39–006 

113TH CONGRESS REPT. 113–380 " ! HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 2d Session Part 1 

NATIONAL WINDSTORM IMPACT REDUCTION ACT 

REAUTHORIZATION OF 2014 

MARCH 13, 2014.—Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the State 

of the Union and ordered to be printed 

Mr. SMITH of Texas, from the Committee on Science, Space, and 

Technology, submitted the following 

R E P O R T 

[To accompany H.R. 1786] 

[Including cost estimate of the Congressional Budget Office] 

The Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, to whom was 

referred the bill (H.R. 1786) to reauthorize the National Windstorm 

Impact Reduction Program, and for other purposes, 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 and Summary ............................................................................... 5 

III. Background and Need for the Legislation ................................................ 5 

IV. Hearing Summary ....................................................................................... 6 

V. Committee Consideration ........................................................................... 6 

VI. Committee Votes ......................................................................................... 7 

VII. Summary of Major Provisions of the Bill .................................................. 9 

VIII. Committee Views ........................................................................................ 10 

IX. Committee Oversight Findings .................................................................. 10 

X. Statement on General Performance Goals and Objectives ...................... 11 

XI. New Budget Authority, Entitlement Authority, and Tax Expenditures 11 

XII. Advisory on Earmarks ................................................................................ 11 

XIII. Committee Cost Estimate ........................................................................... 11 

XIV. Congressional Budget Office Cost Estimate ............................................. 11 

XV. Federal Mandates Statement ..................................................................... 13 

XVI. Compliance with House Resolution 5 ........................................................ 13 

XVII. Federal Advisory Committee Statement ................................................... 13 

XVIII. Applicability to Legislative Branch ........................................................... 13 

XIX. Section-by-Section Analysis of the Legislation ......................................... 13 

XX. Changes in Existing Law Made by the Bill, As Reported ....................... 15 

XXI. Exchange of Committee Correspondence .................................................. 22 


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XXII. Proceedings of the Subcommittee Markup ................................................ 25 

XXIII. Proceedings of the Full Committee Markup ............................................. 55 

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 Windstorm Impact Reduction Act Reauthorization of 2014’’. 

SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS. 

(a) DIRECTOR.—Section 203(1) of the National Windstorm Impact Reduction Act 

of 2004 (42 U.S.C. 15702(1)) is amended by striking ‘‘Director of the Office of Science 

and Technology Policy’’ and inserting ‘‘Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology’’. 

(b) LIFELINES.—Section 203 of the National Windstorm Impact Reduction Act of 

2004 (42 U.S.C. 15702) is further amended— 

(1) by redesignating paragraphs (2) through (4) as paragraphs (3) through (5), 

respectively; and 

(2) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following new paragraph: 

‘‘(2) LIFELINES.—The term ‘lifelines’ means public works and utilities, including transportation facilities and infrastructure, oil and gas pipelines, electrical 

power and communication facilities and infrastructure, and water supply and 

sewage treatment facilities.’’. 

SEC. 3. NATIONAL WINDSTORM IMPACT REDUCTION PROGRAM. 

Section 204 of the National Windstorm Impact Reduction Act of 2004 (42 U.S.C. 

15703) is amended— 

(1) by striking subsections (a), (b), and (c) and inserting the following: 

‘‘(a) ESTABLISHMENT.—There is established the National Windstorm Impact Reduction Program, the purpose of which is to achieve major measurable reductions 

in the losses of life and property from windstorms through a coordinated Federal 

effort, in cooperation with other levels of government, academia, and the private sector, aimed at improving the understanding of windstorms and their impacts and developing and encouraging the implementation of cost-effective mitigation measures 

to reduce those impacts. 

‘‘(b) RESPONSIBILITIES OF PROGRAM AGENCIES.— 

‘‘(1) LEAD AGENCY.—The National Institute of Standards and Technology shall 

have the primary responsibility for planning and coordinating the Program. In 

carrying out this paragraph, the Director shall— 

‘‘(A) ensure that the Program includes the necessary components to promote the implementation of windstorm risk reduction measures by Federal, 

State, and local governments, national standards and model building code 

organizations, architects and engineers, and others with a role in planning 

and constructing buildings and lifelines; 

‘‘(B) support the development of performance-based engineering tools, and 

work with appropriate groups to promote the commercial application of 

such tools, including through wind-related model building codes, voluntary 

standards, and construction best practices; 

‘‘(C) request the assistance of Federal agencies other than the Program 

agencies, as necessary to assist in carrying out this Act; 

‘‘(D) coordinate all Federal post-windstorm investigations; and 

‘‘(E) when warranted by research or investigative findings, issue recommendations to assist in informing the development of model codes, and 

provide information to Congress on the use of such recommendations. 

‘‘(2) NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY.—In addition to the 

lead agency responsibilities described under paragraph (1), the National Institute of Standards and Technology shall be responsible for carrying out research 

and development to improve model building codes, voluntary standards, and 

best practices for the design, construction, and retrofit of buildings, structures, 

and lifelines. 

‘‘(3) NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION.—The National Science Foundation shall 

support research in— 

‘‘(A) engineering and the atmospheric sciences to improve the understanding of the behavior of windstorms and their impact on buildings, 

structures, and lifelines; and 


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‘‘(B) economic and social factors influencing windstorm risk reduction 

measures. 

‘‘(4) NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION.—The National 

Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration shall support atmospheric sciences research to improve the understanding of the behavior of windstorms and their 

impact on buildings, structures, and lifelines. 

‘‘(5) FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY.—The Federal Emergency 

Management Agency shall— 

‘‘(A) support— 

‘‘(i) the development of risk assessment tools and effective mitigation 

techniques; 

‘‘(ii) windstorm-related data collection and analysis; 

‘‘(iii) public outreach and information dissemination; and 

‘‘(iv) promotion of the adoption of windstorm preparedness and mitigation measures, including for households, businesses, and communities, consistent with the Agency’s all-hazards approach; and 

‘‘(B) work closely with national standards and model building code organizations, in conjunction with the National Institute of Standards and Technology, to promote the implementation of research results and promote better building practices within the building design and construction industry, 

including architects, engineers, contractors, builders, and inspectors.’’; 

(2) by redesignating subsection (d) as subsection (c), and by striking subsections (e) and (f); and 

(3) by inserting after subsection (c), as so redesignated, the following new subsections: 

‘‘(d) BUDGET ACTIVITIES.—The Director of the National Institute of Standards and 

Technology, the Director of the National Science Foundation, the Director of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the Director of the Federal 

Emergency Management Agency shall each include in their agency’s annual budget 

request to Congress a description of their agency’s projected activities under the 

Program for the fiscal year covered by the budget request, along with an assessment 

of what they plan to spend on those activities for that fiscal year. 

‘‘(e) INTERAGENCY COORDINATING COMMITTEE ON WINDSTORM IMPACT REDUCTION.— 

‘‘(1) ESTABLISHMENT.—There is established an Interagency Coordinating Committee on Windstorm Impact Reduction, chaired by the Director. 

‘‘(2) MEMBERSHIP.—In addition to the chair, the Committee shall be composed 

of— 

‘‘(A) the heads of— 

‘‘(i) the Federal Emergency Management Agency; 

‘‘(ii) the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; 

‘‘(iii) the National Science Foundation; 

‘‘(iv) the Office of Science and Technology Policy; and 

‘‘(v) the Office of Management and Budget; and 

‘‘(B) the head of any other Federal agency the chair considers appropriate. 

‘‘(3) MEETINGS.—The Committee shall meet not less than 2 times a year at 

the call of the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology. 

‘‘(4) GENERAL PURPOSE AND DUTIES.—The Committee shall oversee the planning and coordination of the Program. 

‘‘(5) STRATEGIC PLAN.—The Committee shall develop and submit to Congress, 

not later than one year after the date of enactment of the National Windstorm 

Impact Reduction Act Reauthorization of 2014, a Strategic Plan for the Program 

that includes— 

‘‘(A) prioritized goals for the Program that will mitigate against the loss 

of life and property from future windstorms; 

‘‘(B) short-term, mid-term, and long-term research objectives to achieve 

those goals; 

‘‘(C) a description of the role of each Program agency in achieving the 

prioritized goals; 

‘‘(D) the methods by which progress towards the goals will be assessed; 

and 

‘‘(E) an explanation of how the Program will foster the transfer of research results into outcomes, such as improved model building codes. 

‘‘(6) PROGRESS REPORT.—Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment 

of the National Windstorm Impact Reduction Act Reauthorization of 2014, the 

Committee shall submit to the Congress a report on the progress of the Program that includes— 


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‘‘(A) a description of the activities funded under the Program, a description of how these activities align with the prioritized goals and research objectives established in the Strategic Plan, and the budgets, per agency, for 

these activities; 

‘‘(B) the outcomes achieved by the Program for each of the goals identified 

in the Strategic Plan; 

‘‘(C) a description of any recommendations made to change existing building codes that were the result of Program activities; and 

‘‘(D) a description of the extent to which the Program has incorporated 

recommendations from the Advisory Committee on Windstorm Impact Reduction. 

‘‘(7) COORDINATED BUDGET.—The Committee shall develop a coordinated 

budget for the Program, which shall be submitted to the Congress at the time 

of the President’s budget submission for each fiscal year.’’. 

SEC. 4. NATIONAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON WINDSTORM IMPACT REDUCTION. 

Section 205 of the National Windstorm Impact Reduction Act of 2004 (42 U.S.C. 

15704) is amended to read as follows: 

‘‘SEC. 205. NATIONAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON WINDSTORM IMPACT REDUCTION. 

‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—The Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology shall establish an Advisory Committee on Windstorm Impact Reduction, 

which shall be composed of at least 7 members, none of whom may be employees 

of the Federal Government, including representatives of research and academic institutions, industry standards development organizations, emergency management 

agencies, State and local government, and business communities who are qualified 

to provide advice on windstorm impact reduction and represent all related scientific, 

architectural, and engineering disciplines. The recommendations of the Advisory 

Committee shall be considered by Federal agencies in implementing the Program. 

‘‘(b) ASSESSMENTS.—The Advisory Committee on Windstorm Impact Reduction 

shall offer assessments on— 

‘‘(1) trends and developments in the natural, engineering, and social sciences 

and practices of windstorm impact mitigation; 

‘‘(2) the priorities of the Program’s Strategic Plan; 

‘‘(3) the coordination of the Program; and 

‘‘(4) any revisions to the Program which may be necessary. 

‘‘(c) COMPENSATION.—The members of the Advisory Committee established under 

this section shall serve without compensation. 

‘‘(d) REPORTS.—At least every 2 years, the Advisory Committee shall report to the 

Director on the assessments carried out under subsection (b) and its recommendations for ways to improve the Program. 

‘‘(e) CHARTER.—Notwithstanding section 14(b)(2) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App), the Advisory Committee shall not be required to file a 

charter subsequent to its initial charter, filed under section 9(c) of such Act, before 

the termination date specified in subsection (f) of this section. 

‘‘(f) TERMINATION.—The Advisory Committee shall terminate on September 30, 

2016. 

‘‘(g) CONFLICT OF INTEREST.—An Advisory Committee member shall recuse himself from any Advisory Committee activity in which he has an actual pecuniary interest.’’. 

SEC. 5. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. 

Section 207 of the National Windstorm Impact Reduction Act of 2004 (42 U.S.C. 

15706) is amended to read as follows: 

‘‘SEC. 207. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. 

‘‘(a) FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY.—There are authorized to be appropriated to the Federal Emergency Management Agency for carrying out this 

title— 

‘‘(1) $5,332,000 for fiscal year 2014; and 

‘‘(2) $5,332,000 for fiscal year 2015. 

‘‘(b) NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION.—There are authorized to be appropriated to 

the National Science Foundation for carrying out this title— 

‘‘(1) $9,682,000 for fiscal year 2014; and 

‘‘(2) $9,682,000 for fiscal year 2015. 

‘‘(c) NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY.—There are authorized 

to be appropriated to the National Institute of Standards and Technology for carrying out this title— 

‘‘(1) $4,120,000 for fiscal year 2014; and 

‘‘(2) $4,120,000 for fiscal year 2015. 


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1 National Science and Technology Council. National Windstorm Impact Reduction Program: 

Biennial Report to Congress for Fiscal Years 2011 and 2012, p. 6. http://www.whitehouse.gov/ 

sites/default/files/microsites/ostp/NSTC/nwirp–fy11–12–biennial–report–to–congress.pdf 

‘‘(d) NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION.—There are authorized to be appropriated to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration for 

carrying out this title— 

‘‘(1) $2,266,000 for fiscal year 2014; and 

‘‘(2) $2,266,000 for fiscal year 2015.’’. 

II. PURPOSE AND SUMMARY

The purpose of H.R. 1786, the National Windstorm Impact Reduction Act Reauthorization of 2014, sponsored by Representative 

Neugebauer (R-TX–19), is to reauthorize the National Windstorm 

Impact Reduction Program (NWIRP) through Fiscal Year 2015. 

NWIRP is a multi-agency program that supports efforts to mitigate 

the impacts of wind hazards through targeted research and development to better understand and prepare for windstorms. 

