Latest Action: 07/23/2008 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Bill Text
A bill to protect the oceans and for other purposes. 7/23/2008--Introduced. National Oceans Protection Act of 2008 - Declares that the purpose of this Act is to secure for future U.S. generations a full range of benefits of healthy marine ecosystems.Specifies a national ocean policy and related principles. Requires each federal agency, as possible and not inconsistent with other laws, to interpret and administer policies, regulations and laws in accordance with such policy. Ernest "Fritz" Hollings National Ocean Policy and Leadership Act - Reestablishes the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). States that: (1) it shall be a civilian agency administered by an Administrator, who shall be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate; and (2) there shall be transferred to the Administrator any authority that, before the date of the enactment of this Act, was vested in the Secretary of Commerce and pertains [...]

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Latest Action: 09/26/2008 - Motion to proceed to measure considered in Senate by Unanimous Consent.

Bill Text
A bill to advance America's priorities. 7/22/2008--Introduced. Advancing America's Priorities Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to: (1) establish a system to collect data on amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and establish a registry for such data; (2) provide for an education and information campaign to promote stroke prevention; and (3) award grants for a pilot project to improve stroke patient outcomes by coordinating health care delivery through telehealth networks.Establishes programs for research, rehabilitation, and quality of life for people with paralysis.Provides for support services to women suffering from postpartum depression and who receive a positive diagnosis of Down syndrome or other prenatally or postnatally diagnosed conditions. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to states to provide vision care for children. Amends the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act to expand services for homeless youth [...]

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Latest Action: 09/25/2008 - Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Reported by Senator Inouye without amendment. With written report No. 110-508.

Bill Text
A bill to reauthorize and amend the National Sea Grant College Program Act, and for other purposes. 6/19/2008--Introduced. National Sea Grant College Program Amendments Act of 2008 - Amends the National Sea Grant College Program Act to: (1) substitute "management" for "utilization" in the definition of "field related to ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes resources"; (2) substitute "extension services" for "advisory services" in the definition of "project"; and (3) add a definition for "regional research and information plan." Adds regional and national projects as elements of the national sea grant college program. Removes a reference to the sea grant review panel from provisions relating to the administration of the program. Refers to regional or national (under current law, national) strategic investments being developed with the approval of sea grant colleges and the sea grant institutes (under current [...]

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Latest Action: 06/23/2008 - Committee on Appropriations. Original measure reported to Senate by Senator Mikulski. With written report No. 110-397.

Bill Text
An original bill making appropriations for the Departments of Commerce and Justice, science, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2009, and for other purposes. 6/23/2008--Reported to Senate 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.)Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2009 -Makes appropriations for FY2009 for the Departments of Commerce and Justice, for science-related programs, and related agencies.Title I: Department of Commerce - Department of Commerce Appropriations Act, 2009 - Makes appropriations for the Department of Commerce for FY2009 for: (1) the International Trade Administration; (2) the Bureau of Industry and Security; (3) the Economic Development Administration; (4) the Minority Business Development Agency; (5) economic [...]

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Latest Action: 04/22/2008 - Mr. Baird moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.

Bill Text
Recognizing 2008 as the International Year of the Reef.

4/22/2008--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.)

Recognizes the International Year of the Reef (2008).

Supports strong programs in environmental and marine research at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and other federal agencies to better understand the threats faced by coral reef systems.

Supports the efforts of the International Coral Reef Initiative to promote public awareness and encourage public stewardship of the world's coral reefs.

Encourages further research and development efforts to preserve coral reefs around the world.

Latest Action: 10/03/2008 - Presented to President.

Bill Text
To reauthorize and amend the National Sea Grant College Program Act, and for other purposes. 7/11/2008--Reported to House amended, Part II.    (There are 2 other summaries) National Sea Grant College Program Amendments Act of 2008 - (Sec. 4) Amends the National Sea Grant College Program Act to substitute "extension services" for "advisory services" in the definition of "project" and to add definitions for "regional research and information plan" and "National Ocean Research Priorities Plan and Implementation Strategy." (Sec. 5) Adds, as elements of the national sea grant college program: (1) regional and national projects; and (2) the environmental and scientific considerations regarding the production of ocean and coastal offshore petroleum, natural gas, geothermal, wind, and ocean thermal energy resources, including the siting of energy related facilities in the coastal zone. Removes a [...]

