[House Report 116-231]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
116th Congress } { Rept. 116-231
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
1st Session } { Part 1
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INTEGRATED COASTAL AND OCEAN OBSERVATION SYSTEM ACT AMENDMENTS OF 2019
_______
October 11, 2019.--Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the
State of the Union and ordered to be printed
_______
Mr. Grijalva, from the Committee on Natural Resources, submitted the
following
R E P O R T
[To accompany H.R. 1314]
[Including cost estimate of the Congressional Budget Office]
The Committee on Natural Resources, to whom was referred
the bill (H.R. 1314) to reauthorize the Integrated Coastal and
Ocean Observation System Act of 2009, and for other purposes,
having considered the same, report favorably thereon with an
amendment and recommend that the bill as amended do pass.
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 ``Integrated Coastal and Ocean
Observation System Act Amendments of 2019''.
SEC. 2. STAGGERED TERMS FOR NATIONAL INTEGRATED COASTAL AND OCEAN
OBSERVATION SYSTEM ADVISORY COMMITTEE.
Section 12304(d)(3)(B) of the Integrated Coastal and Ocean
Observation System Act of 2009 (33 U.S.C. 3603(d)(3)(B)) is amended--
(1) by striking ``Members'' and inserting the following:
``(i) In general.--Except as provided in
clause (ii), members''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(ii) Staggered terms.--The Administrator
may appoint or reappoint a member for a partial
term of 1 or 2 years in order to establish a
system of staggered terms. The Administrator
may appoint or reappoint a member under this
clause only once. A member appointed or
reappointed to a partial term under this clause
may not serve more than one full term.''.
SEC. 3. INTEGRATED COASTAL AND OCEAN OBSERVATION SYSTEM COOPERATIVE
AGREEMENTS.
Section 12305(a) of the Integrated Coastal and Ocean Observation
System Act of 2009 (33 U.S.C. 3604(a)) is amended by inserting
``disburse appropriated funds to,'' after ``agreements, with,''.
SEC. 4. REAUTHORIZATION OF INTEGRATED COASTAL AND OCEAN OBSERVATION
SYSTEM ACT OF 2009.
Section 12311 of the Integrated Coastal and Ocean Observation System
Act of 2009 (33 U.S.C. 3610) is amended by striking ``for fiscal years
2009 through 2013 such sums as are necessary'' and inserting
``$47,500,000 for each of fiscal years 2020 through 2024''.
Purpose of the Bill
The purpose of H.R. 1314 is to reauthorize the Integrated
Coastal and Ocean Observation System Act of 2009, and for other
purposes.
Background and Need for Legislation
Authorized by the Integrated Coastal and Ocean Observation
System (ICOOS) Act of 2009,\1\ the Integrated Ocean Observing
System (IOOS) is a national-regional partnership implemented by
the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) that
provides important data to improve safety, enhance the economy,
and protect the environment.\2\ IOOS is a coordinated network
of people and technology, consisting of seventeen federal
partners and eleven regional associations,\3\ that generates
and disseminates continuous data models and services on coastal
waters, including oceans in the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone,
and the Great Lakes. Both near-real time and historical
integrated ocean information is available. These data consist
of standardized information on environmental variables such as
temperature, salinity, currents, nutrient concentrations, and
contaminant levels, as well as other critical ecological
factors. Data are collected through 737 national and 335
regional platforms, such as buoys and water level gauges, and
150 high-frequency radar installations.\4\ IOOS also supports
programs to transition marine sensors and research models to
operations, an animal telemetry network to track aquatic
species' movements and behavior, and oceanographic metadata
record datasets.
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\1\Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009, Pub. L. No. 111-11
tit. XII, subtitle C, 123 Stat. 991, 1427 (2009).
\2\See, e.g., About Us, NOAA IOOS, https://ioos.noaa.gov/about/
about-us/ (last visited Oct. 8, 2019). See generally H.R. REP. NO. 115-
1038, pt. 1, at 2-3 (2018) (containing language updated and reused
herein).
\3\See, e.g., IOOS By The Numbers, NOAA IOOS, https://
ioos.noaa.gov/about/ioos-by-the-numbers/ (last visited Oct. 8, 2019).
\4\4 Id.