III. BACKGROUND AND NEED FOR THE LEGISLATION

Wind hazards—which include tornados, hurricanes, and 

derechos—are a threat to all fifty states and cause injuries, deaths, 

economic disruptions, and property damage. Millions of Americans 

live in areas vulnerable to storms with damaging winds. The 

tornadic events of 2011 and 2013 show the devastating results of 

windstorms. In the United States in 2011, windstorms caused nearly $11 billion in total direct property losses, injured nearly 7000 

people and took nearly 700 lives.1 As populations continue to grow 

in areas prone to hurricanes, tornadoes, and windstorms, vulnerability to severe weather will only increase. In 2005, the National 

Science and Technology Council (NSTC) stated that America’s primary focus on disaster response is ‘‘an impractical and inefficient 

strategy for dealing with these ongoing threats. Instead, communities must break the cycle of destruction and recovery by enhancing their disaster resilience.’’ 

NWIRP was established in 2004 through legislation authored by 

Rep. Neugebauer. Under the program, the National Oceanic and 

Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the National Institute of 

Standards and Technology (NIST), the National Science Foundation (NSF), and the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) support activities to improve the understanding of 

windstorms and their impacts, and to develop and encourage the 

implementation of cost-effective mitigation measures to reduce 

these impacts. The program was originally authorized for three 

years through FY 2008 and has continued to be funded despite a 

lapse in authorization. 

OSTP submitted a NWIRP implementation plan in April 2006, 

which assessed programs relevant to the goals of NWIRP across 

eight federal agencies and identified important areas of research 

that were not covered by current activities. Knowledge gaps were 

identified in the three broad categories of research authorized in 

the original NWIRP Act: understanding windstorms; assessing the 

impacts of windstorms; and mitigation against the effects of windstorms. The implementation plan also recommended a continued 

role for the Interagency Working Group within the National 


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Science and Technology Council’s (NSTC) Committee on Environment and Natural Resources, Subcommittee on Disaster Reduction. 

H.R. 1786 strengthens NWIRP by transferring its leadership 

from OSTP to NIST. The bill also: assigns responsibilities to the 

agencies that make up the program; requires the Interagency Coordinating Committee to develop a strategic plan that outlines the 

prioritized goals of the Program, research objectives to attain those 

goals, and how research results will be transferred into outcomes; 

creates a NWIRP advisory committee, which sunsets in 2016; and 

authorizes funding for the programs for FY2014 and FY2015. 

IV. HEARING SUMMARY

In the 113th Congress, the Subcommittees on Research and 

Technology held a hearing on June 5, 2013, examining the current 

role of research and development in mitigating the damaging effects of windstorms across the Nation and the methods of transferring the results of research into practice for stakeholders including 

building code developers, builders, and property owners. The hearing reviewed the activities of the National Windstorm Impact Reduction Program (NWIRP) and H.R. 1786, The National Windstorm 

Impact Reduction Act Reauthorization of 2013. 

The Subcommittees heard testimony from Dr. Ernst Kiesling, Research Faculty, National Wind Institute, Texas Tech University; 

Ms. Debra Ballen, General Counsel and Senior Vice President, 

Public Policy, Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety; and 

Dr. David Prevatt, Assistant Professor, Department of Civil and 

Coastal Engineering, University of Florida. 

V. COMMITTEE CONSIDERATION

On April 26, 2013, H.R. 1786 was introduced by Rep. Neugebauer and referred to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. 

On June 28, 2013, the Subcommittee on Research and Technology met in open markup session and adopted H.R. 1786, as 

amended, by voice vote. The Subcommittee considered three 

amendments, and approved one. 

• An amendment offered by Representative Esty to add the definition of ‘‘lifelines’’ to the bill was agreed to by voice vote. 

• An amendment, offered by Representative Wilson, to allow the 

head of an agency to decline to implement the requirements of the 

Act if the head of such agency determines that sufficient funds are 

not available and requires a report to Congress within 30 days of 

making such a determination, was not agreed to by voice vote. 

• An amendment, offered by Representative Peters, to add two 

additional titles to the bill to reauthorize the National Earthquake 

Hazards Reduction Program and to amend the fire research program, was withdrawn. 

The bill, as amended, was favorably reported to the full Committee by voice vote. 

On February 28, 2014 the Committee on Science, Space, and 

Technology met in open markup session and adopted H.R. 1786, as 

amended, by voice vote. 

• An amendment offered by Representatives Neugebauer and 

Wilson, which made technical corrections to the existing bill; added 


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economic and social science research to the type of research that 

NSF may conduct and the Advisory Committee should assess; 

added language requiring NIST, NSF, NOAA and FEMA report on 

planned NWIRP activities in Congressional budget requests; reallocated funding within program but maintains current overall funding level; and authorize the program through 2015, was agreed to 

by voice vote. • An amendment offered by Representative Grayson, which requires an Advisory Committee member to recuse themselves from 

any Advisory Committee activity in which they have an actual pecuniary interest, was agreed to by voice vote. 

The bill, as amended, was favorably reported by voice vote. 

VI. COMMITTEE VOTES

Clause 3(b) of rule XIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives requires the Committee to list the record votes on the motion 

to report legislation and amendments thereto. A motion to order 

H.R. 1786 favorably reported to the House, as amended, was 

agreed to by voice vote. 

During Full Committee consideration of H.R.1786, the following 

amendments were considered: 


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COMMITTEE ON SCIENCE, SPACE, AND TECHNOLOGY 

Research and Technology Subcommittee Markup 

June 28,2013 

AMENDMENT ROSTER 

H.R. 1786, the "National Windstorm Impact Reduction Act Reauthorization of 2013" 

No. Amendment Summary ~ 

1 Amendment I Adds the definition of "lifelines" to the bill Agreed to by 

offered by Ms. Voice Vote 

Esty 

~~ I . 2 Amendment I Allows the head of an agency to decline to !Jailed by 

offered by Ms. implement the requirements of the Act if the head of Voice Vote 

Wilson I such agency determines that sufficient funds are not I 

(001) . available; Requires a report to Congress within 30 

days of making such a determination. 

~ 

3 I Amendment Adds two additional titles to the bill to reauthorize Withdrawn 

offered by Mr. the National Earthquake Hazards Program and to 

Peters amend the fire research program. 

(002) 
9 

VII. SUMMARY OF MAJOR PROVISIONS OF THE BILL

H.R. 1786 includes the following provisions: 

• Four agencies make up the National Windstorm Impact Reduction Program (NWIRP): the National Institute of Standards and 

Technology (NIST), the National Science Foundation (NSF), the 

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and 

the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA); defines 

NIST as the lead program agency; and assigns responsibilities to 

the four program agencies. 

» NIST is being tasked as the new lead agency of the Program. In that role, NIST’s activities include planning and coordinating the Program; supporting the development of performance-based engineering tools; requesting the assistance of 

Federal agencies, other than Program agencies, as necessary; 

coordinating all Federal post-windstorm investigations; and 

issuing recommendations to assist in informing model codes 

when warranted by research or investigative findings. In addition to the lead agency responsibilities, NIST shall also conduct 

research and development to improve model building codes, 

voluntary standards, and best practices for the design, construction, and retrofit of buildings, structures, and lifelines. 

» NSF activities include research in engineering and the atmospheric sciences to improve the understanding of the behavior of windstorms and the impact on buildings, structures, and 

lifelines, and research in the economic and social factors influencing windstorm risk reduction measures. 

» NOAA activities include the support of atmospheric 

science research to improve the understanding of the behavior 

of windstorms and the impact on buildings, structures, and 

lifelines. 

» FEMA activities include the development of risk assessment tools and effective mitigation techniques; data collection 

and analysis; public outreach, information dissemination; and 

promotion of the adoption of windstorm preparedness and mitigation measures. FEMA is also required to work closely with 

national standards and building code organizations, in conjunction with NIST, to promote implementation of research results 

and promote better building practices. 

• Creation of an Interagency Coordinating Committee on Windstorm Impact Reduction. The Committee is chaired by the Director 

of NIST and is made up of the heads of FEMA, NOAA, NSF, OSTP, 

the Office of Management and the Budget (OMB), and the head of 

any other Federal agency the Chair considers appropriate. The 

Committee is to meet not less than two times a year and is tasked 

with developing and submitting to Congress a strategic plan, 

progress report, and coordinated budget for the Program. 

• The Directors of NIST, NSF, NOAA and FEMA are required 

to include in their annual budget request to Congress a description 

of their agency’s projected NWIRP activities and an assessment of 

what they plan to spend on the program for the fiscal year covered 

in the budget request. 

• Updating the National Advisory Committee on Windstorm Impact Reduction made up of at least seven relevant non-Federal employee experts to offer recommendations and assessments on proVerDate Mar 15 2010 00:38 Mar 19, 2014 Jkt 039006 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 6659 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR380P1.XXX HR380P1

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gram developments, priorities, coordination, and revisions as necessary. This section requires the Advisory Committee to report to 

the Director of NIST on the assessment and its recommendations 

at least every two years. The Advisory Committee is terminated on 

September 30, 2016. Additionally, an Advisory Committee member 

is required to recuse himself from any Advisory Committee activity 

in which he has an actual pecuniary interest. 

• Funding the program at $21.4 million annually, broken down 

as follows: 

» For FEMA: $5,332,000 for each fiscal year 2014 through 

2015. 

» For NSF: $9,682,000 for each fiscal year 2014 through 

2015. 

» For NIST: $4,120,000 for each fiscal year 2014 through 

2015. 

» For NOAA: $2,266,000 for each fiscal year 2014 through 

2015. 

VIII. COMMITTEE VIEWS

NATIONAL WINDSTORM IMPACT REDUCTION PROGRAM

Although the program was created in 2004, the NWIRP program 

implementation and coordination has been insufficient. NIST leadership will ensure agency efforts for wind-hazard mitigation research, development, and technology transfer are coordinated, 

transparent, and effective. Developing measures to cost-effectively 

retrofit existing structures is of high importance, as is developing 

methods to mitigate the impacts of windstorms on infrastructure 

and lifelines. 

INTERAGENCY COORDINATION

The Interagency Coordinating Committee for NWIRP should ensure the agencies’ activities are well-coordinated through strategic 

planning. Federal agencies should take advantage of opportunities 

for more coordination of R&D across different natural hazards. An 

important initial step is to identify specific types of R&D efforts 

where coordination and collaboration across different natural hazards is possible. 

BUDGET ACTIVITIES

FEMA, NSF, NIST and NOAA are required to consider NWIRP 

activities and programs in their annual budget request to Congress. This will provide greater accountability and transparency for 

the program and its annual activities. 

AUTHORIZATIONS

Funding levels were established for each participating agency for 

FY 2014 and FY 2015. The bill sets overall funding levels below FY 

2008 authorization levels. 

IX. COMMITTEE OVERSIGHT FINDINGS

Pursuant to clause 3(c)(1) of rule XIII of the Rules of the House 

of Representatives, the Committee held an oversight hearing and 


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made findings that are reflected in the descriptive portions of this 

report. 

X. STATEMENT ON GENERAL PERFORMANCE GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

In accordance with clause 3(c)(4) of rule XIII of the Rules of the 

House of Representatives, the performance goals and objectives of 

the Committee are reflected in the descriptive portions of this report, including the goal to continue a multi-agency program that 

supports efforts to mitigate the impacts of wind hazards through 

targeted research and development. 

XI. NEW BUDGET AUTHORITY, ENTITLEMENT AUTHORITY, AND TAX

EXPENDITURES

In compliance with clause 3(c)(2) of rule XIII of the Rules of the 

House of Representatives, the Committee adopts as its own the estimate of new budget authority, entitlement authority, or tax expenditures or revenues contained in the cost estimate prepared by 

the Director of the Congressional Budget Office pursuant to section 

402 of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974. 

XII. ADVISORY ON EARMARKS

In compliance with clause 9(e), 9(f), and 9(g) of rule XXI, the 

Committee finds that H.R. 1786, the ‘‘National Windstorm Impact 

Reduction Act Reauthorization of 2014’’, contains no earmarks. 

XIII. COMMITTEE COST ESTIMATE

The Committee adopts as its own the cost estimate prepared by 

the Director of the Congressional Budget Office pursuant to section 

402 of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974. 

XIV. CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET OFFICE COST ESTIMATE

Pursuant to clause 3(c)(3) of rule XIII of the Rules of the House 

of Representatives, the following is the cost estimate provided by 

the Congressional Budget Office pursuant to section 402 of the 

Congressional Budget Act of 1974. 

U.S. CONGRESS, 

CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET OFFICE, 

Washington, DC, March 6, 2014. 

Hon. LAMAR SMITH, 

Chairman, Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, 

House of Representatives, Washington, DC. 

DEAR MR. CHAIRMAN: The Congressional Budget Office has prepared the enclosed cost estimate for H.R. 1786, the National Windstorm Impact Reduction Act Reauthorization of 2014. 

If you wish further details on this estimate, we will be pleased 

to provide them. The CBO staff contact is Susan Willie. 

Sincerely, 

DOUGLAS W. ELMENDORF, Director. 

Enclosure. 


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H.R. 1786—National Windstorm Impact Reduction Act Reauthorization of 2014 

Summary: H.R. 1786 would reauthorize the National Windstorm 

Impact Reduction Program, which was created to improve the understanding of windstorms and their impacts and to develop measures to reduce the damage they cause. The bill also would establish 

new committees to coordinate the activities of federal agencies participating in the program and to assess developments in efforts to 

mitigate damage from windstorms. 

Assuming appropriation of the authorized amounts, CBO estimates that implementing H.R. 1786 would cost $21 million over the 

2015–2019 period. Pay-as-you-go procedures do not apply to this 

legislation because it would not affect direct spending or revenues. 

H.R. 1786 contains no intergovernmental or private-sector mandates as defined in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (UMRA) 

and would not affect the budgets of state, local, or tribal governments. 

