEA, the
    Business Roundtable, the National Association of Manufacturers and
    others who have been calling for the U.S. to shore up its
    competitiveness by focusing more attention and more dollars on research
    and education.
        These calls were really music to our ears because we've been
    issuing the same entreaties ourselves for years, and especially in the
    last couple of years as the challenge to future U.S. competitiveness
    has become ever clearer.
        But we didn't want to answer these calls with a laundry list of new
    programs of dubious value that would be unlikely to ever get funded.
    Instead, we looked around to see what is working right now or what has
    worked in the recent past, and then we extended or expanded or built on
    those successful programs. And the result is a focused, bipartisan
    measure that should be able to move swiftly through the House.
        This measure is an intelligent middle-ground between those who want
    to create scores of new, untested, expensive programs and those who
    argue that all that's necessary is to increase overall funding for
    basic research and leave everything else to chance. If we are to remain
    competitive, then we have to bolster key programs at the National
    Science Foundation (NSF), especially programs focused on K-12 and
    undergraduate education, and it's the prerogative of the Congress to do
    that.
        I want to thank Mr. Schwarz and Mr. McCaul, two active freshmen on
    this committee with a deep understanding of these issues, for
    introducing these bills.
        And I want to thank Mr. Gordon and the Members on both sides of the
    aisle who worked with us on developing the final versions of these
    bills that are in the amendments in the nature of a substitute,
    including Mr. Ehlers, Ms. Biggert, Mr. Calvert, Ms. Jackson Lee, Mr.
    Green and Mr. Honda.
        The Schwarz bill focuses on education programs at the National
    Science Foundation (NSF), which runs programs that are critical to
    improving math and science education at all levels. The bill includes
    enhancing and extending the Noyce Scholarship program, one of my pet
    projects, to attract and train better science and math teachers. We
    also give renewed emphasis to the Math and Science Partnership program,
    now renamed the School and University Partnership Program.
        And we underscore NSF's role in the sometimes neglected, but
    critical area of undergraduate education. We also give clear authority
    to the Department of Energy (DOE) for education programs, and we
    require an inventory and evaluation of those programs.
        In Mr. McCaul's bill, we bolster research by ensuring that both NSF
    and DOE we will set aside funding for young researchers, who are likely
    to perform the most creative and pathbreaking work. And we revive an
    idea from the 1980s to try to get industry interested in these young
    academic researchers and in their long-term, basic research.
        I would add that both these bills, and the underlying 2002 NSF Act,
    direct that the programs in these bills, among other things, help bring
    more individuals from under-represented into science, math and
    engineering.
        So we're taking action today as we promised when we heard from the
    leaders of the National Academy's Gathering Storm panel last year. We
    are setting a realistic agenda to increase U.S. investment in research
    and education in carefully targeted ways.
        I look forward to moving this legislation today, and to continuing
    efforts to see it signed into law this year. And I will continue to
    work with the appropriators to see that they provide the funding called
    for in the American Competitiveness Initiative and in these bills.
        Mr. Gordon.

        Mr. Gordon. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
        As usual, I support you in this bill. We have several
    Members of this committee that represent drought areas, and
    particularly on our side, Mr. Matheson and Mr. Udall have spent
    a lot of time in this. This committee can't make it rain, but
    we can try to provide some of the tools that will allow these
    communities to get ready for these long droughts.
        I do reserve the right to speak to these competitiveness
    issues after this bill, but I want to yield the rest of my time
    on this particular bill to my friend, Mr. Udall.
        [The prepared statement of Mr. Gordon follows:]

                Prepared Statement of Representative Bart Gordon

        Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Like much of the legislation that comes
    before this committee, today I once again can agree with my Chairman.
        Several of our Members represent areas of the country that are
    struggling with the effects of a multi-year drought, most notably Mr.
    Udall from Colorado and Mr. Matheson from Utah.
        While this committee can't make it rain, we can provide an
    important tool for predicting and mitigating the impacts of drought on
    our economic, environmental and social systems.
        I thank Mr. Hall and Mr. Udall for introducing the bill. And I also
    thank the Chairman and his staff for cooperating so fully with my
    Democratic colleagues on this important issue.
        In order to give Mr. Udall the opportunity for a statement on his
    bill, I will simply conclude by saying that I fully support the bill
    and encourage my colleagues to join me and Mr. Udall in support of this
    legislation.
        I yield the remainder of my time to the gentleman from Colorado.

