Top Legislation - View All

Latest Action: 10/06/2008 - Presented to President.

Bill Text
To authorize the programs of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and for other purposes. 5/15/2008--Introduced. National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2008 - Authorizes appropriations to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) for FY2009 for: (1) science; (2) aeronautics; (3) exploration; (4) education; (5) space operations; (6) cross-agency support programs; and (7) the inspector general. Authorizes additional appropriations for use to accelerate the initial operational capability of the Orion Crew Exploration Vehicle and the Ares I Crew Launch Vehicle. Requires: (1) a process for transitioning NASA experimental earth science and space weather research into operational services; and (2) a plan for the continuation of Landsat thermal infrared data collection or its equivalent. Reauthorizes the Glory Mission. Requires development of a plan for a Deep Space Climate Observatory (DSCOVR). Sets [...]

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Latest Action: 02/07/2007 - Mr. Gordon moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.

Bill Text
Recognizing the work and accomplishments of Mr. Britt "Max" Mayfield, Director of the National Hurricane Center's Tropical Prediction Center upon his retirement.

2/7/2007--Passed House without amendment.    (There is 1 other summary)

(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary of that version is repeated here.)

Honors Mr. Britt "Max" Mayfield's 34 years of service and his commitment to improving the accuracy of hurricane forecasting as Director of the National Hurricane Center's Tropical Prediction Center.

Latest Action: 04/23/2008 - Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.

Bill Text
To establish a national policy for our oceans, to strengthen the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, to establish a national and regional ocean governance structure, and for other purposes. 1/4/2007--Introduced. Oceans Conservation, Education, and National Strategy for the 21st Century Act - Establishes a national policy to protect, maintain, and restore the health of marine ecosystems and requires that federal agencies administer U.S. policies and laws accordingly. Allows more stringent federal and state requirements. States that there shall be an agency known as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), declares that Reorganization Plan No. 4 of 1970 (concerning NOAA) shall have no further force or effect, and sets forth NOAA's mission and functions. (Reestablishes NOAA and requires a reorganization plan.) Creates an Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere and makes that person the Administrator of NOAA. Requires [...]

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Latest Action: 05/21/2007 - Mr. Melancon moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.

Bill Text
Supporting the goals and ideals of National Hurricane Preparedness Week.

5/21/2007--Passed House without amendment.    (There is 1 other summary)

(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary of that version is repeated here.)

Expresses support for the goals and ideals of National Hurricane Preparedness Week.

Encourages the staff of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), especially at the National Weather Service and the National Hurricane Center, and other appropriate federal agencies to continue their outstanding work to educate people about hurricane preparedness.

Urges the people of the United States to recognize such week as an opportunity to learn more about the Center's work and the risks associated with hurricanes.

Latest Action: 11/02/2007 - Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Reported by Senator Inouye with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. With written report No. 110-217.

Bill Text
A bill to develop and maintain an integrated system of coastal and ocean observations for the Nation's coasts, oceans, and Great Lakes, to improve warnings of tsunami, hurricanes, El Nino events, and other natural hazards, to enhance homeland security, to support maritime operations, to improve management of coastal and marine resources, and for other purposes. 11/2/2007--Reported to Senate amended.    (There is 1 other summary) Coastal and Ocean Observation System Act of 2007 - (Sec. 4) Directs the President, acting through the National Ocean Research Leadership Council, to establish and maintain an integrated system of coastal and ocean observations, data communication and management, analysis, modeling, research, education, and outreach for the timely detection and prediction of changes occurring in the ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes environments that impact the nation's social, economic, and ecological systems. Includes in the system a national program,[...]