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The ICOOS Act of 2009 directs specific tasks and
requirements, including preparing budgets and cost estimates,
developing non-federal asset certification standards, and
drafting a public-private use policy process. The ICOOS
Advisory Committee is a federal advisory committee of non-
federal experts that provides advice to the NOAA Administrator
and the Interagency Ocean Observation Committee on the
administration, operation, management, and maintenance of the
U.S. IOOS.\5\ Members of the IOOS Advisory Committee are
appointed by the NOAA Administrator to serve three-year terms,
which are renewable once. Currently, members may all be
appointed at once, with the current committee membership
comprising 15 members for a term beginning in 2018 and ending
in 2021, with three federal ex officio members from NOAA, the
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the Environmental Protection
Agency.
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\5\Pub. L. No. 111-11, 12,304(d), 123 Stat. 991, 143334 (2009); see
also U.S. IOOS Advisory Committee, NOAA IOOS, https://ioos.noaa.gov/
community/u-s-ioos-advisory-committee/ (last visited Oct. 8, 2019).
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Committee Action
H.R. 1314 was introduced on February 19, 2019, by
Representative Don Young (R-AK). The bill was referred to the
Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the
Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. Within the former
committee, the bill was referred to the Subcommittee on Water,
Oceans, and Wildlife. On May 8, 2019, the Subcommittee held a
hearing on the bill. On September 18, 2019, the Natural
Resources Committee met to consider the bill. The Subcommittee
was discharged by unanimous consent. An amendment offered by
Chair Grijalva #1 was agreed to by unanimous consent. No
additional amendments were offered, and the bill, as amended,
was ordered favorably reported to the House of Representatives
by unanimous consent.
Hearings
For the purposes of section 103(i) of H. Res. 6 of the
116th Congress the following hearing was used to develop or
consider H.R. 1314: legislative hearing by the Subcommittee on
Water, Oceans, and Wildlife held on May 8, 2019.
Section-by-Section Analysis
Section 1. Short title
This section would provide the short title of the bill, the
``Integrated Coastal and Ocean Observation System Act
Amendments of 2019.''
Section 2. Staggered terms for national integrated coastal and ocean
observation system advisory committee
This section would stagger the terms of the ICOOS Advisory
Committee members.
Section 3. Integrated Coastal and Ocean Observation System cooperative
agreements
This section would authorize the Secretary of Commerce to
disburse funds to any state, federal agency, public or private
organization, or individual in carrying out interagency
activities.
Section 4. Reauthorization of Integrated Coastal and Ocean Observation
System Act of 2009
This section would authorize $47.5 million in
appropriations for each of Fiscal Years 2020 through 2024 to
carry out the ICOOS Act.
Committee Oversight Findings and Recommendations
Regarding clause 2(b)(1) of rule X and clause 3(c)(1) of
rule XIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, the
Committee on Natural Resources' oversight findings and
recommendations are reflected in the body of this report.
Compliance With House Rule XIII and Congressional Budget Act
1. Cost of Legislation and the Congressional Budget Act.
With respect to the requirements of clause 3(c)(2) and (3) of
rule XIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives and
sections 308(a) and 402 of the Congressional Budget Act of
1974, the Committee has received the following estimate for the
bill from the Director of the Congressional Budget Office:
U.S. Congress,
Congressional Budget Office,
Washington, DC, September 26, 2019.
Hon. Raul M. Grijalva,
Chairman, Committee on Natural Resources,
House of Representatives, Washington, DC.
Dear Mr. Chairman: The Congressional Budget Office has
prepared the enclosed cost estimate for H.R. 1314, the
Integrated Coastal and Ocean Observation System Act Amendments
of 2019.
If you wish further details on this estimate, we will be
pleased to provide them. The CBO staff contact is Robert Reese.
Sincerely,
Phillip L. Swagel,
Director.
Enclosure.
H.R. 1314 would amend the Integrated Coastal and Ocean
Observation System Act of 2009 and authorize the appropriation
of $47.5 million each year over the 2020-2024 period for the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA's)
Integrated Ocean Observation System (IOOS). CBO estimates that
implementing the bill would cost $209 million over the 2020-
2024 period and $29 million after 2024. In 2019, NOAA allocated
$45 million to operate the IOOS.