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Latest Action: 01/28/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife, and Oceans.

Bill Text
To authorize the Marine Mammal Commission to establish a national research program to fund basic and applied research on marine mammals, and for other purposes. 1/23/2008--Introduced. National Marine Mammal Research Program Act of 2007 - Amends the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 to require the Marine Mammal Commission to establish the National Marine Mammal Research Program and a National Marine Mammal Research Program Office for the Research Program. Includes in the Program's purposes: (1) undertaking research on marine mammals, the factors that affect their populations and habitats, and related mitigation; and (2) coordinating and strengthening scientific research by developing partnerships among federal agencies, academia, industry, and other members of the oceanographic and marine mammal scientific communities. Authorizes the Commission to enter into contracts, make grants, or enter other arrangements as necessary to carry out the Program. Directs the President [...]

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Latest Action: 04/25/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Conservation, Credit, Energy, and Research.

Bill Text
To accelerate the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in the United States by establishing a market-driven system of greenhouse gas tradeable allowances that will limit greenhouse gas emissions in the United States, reduce dependence upon foreign oil, and ensure benefits to consumers from the trading in such allowances, and for other purposes. 11/15/2007--Introduced. Climate Stewardship and Economic Security Act of 2007 - Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish a National Greenhouse Gas Database consisting of: (1) an inventory of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by covered entities (specified entities that own or control a source of GHG emissions in the electric power, industrial, and commercial sectors of the U.S. economy that emit more than 10,000 metric tons of GHGs per year); and (2) a registry of GHG emission reductions and increased sequestration, applicable to all entities.Establishes a program for the market-driven [...]

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Latest Action: 06/05/2008 - Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Reported by Senator Inouye with amendments and an amendment to the title. With written report No. 110-347.

Bill Text
A bill to amend the National Climate Program Act to enhance the ability of the United States to develop and implement climate change adaptation programs and policies, and for other purposes. 11/14/2007--Introduced. Climate Change Adaptation Act - Amends the National Climate Program Act to: (1) eliminate the National Climate Program Office and the Climate Program Policy Board; (2) revise the elements of the National Climate Program to require a strategic plan to address the impacts of climate change in the United States and establish a National Climate Service within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA); (3) require the President to provide to Congress a five-year national strategic plan to address the impacts of climate change in the United States; (4) require the Secretary of Commerce to conduct regional assessments of coastal and ocean vulnerability to climate change and submit to Congress a national coastal and ocean adaptation plan; (5) require the [...]

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Latest Action: 07/10/2008 - Received in the Senate. Read twice. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 873.

Bill Text
To establish an interagency committee to develop an ocean acidification research and monitoring plan and to establish an ocean acidification program within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. 7/9/2008--Passed House amended.    (There is 1 other summary) Federal Ocean Acidification Research And Monitoring Act of 2008 or FOARAM Act - (Sec. 3) Defines "ocean acidification," for this Act, as the decrease in pH of the Earth's oceans and changes in ocean chemistry caused by chemical inputs from the atmosphere, including carbon dioxide. (Sec. 4) Requires that the Joint Subcommittee on Ocean Science and Technology of the National Science and Technology Council: (1) coordinate federal activities on ocean acidification; (2) report biennially to specified congressional committees; (3) transmit the strategic research plan developed under this Act to those committees; and (4) submit a revised plan at least once every five years. [...]

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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: 04/14/2008 - Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources discharged by Unanimous Consent.

Bill Text
To reauthorize and amend the Hydrographic Services Improvement Act, and for other purposes. 3/31/2008--Passed House amended.    (There is 1 other summary) Hydrographic Services Improvement Act Amendments of 2008 - Amends the Hydrographic Services Improvement Act of 1998 to revise the definition of "hydrographic data" to include information acquired through lidar, radar, remote sensing, shoreline and other ocean- and coastal-related surveying, and water level observations. Revises the definition of "hydrographic services" to include shoreline and water level information. Requires the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to provide hydrographic services. Modifies requirements regarding the awarding of contracts for the acquisition of hydrographic data. Authorizes the Administrator to create and maintain a Joint Hydrographic Institute. Authorizes the Administrator to acquire hydrographic [...]

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Latest Action: 11/08/2007 - On motion that the House instruct conferees Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 218 - 186 (Roll No. 1076).