Estimated cost to the Federal government: The estimated budgetary impact of H.R. 1786 is shown in the following table. The costs 

of this legislation fall within budget functions 250 (general science, 

space, and technology), 300 (natural resources and environment), 

370 (commerce and housing credit), and 450 (community and regional development). 

By fiscal year, in millions of dollars— 

2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2015–2019 

CHANGES IN SPENDING SUBJECT TO APPROPRIATION 

Authorization Level ............................................... 21 0 0 0 0 21 

Estimated Outlays ................................................ 10 8 2 1 0 21 

Basis of estimate: For this estimate, CBO assumes that H.R. 

1786 will be enacted near the end of fiscal year 2014 and that the 

authorized amount will be appropriated in 2015. Estimated outlays 

are based on historical spending patterns for this program. 

For fiscal year 2015, H.R. 1786 would authorize appropriations 

of $5 million for the Federal Emergency Management Agency, $10 

million for the National Science Foundation, $4 million for the National Institute of Standards and Technology, and $2 million for 

the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to carry out 

the National Windstorm Impact Reduction Program. Assuming appropriation of those amounts, CBO estimates that implementing 

the bill would cost $21 million over the 2015–2019 period. 

Pay-As-You-Go considerations: None. 

Intergovernmental and private-sector impact: H.R. 1786 contains 

no intergovernmental or private-sector mandates as defined in 

UMRA and would not affect the budgets of state, local, or tribal 

governments. 

Estimate prepared by: Federal Costs: Susan Willie; Impact on 

State, Local, and Tribal Governments: J’nell Blanco; Impact on the 

Private Sector: Amy Petz. 

Estimate approved by: Theresa Gullo, Deputy Assistant Director 

for Budget Analysis. 


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XV. FEDERAL MANDATES STATEMENT

The Committee adopts as its own the estimate of Federal mandates prepared by the Director of the Congressional Budget Office 

pursuant to section 423 of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act. 

XVI. COMPLIANCE WITH H. RES. 5 

A. Directed Rule Making. The bill does not direct any executive 

branch official to conduct any specific rule-making proceedings. 

B. Duplication of 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 or identified in the 

most recent Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance published pursuant to the Federal Program Information Act (Public Law 95–220, 

as amended by Public Law 98–169) as relating to other programs. 

XVII. FEDERAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE STATEMENT

No new advisory committees within the meaning of section 5(b) 

of the Federal Advisory Committee Act were created by the legislation. H.R. 1786 reauthorized the National Advisory Committee on 

Windstorm Impact Reduction, which terminates on September 30, 

2016. 

XVIII. 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. 

XIX. SECTION-BY-SECTION ANALYSIS

Section 1. Short title 

This section establishes the short title as the ‘‘National Windstorm Impact Reduction Reauthorization Act of 2014.’’ 

Section 2. Definitions 

This section amends the National Windstorm Impact Reduction 

Act of 2004 to define the ‘‘Director’’ of the Program as the Director 

of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) rather than the Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP). This section also defines ‘‘Lifelines’’ to mean 

the public works and utilities, oil and gas pipelines, electrical 

power and communication facilities and infrastructure, and water 

supply and sewage treatment facilities. 

Section 3. National Windstorm Impact Reduction Program 

This section identifies the four agencies that make up the National Windstorm Impact Reduction Program (NWIRP): NIST, the 

National Science Foundation (NSF), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and the Federal Emergency 

Management Agency (FEMA); defines NIST as the lead program 

agency; and assigns responsibilities to the four program agencies. 


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As the new lead agency, NIST’s activities include planning and 

coordinating the Program; supporting the development of performance-based engineering tools; requesting the assistance of Federal 

agencies other than Program agencies as necessary; coordinating 

all Federal post-windstorm investigations; and issuing recommendations to assist in informing model codes when warranted 

by research or investigative findings. In addition to the lead agency 

responsibilities, NIST shall also conduct research and development 

to improve model building codes, voluntary standards, and best 

practices for the design, construction, and retrofit of buildings, 

structures, and lifelines. 

NSF activities include research in engineering and the atmospheric sciences to improve the understanding of the behavior of 

windstorms and their impact on buildings, structures, and lifelines, 

and research in the economic and social factors influencing windstorm risk reduction measures. 

NOAA activities include the support of atmospheric science research to improve the understanding of the behavior of windstorms 

and their impact on buildings, structures, and lifelines. 

FEMA activities include the development of risk assessment tools 

and effective mitigation techniques; data collection and analysis; 

public outreach, information dissemination; and promotion of the 

adoption of windstorm preparedness and mitigation measures. 

FEMA is also required to work closely with national standards and 

building code organizations, in conjunction with NIST, to promote 

implementation of research results and promote better building 

practices. 

The Directors of NIST, NSF, NOAA and FEMA are required to 

include in their annual budget request to Congress a description of 

their agency’s projected NWIRP activities and an assessment of 

what they plan to spend on the program for the fiscal year covered 

in the budget request. 

Additionally, this section creates an Interagency Coordinating 

Committee on Windstorm Impact Reduction. The Committee is 

chaired by the Director of NIST and is made up of the heads of 

FEMA, NOAA, NSF, OSTP, the Office of Management and the 

Budget (OMB), and the head of any other Federal agency the Chair 

considers appropriate. The Committee is to meet not less than 2 

times a year and is tasked with developing and submitting to Congress a strategic plan, progress report, and coordinated budget for 

the Program. 

Section 4. National Advisory Committee on Windstorm Impact Reduction 

This section amends the National Windstorm Impact Reduction 

Act of 2004 to reauthorize and update an existing Advisory Committee for NWIRP of at least 7 relevant non-Federal employee experts to offer recommendations and assessments on program developments, priorities, coordination, and revisions as necessary. This 

section requires the Advisory Committee to report to the Director 

of NIST on the assessment and its recommendations at least every 

two years. The authority for the Advisory Committee terminates on 

September 30, 2016. An Advisory Committee member is required 

to recues himself from any Advisory Committee activity in which 

he has an actual pecuniary interest. 


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Section 5. Authorization of appropriations 

This section provides authorizations of appropriations as follows: 

For FEMA: $5,332,000 for each fiscal year 2014 through 2015. 

For NSF: $9,682,000 for each fiscal year 2014 through 2015. 

For NIST: $4,120,000 for each fiscal year 2014 through 2015. 

For NOAA: $2,266,000 for each fiscal year 2014 through 2015. 

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 italic, 

existing law in which no change is proposed is shown in roman): 

NATIONAL WINDSTORM IMPACT REDUCTION ACT OF 

2004 

* * * * * * * 

TITLE II—WINDSTORM IMPACT 

REDUCTION 

* * * * * * * 

SEC. 203. DEFINITIONS. 

In this title: 

(1) DIRECTOR.—The term ‘‘Director’’ means the øDirector of 

the Office of Science and Technology Policy¿ Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology. 

(2) LIFELINES.—The term ‘‘lifelines’’ means public works and 

utilities, including transportation facilities and infrastructure, 

oil and gas pipelines, electrical power and communication facilities and infrastructure, and water supply and sewage treatment facilities. 

ø(2)¿ (3) PROGRAM.—The term ‘‘Program’’ means the National Windstorm Impact Reduction Program established by 

section 204(a). 

ø(3)¿ (4) STATE.—The term ‘‘State’’ means each of the States 

of the United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, Guam, 

American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana 

Islands, and any other territory or possession of the United 

States. 

ø(4)¿ (5) WINDSTORM.—The term ‘‘windstorm’’ means any 

storm with a damaging or destructive wind component, such as 

a hurricane, tropical storm, tornado, or thunderstorm. 

SEC. 204. NATIONAL WINDSTORM IMPACT REDUCTION PROGRAM. 

ø(a) ESTABLISHMENT.—There is established the National Windstorm Impact Reduction Program. 

ø(b) OBJECTIVE.—The objective of the Program is the achievement of major measurable reductions in losses of life and property 

from windstorms. The objective is to be achieved through a coordinated Federal effort, in cooperation with other levels of government, academia, and the private sector, aimed at improving the unVerDate Mar 15 2010 00:38 Mar 19, 2014 Jkt 039006 PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 6659 Sfmt 6601 E:\HR\OC\HR380P1.XXX HR380P1

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derstanding of windstorms and their impacts and developing and 

encouraging implementation of cost-effective mitigation measures 

to reduce those impacts. 

ø(c) INTERAGENCY WORKING GROUP.—Not later than 90 days 

after the date of enactment of this Act, the Director shall establish 

an Interagency Working Group consisting of representatives of the 

National Science Foundation, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the National Institute of Standards and 

Technology, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and 

other Federal agencies as appropriate. The Director shall designate 

an agency to serve as Chair of the Working Group and be responsible for the planning, management, and coordination of the Program, including budget coordination. Specific agency roles and responsibilities under the Program shall be defined in the implementation plan required under subsection (e). General agency responsibilities shall include the following: 

ø(1) The National Institute of Standards and Technology 

shall support research and development to improve building 

codes and standards and practices for design and construction 

of buildings, structures, and lifelines. 

ø(2) The National Science Foundation shall support research 

in engineering and the atmospheric sciences to improve the understanding of the behavior of windstorms and their impact on 

buildings, structures, and lifelines. 

ø(3) The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 

shall support atmospheric sciences research to improve the understanding of the behavior of windstorms and their impact on 

buildings, structures, and lifelines. 

ø(4) The Federal Emergency Management Agency shall support the development of risk assessment tools and effective 

mitigation techniques, windstorm-related data collection and 

analysis, public outreach, information dissemination, and implementation of mitigation measures consistent with the Agency’s all-hazards approach.¿ 

(a) ESTABLISHMENT.—There is established the National Windstorm Impact Reduction Program, the purpose of which is to achieve 

major measurable reductions in the losses of life and property from 

windstorms through a coordinated Federal effort, in cooperation 

with other levels of government, academia, and the private sector, 

aimed at improving the understanding of windstorms and their impacts and developing and encouraging the implementation of costeffective mitigation measures to reduce those impacts. 

(b) RESPONSIBILITIES OF PROGRAM AGENCIES.— 

(1) LEAD AGENCY.—The National Institute of Standards and 

Technology shall have the primary responsibility for planning 

and coordinating the Program. In carrying out this paragraph, 

the Director shall— 

(A) ensure that the Program includes the necessary components to promote the implementation of windstorm risk 

reduction measures by Federal, State, and local governments, national standards and model building code organizations, architects and engineers, and others with a role in 

planning and constructing buildings and lifelines; 

(B) support the development of performance-based engineering tools, and work with appropriate groups to promote 


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the commercial application of such tools, including through 

wind-related model building codes, voluntary standards, 

and construction best practices; 

(C) request the assistance of Federal agencies other than 

the Program agencies, as necessary to assist in carrying out 

this Act; 

(D) coordinate all Federal post-windstorm investigations; 

and 

(E) when warranted by research or investigative findings, 

issue recommendations to assist in informing the development of model codes, and provide information to Congress 

on the use of such recommendations. 

(2) NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY.— In addition to the lead agency responsibilities described under 

paragraph (1), the National Institute of Standards and Technology shall be responsible for carrying out research and development to improve model building codes, voluntary standards, 

and best practices for the design, construction, and retrofit of 

buildings, structures, and lifelines. 

(3) NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION.—The National Science 

Foundation shall support research in— 

(A) engineering and the atmospheric sciences to improve 

the understanding of the behavior of windstorms and their 

impact on buildings, structures, and lifelines; and 

(B) economic and social factors influencing windstorm 

risk reduction measures. 

(4) NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION.— The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration shall 

support atmospheric sciences research to improve the understanding of the behavior of windstorms and their impact on 

buildings, structures, and lifelines. 

(5) FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY.—The Federal Emergency Management Agency shall— 

(A) support— 

(i) the development of risk assessment tools and effective mitigation techniques; 

(ii) windstorm-related data collection and analysis; 

(iii) public outreach and information dissemination; 

and 

(iv) promotion of the adoption of windstorm preparedness and mitigation measures, including for 

households, businesses, and communities, consistent 

with the Agency’s all-hazards approach; and 

(B) work closely with national standards and model 

building code organizations, in conjunction with the National Institute of Standards and Technology, to promote 

the implementation of research results and promote better 

building practices within the building design and construction industry, including architects, engineers, contractors, 

builders, and inspectors. 

ø(d)¿ (c) PROGRAM COMPONENTS.— (1) * * * 

* * * * * * * 

ø(e) IMPLEMENTATION PLAN.—Not later than 1 year after date of 

enactment of this title, the Interagency Working Group shall deVerDate Mar 15 2010 00:38 Mar 19, 2014 Jkt 039006 PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 6659 Sfmt 6601 E:\HR\OC\HR380P1.XXX HR380P1

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velop and transmit to the Congress an implementation plan for 

achieving the objectives of the Program. The plan shall include— 

ø(1) an assessment of past and current public and private efforts to reduce windstorm impacts, including a comprehensive 

review and analysis of windstorm mitigation activities supported by the Federal Government; 

ø(2) a description of plans for technology transfer and coordination with natural hazard mitigation activities supported by 

the Federal Government; 

ø(3) a statement of strategic goals and priorities for each 

Program component area; 

ø(4) a description of how the Program will achieve such 

goals, including detailed responsibilities for each agency; and 

ø(5) a description of plans for cooperation and coordination 

with interested public and private sector entities in each program component area. 

ø(f) BIENNIAL REPORT.—The Interagency Working Group shall, 

on a biennial basis, and not later than 180 days after the end of 

the preceding 2 fiscal years, transmit a report to the Congress describing the status of the windstorm impact reduction program, including progress achieved during the preceding two fiscal years. 