The cost of the legislation, detailed in Table 1, falls
within budget function 300 (natural resources and environment).
TABLE 1.--ESTIMATED INCREASES IN SPENDING SUBJECT TO APPROPRIATION UNDER H.R. 2189
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By fiscal year, millions of dollars--
------------------------------------------------------------------
2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2019-2024
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Authorization................................ 0 48 48 48 48 48 238
Estimated Outlays............................ 0 29 39 46 48 48 209
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Components may not sum to totals because of rounding.
On May 8, 2019, CBO transmitted an estimate for S. 914, the
Coordinated Ocean Observation and Research Act of 2019, as
ordered reported by the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science,
and Transportation on April 3, 2019. Title I of S. 914 is
similar to H.R. 1314. CBO's estimated costs for those
provisions are different because the two pieces of legislation
would authorize the appropriation of different amounts.
The CBO staff contact for this estimate is Robert Reese.
The estimate was reviewed by H. Samuel Papenfuss, Deputy
Assistant Director for Budget Analysis.
2. General Performance Goals and Objectives. As required by
clause 3(c)(4) of rule XIII, the general performance goals and
objectives of this bill is to reauthorize and amend the
Integrated Coastal and Ocean Observation System Act of 2009.
Earmark Statement
This bill does not contain any Congressional earmarks,
limited tax benefits, or limited tariff benefits as defined
under clause 9(e), 9(f), and 9(g) of rule XXI of the Rules of
the House of Representatives.
Unfunded Mandates Reform Act Statement
This bill contains no unfunded mandates.
Existing Programs
This bill does not establish or reauthorize a program of
the federal government known to be duplicative of another
program. Such program was not included in any report from the
Government Accountability Office to Congress pursuant to
section 21 of Public Law 111-139. The Integrated Ocean
Observing System (IOOS) (CFDA No. 11.012) reauthorized by this
bill is related and complementary to, but not duplicative of,
the following programs identified in the most recent Catalog of
Federal Domestic Assistance published pursuant to 31 U.S.C.
6104: Financial Assistance for National Centers for Coastal
Ocean Science (CFDA No. 11.426), Coastal Zone Management
Estuarine Research Reserves (CFDA No. 11.420), Coastal Zone
Management Administration Awards (CFDA No. 11.419), Climate and
Atmospheric Research (CFDA No. 11.431), Environmental Sciences,
Applications, Data, and Education (CFDA No. 11.440), Office for
Coastal Management (CFDA No. 11.473), Sea Grant Support (CFDA
No. 11.417), Marine Sanctuary Program (CFDA No. 11.429), and
Cooperative Science and Education Program (CFDA No. 11.455).
Applicability to Legislative Branch
The Committee finds that the legislation 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.
Preemption of State, Local, or Tribal Law
Any preemptive effect of this bill over state, local, or
tribal law is intended to be consistent with the bill's
purposes and text and the Supremacy Clause of Article VI of the
U.S. Constitution.
Changes in Existing Law Made by the Bill, as Reported
In compliance with clause 3(e) of rule XIII of the Rules of
the House of Representatives, changes in existing law made by
the bill, as reported, are shown as follows (existing law
proposed to be omitted is enclosed in black brackets, new
matter is printed in italics, and existing law in which no
change is proposed is shown in roman):
INTEGRATED COASTAL AND OCEAN OBSERVATION SYSTEM ACT OF 2009
* * * * * * *
TITLE XII--NOAA UNDERSEA RESEARCH PROGRAM ACT OF 2009
* * * * * * *
Subtitle C--Integrated Coastal and Ocean Observation System Act of 2009
* * * * * * *
SEC. 12304. INTEGRATED COASTAL AND OCEAN OBSERVING SYSTEM.
(a) Establishment.--The President, acting through the
Council, shall establish a National Integrated Coastal and
Ocean Observation System to fulfill the purposes set forth in
section 12302 of this subtitle and the System Plan and to
fulfill the Nation's international obligations to contribute to
the Global Earth Observation System of Systems and the Global
Ocean Observing System.