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Latest Action: 04/19/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S4759-4764)

Bill Text
A bill to amend the Clean Air Act to establish a regulatory program for sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, mercury, and carbon dioxide emissions from the electric generating sector. 4/19/2007--Introduced. Clean Air/Climate Change Act of 2007 - Amends the Clean Air Act to provide for: (1) a standard of performance for new electric generating facilities with respect to carbon dioxide emissions; (2) performance standards under the new source review program for sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides for major emitting facilities on which construction is commenced; and (3) annual tonnage limitations for emissions of sulfur dioxide for affected units regulated under the Clean Air Act's Acid Deposition Control Program, emissions of nitrogen oxide for certain fossil fuel-fired electric generating units, and emissions of carbon dioxide from certain electric generating units.Exempts annual emissions of nitrogen oxide and sulfur dioxide emitted during 2015 and thereafter from the Clean [...]

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Latest Action: 05/24/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S6869-6870)

Bill Text
A bill to improve United States hurricane forecasting, monitoring, and warning capabilities, and for other purposes.

5/24/2007--Introduced.

Improved Hurricane Tracking and Forecasting Act of 2007 - Directs the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to carry out a program for an improved ocean surface winds vector satellite for purposes including: (1) to address science and application questions related to air-sea interaction, coastal circulation, and biological productivity; (2) to improve forecasting for hurricanes, coastal winds and storm surge, and other weather-related disasters; (3) to ensure continuity of quality for satellite ocean surface vector wind measurements so that existing weather forecasting and warning capabilities are not degraded; and (4) to advance satellite ocean surface vector wind data capabilities.

Latest Action: 09/18/2007 - Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Bill Text
To establish a Science and Technology Scholarship Program to award scholarships to recruit and prepare students for careers in the National Weather Service and in National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration marine research, atmospheric research, and satellite programs. 9/17/2007--Passed House without amendment.    (There is 1 other summary) (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.) Authorizes the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to establish a Science and Technology Scholarship Program to award scholarships to students at institutions of higher education to recruit and prepare them for careers in the National Weather Service and in NOAA marine research, atmospheric research, and satellite programs. Requires individuals to be selected to receive scholarships under this Act through a competitive process [...]

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Latest Action: 07/17/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Bill Text
A bill to establish the Weather Mitigation Advisory and Research Board, and for other purposes. 7/17/2007--Introduced. Weather Mitigation Research and Development Policy Authorization Act of 2007 - Establishes in the National Science Foundation (NSF) the Weather Mitigation Advisory and Research Board to establish and coordinate the national research and development program on weather mitigation described in this Act. Requires the Executive Director of the Board to submit a plan for the establishment and coordination of the Program. Requires the Board to promote and fund research and development (R&D), studies, and investigations with respect to: (1) improved forecast and decisionmaking technologies for weather mitigation operations, including tailored computer workstations and software and new observation systems with remote sensors; and (2) assessments and evaluations of the efficacy of weather mitigation. Authorizes the Board to establish a grant program [...]

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Latest Action: 05/22/2008 - Veto message received in Senate. Ordered held at the desk.

Bill Text
To provide for the continuation of agricultural programs through fiscal year 2012, and for other purposes.

5/22/2007--Introduced.

Farm Bill Extension Act of 2007 - Extends and revises agricultural and related programs respecting: (1) commodities; (2) sugar; (3) dairy; (4) conservation; (5) exports and trade assistance; (6) food stamps and nutrition; (7) agricultural credit; (8) rural development; (9) rural electrification; (10) agricultural research; (11) forestry; (12) energy; (13) specialty crops; and (14) livestock.

Latest Legislation - View All

Latest Action: 06/04/2008 - Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (text of measure as introduced: CR S5047-5048)

Bill Text
A resolution recognizing the work and accomplishments of Mr. Herbert Saffir, inventor of the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale, during Hurricane Preparedness Week.

6/4/2008--Introduced.

Recognizes the work and accomplishments of Herbert Saffir, inventor of the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale, during Hurricane Preparedness Week. Honors his commitment to alerting citizens about the threat of hurricanes, his dedication, and his service.

Latest Action: 10/06/2008 - Presented to President.