Each such report shall include any recommendations for legislative 

and other action the Interagency Working Group considers necessary and appropriate. In developing the biennial report, the 

Interagency Working Group shall consider the recommendations of 

the Advisory Committee established under section 205.¿ 

(d) BUDGET ACTIVITIES.—The Director of the National Institute of 

Standards and Technology, the Director of the National Science 

Foundation, the Director of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 

Administration, and the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency shall each include in their agency’s annual budget request to Congress a description of their agency’s projected activities 

under the Program for the fiscal year covered by the budget request, 

along with an assessment of what they plan to spend on those activities for that fiscal year. 

(e) INTERAGENCY COORDINATING COMMITTEE ON WINDSTORM IMPACT REDUCTION.— 

(1) ESTABLISHMENT.—There is established an Interagency Coordinating Committee on Windstorm Impact Reduction, chaired 

by the Director. 

(2) MEMBERSHIP.—In addition to the chair, the Committee 

shall be composed of— 

(A) the heads of— 

(i) the Federal Emergency Management Agency; 

(ii) the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; 

(iii) the National Science Foundation; 

(iv) the Office of Science and Technology Policy; and 

(v) the Office of Management and Budget; and 

(B) the head of any other Federal agency the chair considers appropriate. 

(3) MEETINGS.—The Committee shall meet not less than 2 

times a year at the call of the Director of the National Institute 

of Standards and Technology. 


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(4) GENERAL PURPOSE AND DUTIES.—The Committee shall 

oversee the planning and coordination of the Program. 

(5) STRATEGIC PLAN.—The Committee shall develop and submit to Congress, not later than one year after the date of enactment of the National Windstorm Impact Reduction Act Reauthorization of 2014, a Strategic Plan for the Program that includes— 

(A) prioritized goals for the Program that will mitigate 

against the loss of life and property from future windstorms; 

(B) short-term, mid-term, and long-term research objectives to achieve those goals; 

(C) a description of the role of each Program agency in 

achieving the prioritized goals; 

(D) the methods by which progress towards the goals will 

be assessed; and 

(E) an explanation of how the Program will foster the 

transfer of research results into outcomes, such as improved 

model building codes. 

(6) PROGRESS REPORT.—Not later than 18 months after the 

date of enactment of the National Windstorm Impact Reduction 

Act Reauthorization of 2014, the Committee shall submit to the 

Congress a report on the progress of the Program that includes— 

(A) a description of the activities funded under the Program, a description of how these activities align with the 

prioritized goals and research objectives established in the 

Strategic Plan, and the budgets, per agency, for these activities; 

(B) the outcomes achieved by the Program for each of the 

goals identified in the Strategic Plan; 

(C) a description of any recommendations made to 

change existing building codes that were the result of Program activities; and 

(D) a description of the extent to which the Program has 

incorporated recommendations from the Advisory Committee on Windstorm Impact Reduction. 

(7) COORDINATED BUDGET.—The Committee shall develop a 

coordinated budget for the Program, which shall be submitted 

to the Congress at the time of the President’s budget submission 

for each fiscal year. 

øSEC. 205. NATIONAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON WINDSTORM IMPACT 

REDUCTION. 

ø(a) ESTABLISHMENT.—The Director shall establish a National 

Advisory Committee on Windstorm Impact Reduction, consisting of 

not less than 11 and not more than 15 non-Federal members representing a broad cross section of interests such as the research, 

technology transfer, design and construction, and financial communities; materials and systems suppliers; State, county, and local 

governments; the insurance industry; and other representatives as 

designated by the Director. 

ø(b) ASSESSMENT.—The Advisory Committee shall assess— 

ø(1) trends and developments in the science and engineering 

of windstorm impact reduction; 


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ø(2) the effectiveness of the Program in carrying out the activities under section 204(d); 

ø(3) the need to revise the Program; and 

ø(4) the management, coordination, implementation, and activities of the Program. 

ø(c) BIENNIAL REPORT.—At least once every two years, the Advisory Committee shall report to Congress and the Interagency 

Working Group on the assessment carried out under subsection (b). 

ø(d) SUNSET EXEMPTION.—Section 14 of the Federal Advisory 

Committee Act shall not apply to the Advisory Committee established under this section.¿ 

SEC. 205. NATIONAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON WINDSTORM IMPACT 

REDUCTION. 

(a) IN GENERAL.—The Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology shall establish an Advisory Committee on 

Windstorm Impact Reduction, which shall be composed of at least 

7 members, none of whom may be employees of the Federal Government, including representatives of research and academic institutions, industry standards development organizations, emergency 

management agencies, State and local government, and business 

communities who are qualified to provide advice on windstorm impact reduction and represent all related scientific, architectural, and 

engineering disciplines. The recommendations of the Advisory Committee shall be considered by Federal agencies in implementing the 

Program. 

(b) ASSESSMENTS.—The Advisory Committee on Windstorm Impact Reduction shall offer assessments on— 

(1) trends and developments in the natural, engineering, and 

social sciences and practices of windstorm impact mitigation; 

(2) the priorities of the Program’s Strategic Plan; 

(3) the coordination of the Program; and 

(4) any revisions to the Program which may be necessary. 

(c) COMPENSATION.—The members of the Advisory Committee established under this section shall serve without compensation. 

(d) REPORTS.—At least every 2 years, the Advisory Committee 

shall report to the Director on the assessments carried out under 

subsection (b) and its recommendations for ways to improve the Program. 

(e) CHARTER.—Notwithstanding section 14(b)(2) of the Federal 

Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App), the Advisory Committee 

shall not be required to file a charter subsequent to its initial charter, filed under section 9(c) of such Act, before the termination date 

specified in subsection (f) of this section. 

(f) TERMINATION.—The Advisory Committee shall terminate on 

September 30, 2016. 

(g) CONFLICT OF INTEREST.—An Advisory Committee member 

shall recuse himself from any Advisory Committee activity in which 

he has an actual pecuniary interest. 

* * * * * * * 

øSEC. 207. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. 

ø(a) FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY.—There are authorized to be appropriated to the Federal Emergency Management 

Agency for carrying out this title— 

ø(1) $8,700,000 for fiscal year 2006; 


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21 

ø(2) $9,400,000 for fiscal year 2007; and 

ø(3) $9,400,000 for fiscal year 2008. 

ø(b) NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION.—There are authorized to 

be appropriated to the National Science Foundation for carrying 

out this title— 

ø(1) $8,700,000 for fiscal year 2006; 

ø(2) $9,400,000 for fiscal year 2007; and 

ø(3) $9,400,000 for fiscal year 2008. 

ø(c) NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY.— There are authorized to be appropriated to the National Institute 

of Standards and Technology for carrying out this title— 

ø(1) $3,000,000 for fiscal year 2006; 

ø(2) $4,000,000 for fiscal year 2007; and 

ø(3) $4,000,000 for fiscal year 2008. 

ø(d) NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION.— There are authorized to be appropriated to the National Oceanic 

and Atmospheric Administration for carrying out this title— 

ø(1) $2,100,000 for fiscal year 2006; 

ø(2) $2,200,000 for fiscal year 2007; and 

ø(3) $2,200,000 for fiscal year 2008.¿ 

SEC. 207. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. 

(a) FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY.—There are authorized to be appropriated to the Federal Emergency Management 

Agency for carrying out this title— 

(1) $5,332,000 for fiscal year 2014; and 

(2) $5,332,000 for fiscal year 2015. 

(b) NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION.—There are authorized to be 

appropriated to the National Science Foundation for carrying out 

this title— 

(1) $9,682,000 for fiscal year 2014; and 

(2) $9,682,000 for fiscal year 2015. 

(c) NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY.— 

There are authorized to be appropriated to the National Institute of 

Standards and Technology for carrying out this title— 

(1) $4,120,000 for fiscal year 2014; and 

(2) $4,120,000 for fiscal year 2015. 

(d) NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION.— 

There are authorized to be appropriated to the National Oceanic 

and Atmospheric Administration for carrying out this title— 

(1) $2,266,000 for fiscal year 2014; and 

(2) $2,266,000 for fiscal year 2015. 

* * * * * * * 


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XXI. EXCHANGE OF COMMITTEE CORRESPONDENCE 

Q:nmmtttc£ nil iiJraU!l!lUrtathm au£) JJufcuntructuff 

iHm g,l/Ul5tef 

[qaitman 

The J lonorabJc I,amar Smith 

Challn1an 

Committee on Science, 

232 J Ravhurn House 

'Washington, DC 20515 

Dear Mr. Chairman: 

H.~. liuul.ll! uf 

i'vlarch I I, 20J·! 

anJ °J'echnology 

Building 

'Nif" ~. lliullrrll. ~" 

1!ianhil1g :!d.1emhtr 

I write concerning H,R, 1786. the National Windstorm Impaci ReducTion .'lei Reauthorization 

20J 3, as ordered reported by the Cotnmitlcc on Science, Space. and TechnoJogy on February 

2014. "lbank for ·working with llS to incDrporate nmtually agreeable changes 10 provisions within 

the Rule ofthc Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. 

In order to expedite the I louse '8 consideration of II.R. J 7g6. the Committee on Transportation 

and Infrastructure will lorgo further action on this hill. ffo\\ocVCT, this is conditional on our 

mutual understanding that fixgoing considerati(1ll of the bill docs not prejudice the Committee 

with respect to the appointment of confcfl"Cs or 10 any future jurisdlctional claim over the subject 

matters contained in the bill or siml1ar legislation tbat fall \vithjn the Committee's Rule X 

jurisdiction, f request you urge the Speaker to name melTlbers ofille C'omrnittcc to any 

conference committee named to consider sllch provisions. 

I "vQuId appreciate your response to this ktter. this understanding, and vi;ouJd 

that insert Ollr exchange of letters on this maIler into committee on H,R. 

the Record during consideration of this hill on the 110lt')c 

SlnccrcJy, 

Bill Shuster 

ChainTI3n 

cc Th~ Honorable John Bochner, Speoker 

rhe f jonorablc Nick .I, HahaH, II 

rhe HOlwmblc Eddie Hemicc Johnson 

tvir. TlIomas J. \Vkk.ham~ ,11'.: Parliamentarian 
23 


tjames on DSK6SPTVN1PROD with REPORTSInsert graphic folio 26 380A.003

LAMAR S SMITH, T eXJ'l 

CHAffllMAN 

Q:ongrEss of thE tftnitEd ~tatES 

fl0USC of Rcprcscntatiucs COMMITTEE ON SCIENCE, SPACE, AND TECHNOLOGY 

2321 RI\Y8UI,N HOliSE OFFICE BUiLOIN(~ 

WASH!NGTON, DC 20515-6301 

(202) 225-6371 

March 11, 2014 

The Honorable Bill Shuster 

Chairman, Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure 

2165 Rayburn House Office Building 

Washington, D.c' 20515 

Dear Chairman Shuster, 

1:001E BERMCf JOHNSON, 1 {)xa~ 

nA'JKING MEMqf-R 

Thank you for agreeing to be discharged from further consideration of H,R, 1786, the National 

Windstorm Impact Reduction Act Reauthorization of 2013, and for working with us to 

incorporate mutually agreeable changes to provisions within the Rule X jurisdiction of the 

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. 

I agree that forgoing further action on this bill does not in any way diminish or alter the 

jurisdiction of your Committee, or prejudice its jurisdictional prerogatives on this bill or similar 

legislation in the future. I would support your effort to seek appointment of an appropriate 

number of conferees to any House-Senate conference involving this legislation. 

I will insert copies of this exchange in the report filed on H.R. 1786 as well as in the 

Congressional Record during consideration of this bill on the House floor. I appreciate your 

cooperation regarding this legislation and look forward to continuing to work with the 

Transportation Committee as the bill moves through the legislative process. 

cc: The Honorable John Boehner, Speaker 

Sincerely, 

Lamar 

I~-J~ Smith 

Chairman 

The Honorable Eddie Bernice Johnson, Ranking Member, Committee on Science, Space, 

and Technology 

The Honorable Nick J. Rahall II, Ranking Member, Committee on Transportation and 

Infrastructure 

Mr, Thomas J. Wickham, Parliamentarian 

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XXII. PROCEEDINGS OF THE SUBCOMMITTEE 

ON 

RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY 

MARKUP ON H.R.1786, 

THE NATIONAL WINDSTORM IMPACT 

REDUCTION ACT REAUTHORIZATION OF 2013 

FRIDAY, JUNE 28, 2013 

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, 

SUBCOMMITTEE ON RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY

COMMITTEE ON SCIENCE, SPACE, AND TECHNOLOGY

Washington, D.C. 

The Subcommittee met, pursuant to call, at 9:05 a.m., in Room 

2318 of the Rayburn House Office Building, Hon. Larry Bucshon 

[Chairman of the Subcommittee] presiding. 

Chairman BUCSHON. The Research and Technology Subcommittee of the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology will 

come to order. Without objection, the Chair is authorized to declare 

recesses of the Subcommittee at any time. We have votes around 

10 o’clock, so we are hopeful to get through this markup before 

then. If we don’t, we will have to recess for a period of time and 

then come back and finish. 

I now recognize myself for an opening statement. 

I am pleased to call the markup this morning for consideration 

of H.R. 1786, the National Windstorm Impact Reduction Act Reauthorization of 2013, introduced by our colleague, Congressman 

Randy Neugebauer. 

As we have tragically witnessed this year, windstorms take 

American lives, destroy homes and businesses, and cause billions 

of dollars of damage around the United States. The effects of these 

disasters can reverberate for years. 