Bill Text
Making appropriations for the Departments of Commerce and Justice, and Science, and Related Agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2008, and for other purposes. 10/16/2007--Passed Senate amended.    (There are 3 other summaries) Departments of Commerce and Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2008 - Makes appropriations for FY2008 for the Departments of Commerce and Justice, for science-related programs, and related agencies.Title I: Department of Commerce - Department of Commerce Appropriations Act, 2008 - Makes appropriations for the Department of Commerce for FY2008 for: (1) the International Trade Administration; (2) the Bureau of Industry and Security; (3) the Economic Development Administration; (4) the Minority Business Development Agency; (5) economic and statistical analysis programs; (6) the Bureau of the Census; (7) the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, including for grants [...]

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Latest Action: 06/29/2007 - Committee on Appropriations. Original measure reported to Senate by Senator Mikulski. With written report No. 110-124.

Bill Text
An original bill making appropriations for the Departments of Commerce and Justice, science, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2008, and for other purposes. 6/29/2007--Reported to Senate 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.)Departments of Commerce and Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2008 - Makes appropriations for FY2008 for the Departments of Commerce and Justice, for science-related programs, and related agencies.Title I: Department of Commerce - Department of Commerce Appropriations Act, 2008 - Makes appropriations for the Department of Commerce for FY2008 for: (1) the International Trade Administration; (2) the Bureau of Industry and Security; (3) the Economic Development Administration; (4) the Minority Business Development Agency;[...]

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Latest Action: 06/30/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife, and Oceans.

Bill Text
To restore, protect, and preserve the natural, chemical, physical, and biological integrity, and the economic potentialities, of the New York/New Jersey Bight through designation and establishment of the New Jersey/New York Clean Ocean Zone and the regulation of various activities therein, and for other purposes. 6/25/2007--Introduced. New Jersey/New York Clean Ocean Zone Act of 2007 - Designates the New York/New Jersey Bight as the New Jersey/New York Clean Ocean Zone. Prohibits the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, the Secretary of the Army, and all states from issuing a permit for ocean dumping, or establishing any new disposal site in the Zone, including under specified provisions of existing law. Terminates all existing disposal site designations, subject to exception. Prohibits: (1) the discharge of a pollutant into the Zone from a point source constructed or put into use after enactment of this Act under specified provisions of the Federal [...]

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Latest Action: 06/25/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife, and Oceans.

Bill Text
To authorize appropriations for the National Sea Grant College Program Act for fiscal years 2009 through 2013.

6/22/2007--Introduced.

Amends the National Sea Grant College Program Act to authorize appropriations for FY2009-FY2013 to carry out the Act.

Latest Action: 03/13/2008 - Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Reported by Senator Inouye with amendments. With written report No. 110-276.

Bill Text
A bill to reauthorize the Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2000, and for other purposes. 3/13/2008--Reported to Senate amended.    (There is 1 other summary) Coral Reef Conservation Amendments Act of 2007 - (Sec. 4) Amends the Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2000 to direct the Secretary of Commerce to submit to specified congressional committees a national coral reef ecosystem action strategy. (Sec. 5) Directs the Secretary to make grants for projects for the conservation of coral reef ecosystems (currently, conservation of coral reefs). Modifies various requirements of the grant program. (Sec. 6) Authorizes the Secretary to make agreements with nonprofit organizations (currently, an agreement with a nonprofit organization) for public-private partnerships promoting coral reef ecosystem conservation. (Sec. 7) Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) execute contracts, leases, grants, or cooperative agreements as necessary to carry out the Act,[...]

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Latest Action: 05/22/2008 - Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Reported by Senator Inouye with amendments. With written report No. 110-339.

Bill Text
A bill to establish an interagency committee to develop an ocean acidification research and monitoring plan and to establish an ocean acidification program within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. 5/22/2008--Reported to Senate amended.    (There is 1 other summary) Federal Ocean Acidification Research And Monitoring Act of 2007 or FOARAM Act - Directs the President to establish or designate the Interagency Committee on Ocean Acidification to oversee the planning, establishment, and coordinated implementation of a plan to improve the understanding of the role of increased ocean acidification on marine ecosystems. Requires the committee to develop, and report to specified congressional committees on, a strategic research and implementation plan for coordinated federal activities. Requires a triennial report to specified congressional committees that includes: (1) a summary of federally funded ocean acidification research and monitoring [...]

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