(b) System Elements.--
(1) In general.--In order to fulfill the purposes of
this subtitle, the System shall be national in scope
and consist of--
(A) Federal assets to fulfill national and
international observation missions and
priorities;
(B) non-Federal assets, including a network
of regional information coordination entities
identified under subsection (c)(4), to fulfill
regional observation missions and priorities;
(C) data management, communication, and
modeling systems for the timely integration and
dissemination of data and information products
from the System;
(D) a research and development program
conducted under the guidance of the Council,
consisting of--
(i) basic and applied research and
technology development to improve
understanding of coastal and ocean
systems and their relationships to
human activities and to ensure
improvement of operational assets and
products, including related
infrastructure, observing technologies,
and information and data processing and
management technologies; and
(ii) large scale computing resources
and research to advance modeling of
coastal and ocean processes.
(2) Enhancing administration and management.--The
head of each Federal agency that has administrative
jurisdiction over a Federal asset shall support the
purposes of this subtitle and may take appropriate
actions to enhance internal agency administration and
management to better support, integrate, finance, and
utilize observation data, products, and services
developed under this section to further its own agency
mission and responsibilities.
(3) Availability of data.--The head of each Federal
agency that has administrative jurisdiction over a
Federal asset shall make available data that are
produced by that asset and that are not otherwise
restricted for integration, management, and
dissemination by the System.
(4) Non-federal assets.--Non-Federal assets shall be
coordinated, as appropriate, by the Interagency Ocean
Observing Committee or by regional information
coordination entities.
(c) Policy Oversight, Administration, and Regional
Coordination.--
(1) Council functions.--The Council shall serve as
the policy and coordination oversight body for all
aspects of the System. In carrying out its
responsibilities under this subtitle, the Council
shall--
(A) approve and adopt comprehensive System
budgets developed and maintained by the
Interagency Ocean Observation Committee to
support System operations, including operations
of both Federal and non-Federal assets;
(B) ensure coordination of the System with
other domestic and international earth
observing activities including the Global Ocean
Observing System and the Global Earth Observing
System of Systems, and provide, as appropriate,
support for and representation on United States
delegations to international meetings on
coastal and ocean observing programs; and
(C) encourage coordinated intramural and
extramural research and technology development,
and a process to transition developing
technology and methods into operations of the
System.
(2) Interagency ocean observation committee.--The
Council shall establish or designate an Interagency
Ocean Observation Committee which shall--
(A) prepare annual and long-term plans for
consideration and approval by the Council for
the integrated design, operation, maintenance,
enhancement and expansion of the System to meet
the objectives of this subtitle and the System
Plan;
(B) develop and transmit to Congress at the
time of submission of the President's annual
budget request an annual coordinated,
comprehensive budget to operate all elements of
the System identified in subsection (b), and to
ensure continuity of data streams from Federal
and non-Federal assets;
(C) establish required observation data
variables to be gathered by both Federal and
non-Federal assets and identify, in
consultation with regional information
coordination entities, priorities for System
observations;
(D) establish protocols and standards for
System data processing, management, and
communication;
(E) develop contract certification standards
and compliance procedures for all non-Federal
assets, including regional information
coordination entities, to establish eligibility
for integration into the System and to ensure
compliance with all applicable standards and
protocols established by the Council, and
ensure that regional observations are
integrated into the System on a sustained
basis;
(F) identify gaps in observation coverage or
needs for capital improvements of both Federal
assets and non-Federal assets;
(G) subject to the availability of
appropriations, establish through one or more
participating Federal agencies, in consultation
with the System advisory committee established
under subsection (d), a competitive matching
grant or other programs--
(i) to promote intramural and
extramural research and development of
new, innovative, and emerging
observation technologies including
testing and field trials; and
(ii) to facilitate the migration of
new, innovative, and emerging
scientific and technological advances
from research and development to
operational deployment;
(H) periodically review and recommend to the
Council, in consultation with the
Administrator, revisions to the System Plan;
(I) ensure collaboration among Federal
agencies participating in the activities of the
Committee; and
(J) perform such additional duties as the
Council may delegate.