Millions of Americans live in areas vulnerable to damaging hurricanes, tornadoes, and other windstorms. As populations continue to 

grow in these areas, our vulnerability will only increase. 

The legislation we are marking up today will reauthorize the activities of the National Windstorm Impact Reduction Program—I 

don’t know how to say that—NWIRP. NWIRP focuses on mitigating 

damage from wind-related hazards through research designed to 

help us better understand their behavior and impacts. 

Earlier this month, our Subcommittee held a hearing examining 

how the National Science Foundation, the National Institute of 

Standards and Technology, the Federal Emergency Management 

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istration conduct important research and development activities 

aimed to reduce the risk and impact of severe windstorms under 

the auspices of NWIRP. 

This R&D improves model building codes, voluntary standards, 

and construction practices for buildings and lifelines; fundamental 

research on the impact of severe windstorms on buildings and infrastructure; atmospheric science research and data collection; and 

risk assessment tools and mitigation techniques. 

The original authorization of NWIRP expired in 2008. Although 

some work in these agencies has continued, it is difficult to determine the total spending on current wind-hazard reduction measures across these agencies. H.R. 1786 improves public transparency 

for how much money is being spent on windstorm research, establishes NIST as the lead agency for the program, and improves coordination and planning of agency activities in a fiscally responsible manner. 

I want to thank Randy Neugebauer for his focus on this valuable 

research area, and I look forward to moving forward on this legislation. 

I now yield to the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee, Ms. 

Wilson, for her comments. 

[The prepared statement of Mr. Bucshon follows:] 

PREPARED STATEMENT OF SUBCOMMITTEE CHAIRMAN LARRY BUCSHON

Chairman BUCSHON. I am pleased to call the markup this morning for consideration of H.R. 1786, the National Windstorm Impact Reduction Act Reauthorization 

of 2013, introduced by our colleague, Congressman Randy Neugebauer. 

As we have tragically witnessed this year, windstorms take American lives, destroy homes and businesses, and cause billions of dollars of damage around the 

United States. The effects of these disasters can reverberate for years. 

Millions of Americans live in areas vulnerable to damaging hurricanes, tornadoes, 

and other windstorms. As populations continue to grow in these areas, our vulnerability will only increase. 

The legislation we are marking up today will reauthorize the activities of the National Windstorm Impact Reduction Program (or NWIRP, ‘‘N-whirp’’). NWIRP focuses on mitigating damage from wind-related hazards through research designed 

to help us better understand their behavior and impacts. 

Earlier this month, our Subcommittee held a hearing examining how the National 

Science Foundation, the National Institute of Standards and Technology, the Federal Emergency Management Administration, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration conduct important research and development activities aimed 

to reduce the risk and impact of severe windstorms under the auspices of the 

NWIRP program. 

This R&D improves model building codes, voluntary standards, and construction 

practices for buildings and lifelines; fundamental research on the impact of severe 

windstorms on buildings and infrastructure; atmospheric science research and data 

collection; and risk assessment tools and mitigation techniques. 

The original authorization for NWIRP expired in 2008. Although some work in 

these agencies has continued, it is difficult to determine the total spending on current wind-hazard reduction measures across these agencies. H.R. 1786 improves 

public transparency for how much money is being spent on windstorm research, establishes NIST as the lead agency for the program, and improves coordination and 

planning of agency activities in a fiscally responsible manner.I want to thank Randy 

Neugebauer for his focus on this valuable research area, and I look forward to moving forward on this legislation. 

Ms. WILSON. Thank you, Mr. Chairman—— 

Chairman BUCSHON. You are welcome. 

Ms. WILSON [continuing]. For holding this markup to reauthorize 

the National Windstorm Impact Reduction Program, known as 


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27 

NWIRP. The reauthorization of this program is timely after the 

deadly destruction we have seen in places like Texas and Oklahoma. Every year, severe winds from hurricanes, tornadoes, and 

thunderstorms damage or destroy thousands of homes and businesses, harm vital infrastructure, and most importantly, threaten 

human life. NWIRP has the potential to lessen the loss of life and 

economic damage by translating research and development on the 

understanding of windstorms and their impacts and to improve 

building codes and emergency planning. 

While it is apparent that the need for this program is great, it 

is regrettable that the Majority has decided to mark up this legislation without a detailed examination of the program. 

The Subcommittee held one hearing on this program. During 

that hearing, which included only outside stakeholders, all the witnesses expressed their concern that the NWIRP program was significantly underfunded. After hearing the concern that the program 

is underfunded, the Subcommittee should have held a hearing with 

witnesses from NWIRP Federal agencies. That hearing would have 

given Subcommittee Members the opportunity to ask NWIRP agencies about how they are implementing the program, what activities 

are being prioritized, and what activities are not being addressed, 

and what level of resource that the agencies need to fully implement the program. Without that hearing, we do not have the information we need to reauthorize this program. 

A single NWIRP agency has informally told us that in 2012, they 

spent more money than this bill authorizes for all four NWIRP 

agencies combined. It is regrettable that my colleagues up on the 

other side of the aisle would make significant cuts to the program 

without hearing from the federal agencies. In fact, the Committee 

has not heard from a federal witness about NWIRP program for 

five years. I would like to point out that during these five years, 

over 1,000 Americans have lost lives due to windstorms, and the 

Federal Government has spent over $136 billion on disaster relief 

and recovery. If this Subcommittee had held additional hearings 

with federal witnesses, it might have been possible for the Subcommittees to work on a bipartisan bill to reauthorize the program 

with any necessary programmatic changes needed, and with proper 

authorization levels. 

Further, it is not clear to me that the Majority has worked with 

other House Committees that share jurisdiction over the agencies 

in this bill. This is especially troubling for FEMA. In Mr. 

Neugebauer’s bill—2004 bill, FEMA was authorized at $8.7 million. 

In the bill we are marking up today, FEMA is authorized at just 

$2 million. 

In a time when destruction and windstorms are becoming more 

frequent, I would think FEMA, the NWIRP agency tasked with 

taking the research conducted at the other agencies and developing 

mitigation techniques and public outreach, would need additional, 

rather than reduced, authorization levels. 

Finally, I am not sure if the Majority has talked or worked with 

their Senate counterparts on this bill. If the goal is to enact this 

legislation so that the program can be reauthorized, it would be 

helpful to work with the other body of Congress. 


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I would like to end by saying that in the past, this Committee 

has taken a more comprehensive approach to hazards by marking 

up NWIRP, along with the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program. It makes sense to move these interagency programs 

together, which is why I introduced the National Hazards Risk Reduction Act of 2013 that would reauthorize both the NWIRP and 

the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Programs. 

While severe weather has dominated the headlines recently, we 

should not overlook the significant risks associated with earthquakes. I will be supporting my colleague’s amendment that addresses this issue. 

Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and I yield back that balance of my 

time. 

[The prepared statement of Ms. Wilson follows:] 

PREPARED STATEMENT OF SUBCOMMITTEE RANKING MEMBER FREDERICA S. WILSON

Thank you, Mr. Chairman for holding today’s markup to reauthorize the National 

Windstorm Impact Reduction Program, or NWIRP. 

The reauthorization of this program is timely after the deadly destruction we have 

seen in places like Texas and Oklahoma. Every year, severe winds from hurricanes, 

tornadoes, and thunderstorms damage or destroy thousands of homes and businesses, harm vital infrastructure, and, most importantly, threaten human life. 

NWIRP has the potential to lessen the loss of life and economic damage by translating research and development on the understanding of windstorms and their impacts into improved building codes and emergency planning. 

While it is apparent that the need for this program is great, it is regrettable that 

the Majority has decided to mark up this legislation without a detailed examination 

of the program. 

The Subcommittee held one hearing on this program. During that hearing—which 

included only outside stakeholders—all the witnesses expressed their concern that 

the NWIRP program was significantly underfunded. 

After hearing the concerns that the program is underfunded, the Subcommittee 

should have held a hearing with witnesses from the NWIRP federal agencies. That 

hearing would have given Subcommittee Members the opportunity to ask NWIRP 

agencies about how they are implementing the program, what activities are being 

prioritized, what activities are not being addressed, and what level of resources the 

agencies need to fully implement the program. 

Without that hearing, we do not have the information we need to reauthorize this 

program. A single NWIRP agency has informally told us that in 2012 they spent 

more money than this bill authorizes for all four NWIRP agencies combined. It is 

regrettable that my colleagues on the other side of the aisle would make significant 

cuts to the program without hearing from the federal agencies first. 

In fact, the Committee has not heard from a federal witness about the NWIRP 

program for five years. I would like to point out that during those five years, over 

a thousand Americans have lost their lives due to windstorms and the Federal Government has spent over $136 billion in disaster relief and recovery. 

If the Subcommittee had held additional hearings with federal witnesses, it might 

have been possible for the Subcommittee to work on a bipartisan bill to reauthorize 

the NWIRP program with any necessary programmatic changes needed and with 

proper authorization levels. 

But that is not what the Majority decided to do. Instead, we are holding a markup 

this morning without hearing from the federal agencies involved in the program. 

That means that we are marking up this bill without a clear understanding of how 

the NWIRP program is working and what the appropriate authorization levels are 

for the federal agencies involved. 

Further, it is not clear to me that the Majority has worked with the other House 

Committees that share jurisdiction over the agencies in this bill. This is especially 

troubling for FEMA. In Mr. Neugebauer’s 2004 bill, FEMA was authorized at $8.7 

million for their NWIRP activities. In the bill we are marking up today, FEMA is 

authorized at just $2 million. 

In a time where destructive windstorms are becoming more frequent, I would 

think FEMA—the NWIRP agency tasked with taking the research conducted at the 


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29 

other agencies and developing mitigation techniques and public outreach—would 

need additional, rather than reduced, authorization levels. 

Finally, I am not sure if the Majority has talked or worked with their Senate 

counterparts on this bill. If the goal is to enact this legislation so the NWIRP program can be reauthorized, it would be helpful to work with the other body of Congress. 

It is unfortunate that the Majority decided to move this bill to a markup before 

holding the hearings that would have provided the Committee Members with the 

information needed to properly mark up this legislation. 

I would like to end by saying that in the past this Committee has taken a more 

comprehensive approach to hazards by marking up NWIRP along with the National 

Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program or NEHRP program. It makes sense to 

move these interagency programs together, which is why I introduced the Natural 

Hazards Risk Reduction Act of 2013 that would reauthorize both the NWIRP and 

NEHRP programs. While severe weather has dominated the headlines recently, we 

should not overlook the significant risk associated with earthquakes. I will be supporting my colleague’s amendment that addresses this issue. 

Chairman BUCSHON. Thank you, Ms. Wilson. 

Pursuant to Committee Rule 2(f) and House Rule XI 2(h)(4), the 

Chair announces that he may postpone role call votes on matters 

in which the yeas and nays were ordered. 

Pursuant to notice, I now call up H.R. 1786 for markup. The 

clerk will report the bill. 

The CLERK. H.R. 1786, to authorize the National Windstorm Impact Reduction Program, and for other purposes. Be it enacted by 

the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of 

America and Congress assembled—— 

[H.R. 1786 appears in Appendix I] 

Chairman BUCSHON. Without objection, the bill is considered as 

read. 

I recognize myself for a short period. 

As I said in my opening statement, I think this is important to 

reauthorize this piece of legislation as it relates to wind damage 

across the country. 

Is there any further discussion of the bill? Seeing none, without 

objection I ask unanimous consent that the bill is considered as 

read and open to amendment at any point, and that Members proceed with amendments in the order listed on the roster. So ordered. 

The first amendment on the roster is an amendment offered by 

the gentlelady from Connecticut, Ms. Esty. The clerk shall report 

the amendment. 

The CLERK. Amendment to H.R. 1786 offered by Ms. Esty of Connecticut. Page 1, line—— 

[The amendment of Ms. Esty appears in Appendix I] 

Chairman BUCSHON. I ask unanimous consent to dispense with 

the reading. Without objection, so ordered. 

I now recognize Ms. Esty for five minutes to explain the amendment. 

Ms. ESTY. Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman, and I would like 

to thank the Ranking Member as well for their holding of the Subcommittee markup. 

My amendment is very simple. It would define lifelines, which is 

a term that is used four times in this bill. The definition I am offering is not controversial. It is focused on infrastructure and has 

even passed previously in Earthquakes Hazards Reduction Program. 


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During the hearing on this bill at the beginning of June, I asked 

the witnesses to explain the importance of infrastructure resiliency 

in mitigating the effects of storms. Dr. David Prevatt highlighted 

the importance of lifelines and told this Subcommittee that resilience and sustainability are hallmarks of what is being done in 

civil engineering. He explained that we need to understand the 

structural properties of the buildings, the infrastructure, and the 

utilities in order to mitigate the damage of these storms. 

Adding this definition will improve the bill and provide the interagency Coordinating Committee on Windstorm Impact Reduction 

specific directions on the most important research topics. This 

amendment will help that Committee and the involved agencies 

work effectively and efficiently toward the goal of reducing the impact of storms on our infrastructure. 

In particular, I can speak about the damage that we sustained 

in Connecticut, not from tornadoes, but from Hurricane Irene and 

Super Storm Sandy. In our case, the extensive damage really was 

to utilities and that severely impacted the resiliency of our communities, including at one point we have had lines down for 10 days 

or two weeks. This is dangerous for our citizens and extremely important that we pursue this important research. 

I urge you to support my amendment, and I reserve the balance 

of my time. 

Chairman BUCSHON. I thank the gentlelady for her amendment. 

I agree that it is appropriate to add the definition of lifelines to the 

bill, and I believe this amendment strengthens the bill. I urge my 

colleagues to support the amendment. 