Bill Text
To authorize the programs of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and for other purposes. 5/15/2008--Introduced. National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2008 - Authorizes appropriations to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) for FY2009 for: (1) science; (2) aeronautics; (3) exploration; (4) education; (5) space operations; (6) cross-agency support programs; and (7) the inspector general. Authorizes additional appropriations for use to accelerate the initial operational capability of the Orion Crew Exploration Vehicle and the Ares I Crew Launch Vehicle. Requires: (1) a process for transitioning NASA experimental earth science and space weather research into operational services; and (2) a plan for the continuation of Landsat thermal infrared data collection or its equivalent. Reauthorizes the Glory Mission. Requires development of a plan for a Deep Space Climate Observatory (DSCOVR). Sets [...]

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Latest Action: 03/06/2008 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.

Bill Text
A bill to amend the National Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Standards Act of 1974 to require that weather radios be installed in all manufactured homes manufactured or sold in the United States. 3/6/2008--Introduced. CJ's Home Protection Act of 2008 - Amends the National Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Standards Act of 1974 to revise federal standards for manufactured homes (other than one affixed to a permanent foundation) to require each such home to be installed with a weather radio: (1) capable of broadcasting emergency information relating to local weather conditions; (2) equipped with a tone alarm and Specific Alert Message Encoding, or SAME technology; and (3) compliant with the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) Standard 2009-A Performance Specification for Public Alert Receivers (or its current revision). Shields from common law civil liability: (1) manufacturers, installers, or retailers of manufactured homes for any aspect [...]

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Latest Action: 12/17/2007 - DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 851.

Bill Text
Honoring local and state first responders, and the citizens of the Pacific Northwest in facing the severe winter storm of December 2 and 3, 2007. 12/17/2007--Passed House without amendment.    (There is 1 other summary) (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary of that version is repeated here.)Honors the citizens of the Pacific Northwest for their courage in facing the storm and efforts in helping their neighbors in a time of great need.Honors the National Weather Service, state and local police officers, fire fighters, local rescue personnel, other first responders, and amateur radio operators for their efforts in the face of the severe storm.Extends the thoughts and prayers of the U.S. House of Representatives to those whose lives have been devastated, and who have lost their housing, transportation, communications, water, heat, or electricity.Extends its profound and deepest sympathies [...]

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Latest Action: 10/15/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S12872-12873)

Bill Text
A bill to establish a Science and Technology Scholarship Program to award scholarships to recruit and prepare students for careers in the National Weather Service and in National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration marine research, atmospheric research, and satellite programs and for other purposes.

10/15/2007--Introduced.

NOAA Scholarship Act of 2007 - Authorizes the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to establish a Science and Technology Scholarship Program to award scholarships to students at institutions of higher education to recruit and prepare them for careers in the National Weather Service and in NOAA marine research, atmospheric research, and satellite programs. Sets forth provisions governing such Program.

Latest Action: 08/24/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Environment.

Bill Text
To establish the Weather Mitigation Operations and Research Board, and for other purposes. 8/3/2007--Introduced. Weather Mitigation Research and Technology Transfer Authorization Act of 2007 - Establishes in the Department of Commerce the Weather Mitigation Advisory and Research Board to promote and fund research and development (R&D), studies, and investigations with respect to: (1) improved forecast and decisionmaking technologies for weather mitigation operations, including tailored computer workstations and software and new observation systems with remote sensors; and (2) assessments and evaluations of the efficacy of weather mitigation, both purposeful (including cloud-seeding operations) and inadvertent (including downwind effects and anthropogenic effects). Establishes within the U.S. Treasury the Weather Mitigation Research and Development Fund. Directs the Board, unless the use of the money is restricted or subject to any limitations provided by law, to [...]

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Latest Action: 11/14/2007 - On motion to recommit to conference committee Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 182 - 231 (Roll no. 1101). (consideration: CR H13903)

Bill Text
Making appropriations for the Departments of Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2008, and for ot