        Mr. Udall. I thank the gentleman for yielding.
        Mr. Chairman, if I might, I would like to ask unanimous
    consent to include my entire statement in the record, given the
    time constraints.
        Chairman Boehlert. Without objection, so ordered.
        Mr. Udall. The gentleman from Tennessee is accurate. In the
    West, we have been experiencing some very severe drought
    conditions in the past few years. In particular, in Colorado,
    we have found that the reduced precipitation, in addition to
    high temperatures, causes extreme wildfire conditions, water
    restrictions, a decline in tourism, and other harmful effects.
        Droughts, of course, are a part of recurring climate
    cycles, but that doesn't make them benign, and unlike
    hurricanes or other weather events, they develop really slowly,
    and their effects are felt over longer periods, and so, as a
    result, there is a danger that efforts to mitigate or reduce
    the damages don't begin in time.
        NOAA operates the Drought Monitor, which provides national
    information, but at a recent ETS hearing, chaired by Mr. Ehlers
    and attended by the Ranking Member, Mr. Wu, we learned that
    there is a lot more we can do to provide regional and local
    data to decision-makers, and out of that hearing, it became
    obvious that the National Integrated Drought Information
    System, or NIDIS, which is authorized in the bill, would be a
    great enabler for farmers, water managers, and countless other
    users, to make smart decisions by providing necessary data and
    resources.
        And not only will NIDIS allow for comprehensive drought
    monitoring and forecasting, but also, it would provide a one
    stop shop for drought information. And Mr. Chairman,
    interestingly enough, it would also provide us with important
    data when we have an excess of water, and we are preparing for
    flood conditions.
        So, with that, I would like to thank the Chairman and
    Ranking Member for scheduling the bill. In particular, I thank
    my colleague, Mr. Hall, for his leadership on this issue, and
    the bipartisan manner in which the bill has moved forward.
        So, with that, I would yield back my time.
        [The prepared statement of Mr. Udall follows:]

                Prepared Statement of Representative Mark Udall

        I'd like to thank the Chairman and Ranking Member for scheduling
    this bill to be marked up today.
        I would also like to thank my colleague Mr. Hall for his leadership
    on this issue and the bipartisan manner in which this bill has moved
    forward.
        We have several bills to get through today, so I will be brief.
        As most of you know, the western portion of this country have
    experienced severe drought conditions in the past few years.
        In my own home State of Colorado we are no stranger to drought
    conditions. Reduced precipitation in addition to high temperatures has
    caused extreme wildfire conditions, water restrictions, a decline in
    tourism, and many other harmful effects.
        Droughts are a recurring part of climatic cycles, but that does not
    make them benign. And unlike hurricanes or other weather events, they
    develop slowly and their effects are felt over longer periods. As a
    result, there is a danger that efforts to mitigate or reduce the damage
    will not begin in time.
        The direct impacts of drought include reduced crop yields and
    forest productivity, increased fire hazards, lower water levels, and
    damage to wildlife habitats. Droughts are costly to our economy as they
    reduce the incomes of farmers and increase the prices of foods and
    agricultural materials such as timber.
        NOAA currently operates the Drought Monitor which provides national
    information about drought conditions.
        However, we learned at the recent ETS hearing that there is much
    more that we can do to provide regional and local data to decision-
    makers to prepare for drought conditions.
        I believe that the National Integrated Drought Information System,
    or NIDIS, authorized in this bill will enable farmers, water managers,
    and countless other end users to make smart decisions by providing
    necessary data and resources.
        Not only will NIDIS allow for comprehensive drought monitoring and
    forecasting, but also can provide a one stop shop for drought
    information.
        While this system will be focused on drought monitoring, it can
    also be used for an excess of water in preparation for flooding
    conditions.
        I believe this is a good bill and will have positive impacts on our
    economy and quality of life. I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

        Chairman Boehlert. I thank the distinguished gentleman for
    leading us, for serving us a warm-up act.
        [The prepared statement of Ms. Johnson follows:]

           Prepared Statement of Representative Eddie Bernice Johnson

        Thank you, Mr. Chairman and Ranking Member, for bringing H.R. 5136,
    the National Integrated Drought Information System Act of 2006, before
    the Full Committee today.
        Texas, perhaps more than any other state, has been hurt very badly
    by drought in recent years.
        The effects of the drought in Texas have been long-lasting, mired
    not only by the dry weather but also in efforts to compensate our
    farmers for the huge financial losses they have absorbed.
        Texas leads the Nation in livestock and in crop production. Texas
    is a major producer of cattle, sheep and lambs, hay and cotton.
        The ability to monitor for drought conditions and provide early
    warning for drought would save Texas farmers, and the American
    agricultural enterprise, countless dollars. I commend Representative
    Hall for his leadership on this effort to integrate technology with
    agriculture for the betterment of all Americans.
        Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I yield back.