Is there any further discussion on the amendment? 

Ms. WILSON. Mr. Chair. 

Chairman BUCSHON. Recognize Ms. Wilson. 

Ms. WILSON. I would just like to thank the gentlewoman from 

Connecticut for her clarifying amendment, and urge my colleagues 

to support this bill. 

My colleague’s amendment would assure that this bill includes a 

comprehensive definition of lifelines. This is a common-sense 

amendment, and we should all support its adoption. 

Thank you, Mr. Chair. 

Chairman BUCSHON. Is there any further discussion on the 

amendment? Hearing none, the vote occurs on the Esty amendment. All those in favor, say aye. Those opposed, say no. The ayes 

have it and the amendment is agreed to. 

The next amendment on the roster is an amendment offered by 

the gentlelady from Florida, Ms. Wilson. The clerk shall report the 

amendment. 

The CLERK. Amendment to H.R. 1786 offered by Ms. Wilson of 

Florida. 

Chairman BUCSHON. I ask the unanimous consent to dispense 

with the reading. Without objection, so ordered. 

Chair recognizes Ms. Wilson for five minutes to explain her 

amendment. 

Ms. WILSON. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. 

This amendment I am offering today simply states that if sufficient funds are not given to NWIRP agencies to implement the proVerDate Mar 15 2010 00:38 Mar 19, 2014 Jkt 039006 PO 00000 Frm 00030 Fmt 6601 Sfmt 6601 E:\HR\OC\HR380P1.XXX HR380P1

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31 

gram, then the NWIRP agencies won’t be forced to fulfill all the requirements of the Act. 

At the only hearing the Subcommittee held on NWIRP, all the 

outside experts expressed concern that the program was significantly underfunded. Instead of marking up a bill today that would 

provide the agencies with the funding necessary to undertake all 

the activities and responsibilities assigned by Congress, we are 

marking up a bill that cuts the authorization for NWIRP. I cannot 

support a bill that cuts the program. My Republican colleagues are 

moving a bill that would cut the authorization levels by 14.5 percent below the levels they put in place for FY 2008. It is not as 

if we are facing fewer wind-related disasters. Our Nation is still recovering from a deadly and incredibly destructive tornado season. 

We are bracing for a hurricane season that NOAA predicts will be 

active or extremely active. As a Floridian who survived Hurricane 

Andrew, I am worried about an active hurricane season that could 

wreak havoc across my home State. 

In a time of increased windstorms, I would think we would be 

marking up a bill that would give the agencies the resources they 

need to fully implement the program so that they can achieve the 

goal of improving our understanding of windstorms and lessen the 

impacts of these events. It is not just that the bill we are marking 

up this morning cuts the agencies, but it does so without cutting 

any of the agencies’ responsibilities. Between our budgetary situation and the sequestration cuts, it is unrealistic to expect the agencies to implement this program without providing them with the 

necessary resources. My colleagues have to accept that they cannot 

have it both ways. We cannot continue to cut and cut an agency’s 

budget and still expect them to fulfill all of the responsibilities we 

have given them. What this bill and that philosophy does is set up 

our agencies to fail, and we do not want them to fail. We must provide our agencies with the appropriate level of resources to conduct 

the activities that we ask them to do. 

I wish that the Subcommittee would have held additional hearings with federal witnesses so that the Members could have had 

the opportunity to ask questions about the elements of the program 

and how they are being implemented. What are the priority areas 

and what level of resources the agencies need to fully implement 

the program? Without having that information, I cannot, in good 

conscience, support a bill that cuts funding without providing the 

agencies with the flexibility on implementing the requirements of 

the Act if they do not have the appropriate resources. I would have 

preferred to offer an amendment this morning that would provide 

the agencies in the program with the right authorization level, but 

without having the opportunity to hear from federal witnesses, I 

am instead offering an amendment that simply gives them flexibility. 

I urge the adoption of this simple amendment, and yield back the 

balance of my time. 

Chairman BUCSHON. Thank you. I thank the gentlelady for her 

amendment. 

This amendment would allow the agencies of NWIRP to determine if they have enough resources to conduct the Congressionally 

mandated activities of the program. It is the responsibility of ConVerDate Mar 15 2010 00:38 Mar 19, 2014 Jkt 039006 PO 00000 Frm 00031 Fmt 6601 Sfmt 6601 E:\HR\OC\HR380P1.XXX HR380P1

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gress to determine the funding adequate with agencies’ delegated 

responsibilities, and while these are tight budget times, it is still 

up to Congress to set priorities for how the American taxpayer dollars are spent by federal agencies. The NWIRP program was discussed during our hearing with the Director of NIST, and we did 

discuss funding, and this staff said the authorization amounts were 

adequate. 

The bill before us reauthorizes the agencies’ activities that they 

have been performing for some time, but in a more efficient and 

transparent manner. H.R. 1786 makes certain that these agencies 

continue to conduct the important research and development necessary to ensure that our communities are as prepared as possible 

for wind-related hazards. I oppose the gentlelady’s amendment and 

urge my colleagues to oppose it as well. 

Is there further discussion on the amendment? Hearing none, the 

vote occurs on the Wilson amendment. All those in favor, say aye. 

Those opposed, say no. In the opinion of the Chair, the nos have 

it and the amendment is not agreed to. 

The next amendment on the roster is an amendment offered by 

the gentleman from California, Mr. Peters. The clerk shall report 

the amendment. 

The CLERK. Amendment to H.R. 1786 offered by Mr. Peters of 

California. At the end of the bill, add the following—— 

Chairman BUCSHON. I ask unanimous consent to dispense with 

the reading. Without objection, so ordered. 

The Chair recognizes Mr. Peters for five minutes to explain his 

amendment. 

Mr. PETERS. Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. 

The amendment I am offering today authorizes the National 

Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program by adding Title 1 of Ms. 

Wilson’s National Risk Reduction Act of 2013 to the bill under consideration this morning. The amendment also updates the National 

Institute of Standards and Technology’s, or NIST’s, statute to ensure that the agency conducts research specifically on fires occurring in the wildland-urban interface. 

Although infrequent, earthquakes are unique among natural hazards in that they strike without warning. While areas like my 

State of California, in addition to Oregon, Washington, and Alaska, 

are the most well-known areas for earthquakes, earthquakes are 

not a hazard that is confined to the West Coast. In fact, it is estimated that 75 million Americans in 39 States, and I note in the 

District of Columbia, where we enjoyed an earthquake recently, are 

exposed to significant seismic risk, with nearly all States in the 

U.S. having some level of risk. 

Additionally, the severity of the U.S. fire problem has grown, and 

the amount of damage caused by fires at the wildland-urban interface has risen. In fact, last year we saw more than 9.3 million acres 

burn across the United States, an area larger than the States of 

Delaware, Rhode Island, and Connecticut combined. In my State of 

California, there have been more than 3,000 wildfires this year 

alone. As my colleagues are aware, fire season has started early 

this year and unfortunately, the number of destructive fires, the 

costs to contain them, and the damage caused will grow. Several 

years ago, the Cedar fire and Witch Creek fire devastated the 


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33 

northern communities of the City of San Diego and Poway, Scripps 

Ranch and Rancho Bernardo, as well as Tierrasanta. As a San 

Diego City Council member at the time, I remember firsthand the 

destructive impact of these fires on people’s lives. Together, these 

fires destroyed thousands of homes, personal belongings and memories, and recovery costs were in the billions of dollars. 

We need to adopt better preparedness measures. We can’t prevent natural disasters, but we can do more to lessen the cost to 

human life and property. 

Over the last two years, the Federal Government has spent more than $136 billion on relief for hurricanes, tornadoes, droughts, 

wildfires, and other extreme weather events. It is time that the 

government stops working in a reactive way to natural disasters 

and instead gets to work efficiently helping States and localities 

find the best steps to prepare for, plan for, and more quickly recover from these events. 

We know that for every dollar we spend now on resiliency we can avoid at least $4 in future losses. It makes more sense to approach 

this by thinking how we can make the U.S. better prepared and 

not just—United States better prepared, and not just certain areas. 

Natural disasters affect every State and region of the United 

States, and some places experience more than one type of hazard. 

So if we are focused on reducing spending, let’s do it in a way that 

saves us more money in the long run, and that is a comprehensive 

approach. 

One of the witnesses at the Subcommittee hearing on risk reduction, Dr. Prevatt, stated in his testimony that it is important to 

consider the broader area of hazards mitigation. He went on to 

urge the Science Committee to not only reauthorize Windstorm 

Risk Reduction Program, but also to include the reauthorization of 

Earthquake Risk Reduction and other programs as part of a broader hazards bill. My amendment implements the doctor’s recommendation by ensuring the legislation is focused on multiple 

hazards. 

As my colleagues may know, the reauthorization of these risk reduction programs is long overdue. The authorization for this important program expired in 2009. These are interagency programs that 

improve our understanding of earthquake phenomena and the potential impacts of earthquakes on our communities and turns that 

knowledge into mitigation and outreach activities that will save 

lives and reduce economic damages. 

Mr. Chairman, it is also important to note that when Congress 

first legislated a Windstorm Risk Reduction Program in 2004, it 

did so by combining the program with legislation that was amending the Earthquake Hazards Reduction Act of 1977. This demonstrates a long history that Congress has had in moving these important programs together, and in fact, over the last two Congresses, the Committee has moved these programs in a single bill. 

The types of hazards and risks that a community is exposed to 

depends on where the community is located. For my constituents, 

earthquakes and fires pose a greater threat. Mr. Chairman, my 

goal is the same as the author of this bill, to decrease the vulnerability of communities in my district. I am hopeful that we can 

adopt the amendment and broaden the scope of hazards covered in 


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34 

this bill. It would be unfortunate if the Committee prioritized one 

type of hazard over another, because at the end of the day, all of 

these programs will lead to a more resilient America, saving lives, 

property, and taxpayer money. 

I am focused on lowering spending, and we can do it in a pragmatic way that lessens the cost to human life and property. I urge 

adoption of this common-sense amendment. Thank you for my colleagues’ attention, and I yield the balance of my time. 

Chairman BUCSHON. I appreciate the gentleman’s amendment. 

This amendment would add two additional hazards to the bill by 

reauthorizing the National Earthquake Hazards Program and 

amending the Fire Research Program. We can recognize that the 

Committee has previously marked up the Windstorm Program as 

part of a combined multi-hazard bill. However, these are distinct 

hazards, and windstorms are a Committee priority, given the multitude of wind hazard-related tragedies this year. Wind hazard 

mitigation research and development has not received the focus 

and dedicated funding it should, and this bill will work to get the 

program’s activities back on track to achieve meaningful results. 

However, I also recognize the importance of earthquake hazards 

and the need for fire hazard research, and we intend to address 

these programs in this Congress. Would the gentleman consider 

withdrawing his amendment and agree to work with other Members on an earthquakes and fire hazards measure separately? 

Mr. PETERS. Mr. Chairman, with your commitment that we will 

do that important work in the future, I would be willing to do so. 

Chairman BUCSHON. Thank you, Mr. Peters. I look forward to 

working with you and other Committee Members on this very important issue. 

Are there any further amendments? Hearing none—okay, hearing none and reporting quorum being present, the question is on 

the bill H.R. 1786 as amended. Those in favor, say aye. Opposed, 

no. The ayes have it and the bill is agreed to. 

Without objection, the Motion to Reconsider is laid upon the 

table. I move that the bill H.R. 1786, as amended, be favorably reported to the Full Committee on Science, Space, and Technology 

and the staff be authorized to make any necessary technical and 

conforming changes. Without objection, so ordered. 

If there is no further discussion, that completes our business. 

This concludes the Subcommittee markup. The Subcommittee on 

Research and Technology stands adjourned. 

[Whereupon, at 9:31 a.m., the Subcommittee was adjourned.] 


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(35) 

Appendix I 

H.R. 1786, NATIONAL WINDSTORM IMPACT REDUCTION ACT 

REAUTHORIZATION OF 2013 

MEMORANDUM, SECTION–BY–SECTION ANALYSIS, AMENDMENTS

AMENDMENT ROSTER


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tjames on DSK6SPTVN1PROD with REPORTS1786e.eps

113THCOXGRESS H R 1786 1ST S11lSSTOX 

• • 

To reautlwrize the K ational Wind.<;toml Impact Reduction Program, and 

for other purposes. 

I~ THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 

APRJJ. 26, 2013 

Mr. NEUGEBAt~ER illtroduced the following bill; which was referred to the 

Committee on &ience, Space, and Technology, and in addition to the 

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, for a period to be subsequently dCt<.lrmincd by the Speaker, in each case for OOIUlideration of 

moo provisions as fall within the: jllrisdietion of the committee concerned 

A BILL 

'£0 reauthorize the National Windstorm Impad Reduction 

Program, and for other purposes. 

Be it,e:nacted by the Senate and House of RffPresenta2 tives of the United States oJAmerica in Congress assembleil, 

3 SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. 

4 This Act may be cited as the "National Windstorm 

5 Impact Reduction Act Reauthorization of 2013". 

6 SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS. 

7 Scction 203(1) of tho National Winclstorm Impact 

8 Reduction Act of 2004 (42 U.S.C. 15702(1)) is amcnded 

9 by striking "Director of the Office of Science and Tech-
37 


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2 

nology Policy" and inserting "Director of the ;><ational In2 stitnte of Standarlis and Teelmology". 