(3) Lead federal agency.--The National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration shall function as the lead
Federal agency for the implementation and
administration of the System, in consultation with the
Council, the Interagency Ocean Observation Committee,
other Federal agencies that maintain portions of the
System, and the regional information coordination
entities, and shall--
(A) establish an Integrated Ocean Observing
Program Office within the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration utilizing to the
extent necessary, personnel from member
agencies participating on the Interagency Ocean
Observation Committee, to oversee daily
operations and coordination of the System;
(B) implement policies, protocols, and
standards approved by the Council and delegated
by the Interagency Ocean Observing Committee;
(C) promulgate program guidelines to certify
and integrate non-Federal assets, including
regional information coordination entities,
into the System to provide regional coastal and
ocean observation data that meet the needs of
user groups from the respective regions;
(D) have the authority to enter into and
oversee contracts, leases, grants or
cooperative agreements with non-Federal assets,
including regional information coordination
entities, to support the purposes of this
subtitle on such terms as the Administrator
deems appropriate;
(E) implement a merit-based, competitive
funding process to support non-Federal assets,
including the development and maintenance of a
network of regional information coordination
entities, and develop and implement a process
for the periodic review and evaluation of all
non-Federal assets, including regional
information coordination entities;
(F) provide opportunities for competitive
contracts and grants for demonstration projects
to design, develop, integrate, deploy, and
support components of the System;
(G) establish efficient and effective
administrative procedures for allocation of
funds among contractors, grantees, and non-
Federal assets, including regional information
coordination entities in a timely manner, and
contingent on appropriations according to the
budget adopted by the Council;
(H) develop and implement a process for the
periodic review and evaluation of regional
information coordination entities;
(I) formulate an annual process by which gaps
in observation coverage or needs for capital
improvements of Federal assets and non-Federal
assets of the System are identified by the
regional information coordination entities, the
Administrator, or other members of the System
and transmitted to the Interagency Ocean
Observing Committee;
(J) develop and be responsible for a data
management and communication system, in
accordance with standards and protocols
established by the Council, by which all data
collected by the System regarding ocean and
coastal waters of the United States including
the Great Lakes, are processed, stored,
integrated, and made available to all end-user
communities;
(K) implement a program of public education
and outreach to improve public awareness of
global climate change and effects on the ocean,
coastal, and Great Lakes environment;
(L) report annually to the Interagency Ocean
Observing Committee on the accomplishments,
operational needs, and performance of the
System to contribute to the annual and long-
term plans developed pursuant to subsection
(c)(2)(A)(i); and
(M) develop a plan to efficiently integrate
into the System new, innovative, or emerging
technologies that have been demonstrated to be
useful to the System and which will fulfill the
purposes of this subtitle and the System Plan.
(4) Regional information coordination entities.--
(A) In general.--To be certified or
established under this subtitle, a regional
information coordination entity shall be
certified or established by contract or
agreement by the Administrator, and shall agree
to meet the certification standards and
compliance procedure guidelines issued by the
Administrator and information needs of user
groups in the region while adhering to national
standards and shall--
(i) demonstrate an organizational
structure capable of gathering required
System observation data, supporting and
integrating all aspects of coastal and
ocean observing and information
programs within a region and that
reflects the needs of State and local
governments, commercial interests, and
other users and beneficiaries of the
System and other requirements specified
under this subtitle and the System
Plan;
(ii) identify gaps in observation
coverage needs for capital improvements
of Federal assets and non-Federal
assets of the System, or other
recommendations to assist in the
development of the annual and long-term
plans created pursuant to subsection
(c)(2)(A)(i) and transmit such
information to the Interagency Ocean
Observing Committee via the Program
Office;
(iii) develop and operate under a
strategic operational plan that will
ensure the efficient and effective
administration of programs and assets
to support daily data observations for
integration into the System, pursuant
to the standards approved by the
Council;
(iv) work cooperatively with
governmental and non-governmental
entities at all levels to identify and
provide information products of the
System for multiple users within the
service area of the regional
information coordination entities; and
(v) comply with all financial
oversight requirements established by
the Administrator, including
requirements relating to audits.
(B) Participation.--For the purposes of this
subtitle, employees of Federal agencies may
participate in the functions of the regional
information coordination entities.
(d) System Advisory Committee.--
(1) In general.--The Administrator shall establish or
designate a System advisory committee, which shall
provide advice as may be requested by the Administrator
or the Interagency Ocean Observing Committee.