        Chairman Boehlert. That leads us into the consideration of
    H.R. 5136, the National Integrated Drought Information System
    Act of 2006, and I would recognize--I ask unanimous consent
    that the bill be 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, that is so ordered.
        The first amendment on the roster is an amendment offered
    by the gentleman from Texas, Mr. Hall. Mr. Hall, are you ready
    to proceed?
        Mr. Hall. Yes, I have an amendment at the desk.
        Chairman Boehlert. The Clerk will report the amendment.
        The Clerk. Amendment to H.R. 5136, offered by Mr. Hall of
    Texas.
        Chairman Boehlert. Without objection, I ask unanimous
    consent to dispense with the reading. Without objection, so
    ordered.
        The gentleman from Texas is recognized for five minutes,
    and I don't want you to expect this kind of treatment all the
    time, for Mr. Udall to give you such a warm welcome, as you
    present this bill. But he has done so, and I thank him. Now I
    recognize you, Mr. Hall.
        Mr. Hall. Mr. Chairman, I thank you, of course, and the
    Committee, for quickly moving this very important bill on the
    drought, and I am willing to offer some help to the gentleman
    from Tennessee. I can make it rain, and I can tell him how to.
    Spend about $12 getting your car washed.
        I thank Mr. Udall and his staff for working very hard with
    us to advance this legislation. Droughts have, as everybody
    knows, a very devastating effect on local, State, and national
    economies, and it is clear that we need to do a better job of
    preparing and mitigating this disaster.
        The bill that I have introduced with help from Mr. Udall,
    with aid from the Chairman, and support from the other side,
    H.R. 5136, will coordinate drought efforts between local,
    State, and federal entities, and provide decision-makers with
    the very best tools that they can get to manage their natural
    resources. It directs NOAA to build a national drought
    monitoring and forecasting system, create a drought early
    warning system, provide an interactive drought information
    delivery system, and designate mechanisms for improved
    interaction with the public.
        I am pleased that the President's budget included funding
    for this new program, and I think Congress should work to get
    it authorized. And the manager's amendment on this bill simply
    makes some technical corrections, Mr. Chairman. Specifically,
    it changes the level of appropriations to mirror the
    President's budget request for the program.
        And again, Mr. Chairman, I thank you and the other side for
    this markup. I would encourage Members to vote for this bill. I
    look forward to working with you and the staff to advance this
    legislation for a floor vote very quickly.
        I yield back the balance of my time, and once again, I am
    grateful to you for the time allotted.
        Chairman Boehlert. All right. We already discussed the
    Clerk reporting the amendment. Yeah, that is what I thought.
    Thank you.
        Now, I want to thank Mr. Hall for his outstanding work, and
    I want to thank Mr. Udall for his outstanding presentation.
        The Chair supports the amendment. Is there any further
    discussion on the amendment? If no, the vote occurs on the
    amendment. All in favor say aye. Those opposed, no. The yeas
    have it, and the amendment is agreed to.
        Are there any other amendments? Hearing none, the vote is
    on the bill, H.R. 5136, the National Integrated Drought
    Information System Act of 2006, as amended. All those in favor
    say aye. Aye. Opposed, say no. In the opinion of the Chair, the
    ayes have it.
        I recognize Mr. Gordon to offer a motion.
        Mr. Gordon. Mr. Chairman, I move that the Committee
    favorably report H.R. 5136, as amended, to the House, with the
    recommendation that the bill, 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 bill before the House for consideration.
        Chairman Boehlert. The question is on the motion to report
    the bill, as amended, favorably. Those in favor of the motion
    will signify by saying aye. Aye. No, no. The ayes have it, and
    the bill 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 H.R. 5136, as
    amended. Without objection, so ordered.
        I want to thank all the Members for their attendance, not
    just today, but for their active participation in the important
    deliberations of this committee.
        This concludes our markup.
        [Whereupon, at 3:53 p.m., the Committee was adjourned.]

                                   Appendix:

                                  ----------

         Subcommittee on Environment, Technology, and Standards Markup
      Memorandum, H.R. 5136, Section-by-Section Analysis, Amendment Roster

                   Section-by-Section Analysis of H.R. 5136,
               National Integrated Drought Information System Act

    Section 1. Short Title.

        National Integrated Drought Information System Act of 2006.

    Section 2. Definitions.

        Defines two terms: 1) ``drought'' means a deficiency in
    precipitation that leads to a deficiency in surface or subsurface water
    supplies and that causes (or may cause) substantial economic or social
    impacts or physical damage or injury to people, property, or the
    environment; 2) ``Under Secretary'' means the Under Secretary of
    Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere.

    Section 3. NIDIS Program.

        Directs the Under Secretary to establish the National Integrated
    Drought Information System (NIDIS) through the National Weather Service
    and other appropriate programs in NOAA.
        Specifies that the system shall provide an effective drought early
    warning system and shall coordinate and integrate federal research in
    support of the system. Specifies that NIDIS: be a comprehensive system
    that collects and integrates information on drought for usable,
    reliable, and timely drought assessments and forecasts; communicate
    forecasts, conditions and impacts to the public and private sectors,
    and decision-makers at all levels of government in order to aid timely,
    informed decisions leading to reduced impacts and costs; include timely
    and real-time information and products reflecting local, regional, and
    State differences in drought conditions; and build upon existing
    efforts.
        Directs the Under Secretary to consult with relevant federal,
    regional, State, tribal and local agencies, institutions, and the
    private sector in the development of NIDIS. Requires each federal
    agency to cooperate with the Under Secretary as appropriate in carrying
    out the Act.

    Section 4. Authorization of Appropriations.

        Authorizes $12 million for FY07, $14 million for FY08, $16 million
    for each of FY09 and FY10, and $18 million for each of FY11 and FY12.