3 SEC. 3. NATIONAL WINDSTORM IMPACT REDUCTION PRo. 

4 GRAM. 

5 Section 204 of the National Windstorm hnpact Re· 

6 ductionAet of 2004 (42 U.S.C. 15703) is amended7 (1) by striking subsections (a), (b), anli (c) and 

inserting the following: 

9 "(a) ESTABLISHMENT.-'fhcre is established the Na· 

10 tional Windstorm Impact Reduction Program, the purpose 

11 of which is to achieve major measurable reductions in the 

12 losses of life and property from windstorms through a coB ordinated Federal effort, in cooperation with other levels 

14 of government, a.caliemia, and the private sector, aimed 

15 at improving the understancling of windstorms and their 

16 impacts and developing and encouraging the implementa17 tion of cost-effective mitigation measures to reduce those 

18 impacts. 

19 "(b) RESPONSIBILITIES OF PROGRAM AGEKCIES.-

20 "(1) LEAD AGENCY.-The National Institnte of 

21 Standards and Technology shall have the primary 

22 responsibility for planning and coordinating the Pro· 

23 gram. In carrying out this paragraph, the Director 

24 shall-

.1lR 1786 ill 
38 


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2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

7 

8 

9 

10 

11 

12 

13 

14 

15 

16 

17 

18 

19 

20 

21 

22 

23 

24 

"(A) ensure that the Program includes the 

necessary components to promote the implementation of windstorm risk reduction measures by Federal, State, and local governments, 

national standards and model building code organizations, architects and engineers, and others with a role in planning and constructing 

buildings and lifelines; 

"(B) support the development of performance-based engineering tools, and work with appropriate groups to promote the comniereial application of such tools, including through windrelated model building codes, voluntary standards, an!l construction best practices; 

"( C) request the assistance of 1<'cdcral 

agencies other than the Pt'ogram agencies, as 

necessary to aJ'lSist in carrying ont this Act; 

"(D) coordinate all Federal post-windstorm 

investigations; and 

"(E) when wlUTanted by research or investigative [mdings, issue recommendations to assist in informing the development of model 

codes, and prmli<le information to Congress on 

the use of such recommendations. 

.. 8Rl"l86lH 
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4 

"(2) NATIONAL INSTITUTB OF STM'])ARIlS AND 

2 TBCHNOLOGY.--In addition to the lead agency re3 sponsibilities described under paragraph (1), the Na4 tional Institute of Standard.q and Technology shall 

5 be responsible for carrying out research and (levelop6 ment to improve model building codes, voluntary 

7 standards, and best practices for the design, conS struction, and retrofit of buildings, structures, and 

9 lifelines. 

10 "(3) NATIONAL smE~CE FOUNDATIOC<".-The 

11 National Science l<'onndation shall support research 

12 in engineering and the atmospheric sciences to im13 prove the understanding of the bebavior of wind14 storms and their impact on buildings, structures, 

15 and lifelines. 

16 "( 4) NATIOXAL OCElANIC A..'ID A1'MOSPHERI(] 

17 ADMIXISTRATION.-The National Oceamc and At18 mospheric Administration shall support atmospheric 

19 sciences research to improve the understanding of 

20 the behavior of windstorms and their impact on 

21 buildings, stmetllres, and lifelines. 

22 "(5) FBDBRAL BMERGENCY MANAGE:llEl\"T 

23 AGENCY.-The Federal Emergency Management 

24 Agency shall support the development of risk assess25 ment tools and cffcctive mitigation techniqnes, wind-

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storm-related data collection and analysis, public 

2 outreach, information dissemination, and implemen3 tation of mitigation measures consistent with the 

4 Agency's all-hazards approach."; 

5 (2) by redesignating subsection (d) as sub6 section (c); 

7 (3) hy inserting after subsection (c), as so re8 designated, the following new subsection: 

9 "(d) IK'l'ERAGENCY COORDINATING COMMITTEE ON 

10 WDIDSTORM lM:PACT REDUCTION.-

11 "(1) ESTABLISmiEKT.-Thore is established an 

12 Interagency Coordinating Committee on Windstorm 

13 Impact Reduction, chaired by the Director. 

14 "(2) MEMBERSHlP.-In addition to the chair, 

15 tho Committee shall be c'Omposed of16 "(A) the heads of17 "(i) the Federal Emergency Manage18 ment Agency; 

19 "(ii) the National Oceanic and Atmos20 pheric Administration; 

21 "(iii) the National Science J<'ounda22 tion; 

23 "(iv) the Office of Science and Tech24 nology Policy; and. 

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"(v) i.he Office of ]}Iullagement. and 

2 Budget; aml 

"(B) the heat} ot" any other J<\~d('ral ag'i)m~y 

4 the ehair considerf-; appropriate. 

5 "(3) }IEETIKGS,-"Thc Committee "hall meet 

6 not lr:-;s than ~ times a yem' at the eall of' the Direc7 tor of th(~ National lustinltr of Rtandards and Teeh110logy. 

9 "(4) ChJNERilL l'Ultl'OS.' ~"D IHf'l'IEs.-'l'hc 

10 Committee shaH oversee the plmming and eoordilla11 t.ion of Lhe Program. 

12 "-(5) STRA\''fEG'!C~, PL,\x.-The Committee sha11 

13 develop and :-;ulHuit, to Con~1'I'e.-;s, not later than OIle 

14 year ai'ter the date of enaetll1cllt of the Nat 10na1 

15 \Vimlslorrll Impact Hetiuetioll Act-. .R,eauthorlzHtion of 

16 201;3, a Strategic Plan for the Program that iu17 eludes18 "c.A) prioritized goals for the Program that 

19 1vill mitigate agaiIl~t the Joss of life and prop20 erty from future ,Ylud::-;tonns; 

21 "(D) ;;:hort-tern\ mid-term, and long-term 

22 rescardl Obji~ctivcs to adlieve those goals; 

23 "(C) a description of the role of eaeh Pro24 gram agency in adlievjng- the prioritized g'oals; 

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7 

"(D) the methods by which progress to2 wards the goals will be assessed; and 

3 "(E) an explanation of how the Program 

4 will foster the transfer of research results into 

5 outcomes, such as improved model huildillg 

6 codes. 

7 "(6) PROGRESS REPOR1'.-Not later than 18 

8 months after the date of enactment of the National 

9 Wmdstorm Impact Thlduction Act lWauthorization of 

10 2013, the Committce shall submit to the Congress a 

11 report on the progress of the Program that in12 eludes13 "(Al a description of the activities fund cd 

14 

15 

16 

17 

18 

19 

20 

21 

22 

23 

24 

under the Program, a (iesmiption of how these 

activities align with the prioritized goals and research objectives established in the Strategic 

Plan, and the budgets, per agency, for these activitics; 

"(B) the outcomes achieved by the Program for each of the goals identified in the 

Strategic Plan; 

"(C) a description of any recommendations 

made to change e.xisting building codes that 

were the result of Program activities; and 

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"(D) a description of thc extent to which 

2 the Program has incorporated recommendations 

3 from the Advisory Committee on Wiodstorm 

4 Impad Reduction. 

5 "(7) COORDTh"ATED BUDm;T.-The Committee 

6 shall develop a coordioated budget for the Program, 

7 which shall be suhmitted to the Congress at the time 

8 of the President's budget suhmission for each fiscal 

9 year."; and 

10 (4) by strilriog suhsections (e) and (f). 

11 SEC. 4. NATIONAL ADVISORY COMMI'ITEE ON WINDSTORM 

12 Il\IPACT REDUCTION. 

13 Section 205 of the ",ational Windstorm Impact Re14 duction Act of 2004 (42 U.S.C. 15704) is amended to 

15 read as follows: 

16 "SEC. 2Il5. NATIONAL ADVISORY COMMITI'EE ON WIND17 STORM Il\IPACT REDUCTION. 

18 "(a) IN GE"ERAL.-The Director of the National In19 stitute of Standards and Technology shall establish an Ad20 visory Committee on Windstorm Impact Reduction, which 

21 shall be composcd of at leao;; 7 members, none of whom 

22 may be employees of the J!'cdcral Government, including 

23 representatives of research and academic institutions, in24 dustry standards development organizations, emergency 

25 management agencies, State and local government, and 

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bUHineS8 commuuities ·who are qualified to provide ad'l;1.ee 

2 011 "\vindstoJ'm 1nlpa<"',t redu(~tinn a.nd },0vrr,~wnt all related 

~Ci811tille) urehitcdnral1 and ~l1ginep,rillg disciplilles. The 

4 reeolllmcwJatiolls of the Advisory Committee shall he eOI1-

~idcre(l by Pederal agcneiufl ill implementing the Program. 

6 ''(1)) ASSES~l\t:E::.JTN.-Thf: Advisory CommiLlee 011 

7 \VindBtor'm lmpaet Red1H:t.ion shall offer asscs~anents Oll~ 

~'(1) tl'8ndR Gno. developnlcl1t.s in the natural 

9 and pnb~nnering sci~.mee8 awl pl'aeti(~cs of windstorm 

J 0 impa(!.l miLi~atioll; 

11 "(~) the' priorities of the Program\; 8tratngic 

12 Plan: 

13 "(3) the eoordinatio[] offhn PrOhJ'l'(lllij and 

14 "(4) any revisions Lo tllE.! Program \vhieh mny 

15 be lWt'f'SRary. 

16 H(e) C01fPENSATION.-Thc members of the .~\.dvisor.y 

17 (;oH11111ttee established und(~r thiH sedion shall scrve V\rith18 out. i:.ompAtlRal ion. 

19 "(d) HEPOHTS.-At least (~vory 2 years, thr ..:i.dV1HOlj' 

20 Committee shall repod to the DirN~tor on the ass{~ssm('nts 

21 (;atTipd out under suhseeiloll (b) and its rccollllnendations 

22 for' wa)"S t.o improve lhe Progr·Rm. 

23 "(c) CILlluER.-Not.withstamling section 14(b)(2) 01' 

24 the Federal "'dvisory Committee Act (5 l! .S.C. App), t.!w 

25 AdviH01;,-' Committee ~han not be required to file a ~harter 

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10 

f:lllhsequcnt to its initial charter, f'iJI~d tmdcl' so(·tion 0(,} 

2 of such Ad, before th(~ terminaLioll datp specified in ~·mb3 section (f) of this sedion. 

4 "(f) TEH1H?-.JATIOJ\.-The Advisory COIrlmit,tn(~ shall 

5 terminate on SeptRlYlber ~_30, 201G,J? 

6 SEC. 5. AurHORJ7ATION OF APPROPillATIONS. 

7 Sect-iOll 207 of the 0;atinnal \\TilltistorHl Impaet He8 dudion Ar,t of ~004 (4.2 U.S.C. 15700) is amended to 

9 read <\;-; foU(n\"'}): 

10 "SEC. 207. AUTHORIZATION m' APPROPRIATIONS. 

11 "(a) FEmaUL EMEI:rJ1CNCY l\lANAOE:V1El"T AcmN12 (1Y.-Thcrc are authorized to he appropriated t.o the .P{"d13 eral Elw-'rgelle,Y ~\lanageHwnt AgClWy for (~arlJing out tbiH 

14 title15 "(1) ,,~.OOO,OOO for fiseal year 2014; 

16 "(2) $2.000,000 [or fiseal year 201:;; and 

17 "(:3) $2,000,000 for fis""l yeal" 2016. 

18 "(b) NATIONAL RCIl~KCE FOCKDA'l'lON.--rrhere flre 

19 authorized to br appropriated t,o the 1\a.tional ~ricnee 

20 Fonndation for earr,villg' out this title21 "( 1) $11,400,000 f01' fiscal Y('8r 2014; 

22 "(2) $lL400,O()(J for fiscal year 2015; and 

23 "(3) $11,400,000 for fiscal year 2016. 

24 "(e) NAfJ'TONATj I~S'l'JTV'i\E OP STAKDAHDS A'\TD 

25 Tl-JCI-I::\()LOUy,-Thcre arc authorized to be appropriated 

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11 

to the National Institute, of Standards and Technology for 

2 carrying out this title---

3 "(1) $5,500,000 for fiscal year 2014; 

4 "(2) $5,500,000 for fiscal year 2015; and 

5 "(3) $5,500,000 for fiscal year 2016. 

6 "(d) ~ATIONAI, OCEANlC AND ATMOSPHERIO ADMIN7 ISTRATION.-There are authorized to be appropriated to 

8 tbe ~ational Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration for 

9 carrying out this title---

10 "(1) $2,500,000 for fiscal year 2014; 

11 

12 

"(2) $2,500,000 for fiscal year 2015; and 

"(3) $2,500,000 for fiscal year 2016.". 

o 

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MEMORANDUM


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TO: 

FROM: 

DATE: 

RE: .. 

IUlngfr.ss of the tinitcd ~tatts 

~ll.St of 'RqlltstlltlltiDO! 

COMMllTEE ON SCIENCE, SPACE, AND TECHNOLOGY 

2321 RAYBURN HOUSE OI'l'It:e BUilDING 

WASHINGTON, DC 20615-8301 

{202} 226-6371 

_..cien .... i1ou .......... 

MEMORANDUM 

Committee on Science, Space, and Technology Members and Staff 

Science, Space, and Tecbnology Committee Staff 

June 28, 2013 

Subcommittee Markup 

EDDIEBERNICI!JOHNIiOfltTexst 'RAN!<II'IGMEMBEI'l 

The Subcommittee on Research and Tecbnology will meet on Friday, June 28th at 9:00am in 

Room 2318 of the Rayburn House Office Building to consider the following: 

• H.R. 1786, The National W"uu/stormlmpact Reduction ActAuthorl:t.ation 012013 

Ba.kgrouud and Need 

Wind hazardo-which include tornados, hurricanes, and derechos-ore threats to all fifty stales 

and cause uguries, deaths, economic disruptiOJlSJ and property damage. ~ions of Americans 

live in areas vulnerable to stoms With damaging winds. The tornadic events of2011 and 2013 

show the devastating results of windstorms. The Natioual Weather Service reported 553 fa!aliti.e, 

attributed to furnadoes alone in 2011, compared to 109 American deaths in the 10 year overage. 