(2) Purpose.--The purpose of the System advisory
committee is to advise the Administrator and the
Interagency Ocean Observing Committee on--
(A) administration, operation, management,
and maintenance of the System, including
integration of Federal and non-Federal assets
and data management and communication aspects
of the System, and fulfillment of the purposes
set forth in section 12302;
(B) expansion and periodic modernization and
upgrade of technology components of the System;
(C) identification of end-user communities,
their needs for information provided by the
System, and the System's effectiveness in
disseminating information to end-user
communities and the general public; and
(D) any other purpose identified by the
Administrator or the Interagency Ocean
Observing Committee.
(3) Members.--
(A) In general.--The System advisory
committee shall be composed of members
appointed by the Administrator. Members shall
be qualified by education, training, and
experience to evaluate scientific and technical
information related to the design, operation,
maintenance, or use of the System, or use of
data products provided through the System.
(B) Terms of service.--[Members]
(i) In general._Except as provided in
clause (ii), members shall be
appointed for 3-year terms, renewable
once. A vacancy appointment shall be
for the remainder of the unexpired term
of the vacancy, and an individual so
appointed may subsequently be appointed
for 2 full 3-year terms if the
remainder of the unexpired term is less
than 1 year.
(ii) Staggered terms.--The
Administrator may appoint or reappoint
a member for a partial term of 1 or 2
years in order to establish a system of
staggered terms. The Administrator may
appoint or reappoint a member under
this clause only once. A member
appointed or reappointed to a partial
term under this clause may not serve
more than one full term.
(C) Chairperson.--The Administrator shall
designate a chairperson from among the members
of the System advisory committee.
(D) Appointment.--Members of the System
advisory committee shall be appointed as
special Government employees for purposes of
section 202(a) of title 18, United States Code.
(4) Administrative Provisions.--
(A) Reporting.--The System advisory committee
shall report to the Administrator and the
Interagency Ocean Observing Committee, as
appropriate.
(B) Administrative support.--The
Administrator shall provide administrative
support to the System advisory committee.
(C) Meetings.--The System advisory committee
shall meet at least once each year, and at
other times at the call of the Administrator,
the Interagency Ocean Observing Committee, or
the chairperson.
(D) Compensation and expenses.--Members of
the System advisory committee shall not be
compensated for service on that Committee, but
may be allowed travel expenses, including per
diem in lieu of subsistence, in accordance with
subchapter I of chapter 57 of title 5, United
States Code.
(E) Expiration.--Section 14 of the Federal
Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) shall
not apply to the System advisory committee.
(e) Civil Liability.--For purposes of determining liability
arising from the dissemination and use of observation data
gathered pursuant to this section, any non-Federal asset or
regional information coordination entity incorporated into the
System by contract, lease, grant, or cooperative agreement
under subsection (c)(3)(D) that is participating in the System
shall be considered to be part of the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration. Any employee of such a non-Federal
asset or regional information coordination entity, while
operating within the scope of his or her employment in carrying
out the purposes of this subtitle, with respect to tort
liability, is deemed to be an employee of the Federal
Government.
(f) Limitation.--Nothing in this subtitle shall be construed
to invalidate existing certifications, contracts, or agreements
between regional information coordination entities and other
elements of the System.
SEC. 12305. INTERAGENCY FINANCING AND AGREEMENTS.
(a) In general.--To carry out interagency activities under
this subtitle, the Secretary of Commerce may execute
cooperative agreements, or any other agreements, with, disburse
appropriated funds to, and receive and expend funds made
available by, any State or subdivision thereof, any Federal
agency, or any public or private organization, or individual.
(b) Reciprocity.--Member Departments and agencies of the
Council shall have the authority to create, support, and
maintain joint centers, and to enter into and perform such
contracts, leases, grants, and cooperative agreements as may be
necessary to carry out the purposes of this subtitle and
fulfillment of the System Plan.
* * * * * * *
SEC. 12311. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary of
Commerce [for fiscal years 2009 through 2013 such sums as are
necessary] $47,500,000 for each of fiscal years 2020 through
2024 to fulfill the purposes of this subtitle and support
activities identified in the annual coordinated System budget
developed by the Interagency Ocean Observation Committee and
submitted to the Congress.
* * * * * * *
Supplemental, Minority, Additional, or Dissenting Views
None.