As populations continue to grow in' areas prone to hurricanes, tomadoes, and windstorms. 

vulnerability to severe weather will only increase. In 2005, the National Science and Technology 

Counuil (NSTC) staled that America', primary focus on disaster response is "an impractical and 

inefficient strategy for dealing with these ongoing threats. Instead. communities must break the 

cycle of destruction and recovery by enhancing their ~ resilience." 

Major Provisions 

• Fom agencies malre up the National Wiudstorm impact Reduction Progrnm (NWIRP): 

NIST, the"N.tional Science Foundation (NSF), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 

Administration (NOAA), and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA); 

de:l'ines NIST as the lead progrnm agency; and assigns responsibilities to the fo.,. 

program agencies. 

a NIST is being tasked as the new lead agency of the Progrnm.1n \hat role, NIST', 

aCtivities include p1anni:og and co.ordinating the Program; supporting the 

deveJopment"of performance-based engineeriug tools; requesting the assistance of 

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Federal agencies, other than Program agencies, as necessary; coordinating all 

Pederal post~'I,.vindstorm investigations; and issuing recommendations to assist in 

informing model codes when wunanted by researcll or investigaLive findlng~. In 

addition to the lead agency responsibilities, NIST shall also conduct research and 

development to improve model building codes, voluntary standards, and best 

practices for the ctesig~ construction, and retrofit of buildings; structlITes, and 

lifelines. 

o NSF activities include research in engineering and the atmospheric sciences to 

improve the understanding of the behavior of wincbtorms and the impact on 

buildings, structures, and lifelines. 

:) NOAA activities include the r:lUpport of' atmospheric science· research to improve 

the lmderstanding of tbe beha"ior of windstonns and the impact 011 buildings, 

structures, and lifelines. 

o FEMA activities include the development of risk assessment tools ,and effective 

mitigation techniques; data, collection and analysis; and public outreach, 

info:marion dissemination, and implementation of mitigation measures. 

• Creation of an Interagency Coordinating Committee on Windstonu hnpact Reduction. 

'[he Committee is: cha~red by the Director ofNIST and is made up of the heads ofFE!vL-\' 

NOAA, NSF, OS]]>, the Office of Management and the Budget COMB), and the heaL! of 

any other,Federal agency the Chair considers appropriate. 'The Committee is to meet not 

less tl1a!l 2 times a year and is tasked with developing and submitting to Congress a 

strategic plan, progress report, and coordinated budget for the Program. 

Updating the National Advisory Committee on Windstonn Impact Reducti0Jt made up of 

at least 7 relevant non-Federal employee experts to offer recommendations and 

assessments on program developments, prlorities, coordination, and, revisions as 

necessary. This section requiTes the Advi~ory Committee to report to the Direc(Qr of 

NIST on the assessment and it:; recommendations at leam: every ~wo years. Additionally, 

tht Advisory Committ~e is terminated on September 30, 2016. 

... Sets authorization levels, sec breakdO\\o"'D. below. 

Legislatiye History 

The N\\1RP was originally established in 2004 by the National Windstorm Impact Reduction 

Act of 2004 (pL. 108-360), authored by Rep. Randy Neugebauer, The National Earthquake 

Hazard.." Reductio:l Program Reauthorization Act of 2003 (HR. 2608) and The 1'\ational' 

Windstorm Impact Reduction Act of 2004 (H.R.3980) were each introduced in the 108th 

Congress. Ailer passing the House, the two bills were later combined in the Senate (as H.R. 

2008) and became P.L. J 08~360. The program authorized ilie National Institute of Standards and 

Technology (NIST), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Kational 

Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and the National Science Foundation (NSF) 

to support activities that improve the understanding of v.indstonns and their impacts. The 

program was authorized for three years--tbrough FY 2008-. 

In the U1ili Congress, The Natural Hazards Risk Reduction Act of 2010 (H.R.3820, Rep. Wu.) 

would have reauthorized NEHRP and h,",\VIRP. The legislation passed the House, but was not 

considered by the Senate. 

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In the 1 12th Congress, Rep. Neugebauer introduced an NWIRP reauthorization measure (H.R. 

3272), \yhich was included ill a larger hazards bill (R.n. 3479. The Natural Hazards' Risk 

Reduction Act of 2011) which reauthorized both the earthquake (National Earthquake Hazards 

Reduction Program, };EHRP) and wind research programs for three years 

In 2013, the Subcomm.ittees on Research and Technology held a joint hearing examining the 

current role of researcb and development in mitigating the damaging effects of windstorms 

across the Nation and the methods of transferring the results of research into practice for 

stakeholders including building code developers, builders, and property owners. The hearing 

reviewed the activities of~'1RP. The hearing also reviewedH.K 1786. The Subcommittees 

heard testimony from Dr. Ernst Kiesling, Research FaClllty. National Wind Institute, Texas Tech 

l)niversity; Ms. Debra Ballen, General Counsel an~ Senior Vice, President, Public Policy, 

Insurance IllStitute fo,( Business & Home Safety; and Dr .. David Prevatt, Assistant Professor, 

Department of Civil and Coastal Engineering, University of Florida. 

Authorization 

H.R. 1786 funds the program. at $21.4 million/annually, broken dOv"l1 as follows: 

o For FEMA:$2,000,000 for each fiscal year 2014 through 2016. 

o For NSF: $11,400,000 for each fiscal year 2014 through 2016. 

o For NIST: $5,500,000 for each fiscal ye", 2014 through 2016. 

o For NOAA: $2,500,000 for each fiscal year 20 14 through 20 16. 

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SECTION–BY–SECTION ANALYSIS OF

H.R. 1786, NATIONAL WINDSTORM IMPACT REDUCTION ACT 

REAUTHORIZATION OF 2013 

Section 1. Short Title 

This section establishes the short title as the ‘‘National Windstorm Impact Reduction Reauthorization Act of 2013.’’ 

Section 2. Definitions 

This section amends the National Windstorm Impact Reduction Act of 2004 to define the ‘‘Director’’ of the Program as the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) rather than the Director of the White House Office of 

Science and Technology Policy (OSTP). 

Section 3. National Windstorm Impact Reduction Program 

This section identifies the four agencies that make up the National Windstorm 

Impact Reduction Program (NWIRP): NIST, the National Science Foundation (NSF), 

the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and the Federal 

Emergency Management Agency (FEMA); defines NIST as the lead program agency; 

and assigns responsibilities to the four program agencies. 

As the new lead agency, NIST’s activities include planning and coordinating the 

Program; supporting the development of performance-based engineering tools; requesting the assistance of Federal agencies other than Program agencies as necessary; coordinating all Federal post-windstorm investigations; and issuing recommendations to assist in informing model codes when warranted by research or 

investigative findings. In addition to the lead agency responsibilities, NIST shall 

also conduct research and development to improve model building codes, voluntary 

standards, and best practices for the design, construction, and retrofit of buildings, 

structures, and lifelines. 

NSF activities include research in engineering and the atmospheric sciences to 

improve the understanding of the behavior of windstorms and their impact on buildings, structures, and lifelines. 

NOAA activities include the support of atmospheric science research to improve 

the understanding of the behavior of windstorms and their impact on buildings, 

structures, and lifelines. 

FEMA activities include the development of risk assessment tools and effective 

mitigation techniques; data collection and analysis; and public outreach, information 

dissemination, and implementation of mitigation measures. 

Additionally, this section creates an Interagency Coordinating Committee on 

Windstorm Impact Reduction. The Committee is chaired by the Director of NIST 

and is made up of the heads of FEMA, NOAA, NSF, OSTP, the Office of Management and the Budget (OMB), and the head of any other Federal agency the Chair 

considers appropriate. The Committee is to meet not less than two times a year and 

is tasked with developing and submitting to Congress a strategic plan, progress report, and coordinated budget for the Program. 

Section 4. National Advisory Committee on Windstorm Impact Reduction 

This section amends the National Windstorm Impact Reduction Act of 2004 to reauthorize and update an existing Advisory Committee for NWIRP of at least 7 relevant non-Federal employee experts to offer recommendations and assessments on 

program developments, priorities, coordination, and revisions as necessary. This section requires the Advisory Committee to report to the Director of NIST on the assessment and its recommendations at least every two years. The authority for the 

Advisory Committee terminates on September 30, 2016. 

Section 5. Authorization of Appropriations 

This section provides authorizations of appropriations as follows: 

• For FEMA: $2,000,000 for each fiscal year 2014 through 2016. 

• For NSF: $11,400,000 for each fiscal year 2014 through 2016. 

• For NIST: $5,500,000 for each fiscal year 2014 through 2016. 

• For NOAA: $2,500,000 for each fiscal year 2014 through 2016. 


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AMENDMENTS


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",1M 131ESTYIESTY _016.xML 

AMENDMENT TO H.R. 1786 

OFFEUED BY Ms. EsTY OF CONNECTICUT 

P(lg:i.~ 1, lilW 7, il1l-jcrt "(a) DlI{'ECTOH - ') bt,fon' 

"'~tWnOll ~O;~{ 1)". 

Png't' 2. aft"'-I' line ~, iW;PJ't tlw fol!owillg' Ilt'W :.;ub2 Htorm Imp,wt HtxhH'tioll Ad of :!004 (..:I-~ (J,Ke', 1 :)702) 

4 

6 

j~ Jill"i1wr i:lBWIH1cd-

,_]) by redesig'lwtillg pamg:raphs (2,) till'1)Hgh 

(4) <-If.< pal'agl'uphs un thl'OU!1h (;-))~ 1'('Sr)(·{,tiY('I~'; ,l1ld 

(~) b~' in~(,l'tirq2,' after pal'tll:!yaph (1) the followillg 1It.~\V pnragl'npit: 

9 puhliC'- KOl'k~ awl ntilit.i{·x, iW'.llldillg traw:sport'lti(Hl 

10 faeilitie:-) and illfl",U.,trll(~jun·1 oil alld ~as pipeliw·:-:, 

13 Inellt f<CH·iliti(~s,", 

1:WHLC\OWB13\OtJ26' 3.11SJanl 

June 26, 2013 (3:52 p_m.) 

(5551751) 
52 

AMENDMENT ROSTER


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COMMITIEE ON SCIENCE, SPACE, AND TECHNOLOGY 

Research and Technology Subcommittee Markup 

June 28, 2013 

AMENDMENT ROSTER 

H.R. 1786, the "National Windstorm Impact Reduction Act Reauthorization of 2013" 

No. Amendment Summary 

1 Amendment Adds the definition of "lifelines' to the bill Agreed to by 

offered by Ms. Voice Vote 

Esty 

(016) 

2 Amendment Allows the head of an agency to decline to Failed by 

offered by Ms. implement the requirements of Ihe Acl if the head of Voice Vote 

Wilson such agency determines Ihal sufficienl funds are nol 

(001) available; Requires a report 10 Congress within 30 

dayS of makin~ such a determination. 

3 Amendment Adds two additional tilles to the bill to reauthorize Withdrawn 

offered by Mr. the National Earthquake Hazards Program and to 

Peters amend the fire research program. 

(002) 
(53) 

Appendix II 

ADDITIONAL MATERIAL FOR THE RECORD


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SUBMITTED STATEMENT OF FULL COMMITTEE RANKING MEMBER EDDIE BERNICE

JOHNSON

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. This morning, we are considering legislation to reauthorize the National Windstorm Impact Reduction Program, or NWIRP. This is an 

important program that can reduce the vulnerability of our communities to natural 

disasters. 

As we’ve seen over the last few years, the need is great. 2011 was the deadliest 

and most destructive tornado season in U.S. history. Hurricane Sandy caused over 

$65 billion dollars in damages in 2012. And this year, massive tornadoes in Oklahoma and in my state of Texas have resulted in the deaths of more than 30 people. 

We should be building stronger and safer communities before a disaster occurs, 

not after. However, all of the witnesses testifying before this Subcommittee stated 

that NWIRP is underfunded and that we are missing opportunities to implement 

low-cost mitigation measures. 

That’s why I am concerned about the authorization levels in H.R. 1786. They just 

don’t make sense. The bill cuts the program by 14 percent from the levels included 

in Mr. Neugebauer’s 2004 bill that created the programnearly a decade ago. It also 

cuts the program below current spending. 

I don’t understand what my colleagues are trying to accomplish here. They talk 

about how the program can help protect lives, reduce property losses, and save the 

taxpayers money, but then they go and cut the program. I don’t believe the need 

for the program has lessened. I actually believe it has grown, and so do the witnesses who have testified before our Committee. 

I understand that the budgetary situation has changed, but shouldn’t that make 

it even more important to invest in mitigation activities? According to a study by 

FEMA, for every dollar we invest in pre-disaster mitigation, we save four dollars 

in disaster recovery. 

The concern is not just that my Republican colleagues are cutting the program, 

but that they are doing so without cutting any of the responsibilities assigned by 

Congress. This just sets the NWIRP agencies up to fail. 

Mr. Chairman, we haven’t had a hearing since 2008 that included any of the federal agencies involved in this program. That was five years ago. We don’t know how 

sequestration has impacted the NWIRP-related activities of these agencies. We don’t 

know what activities the agencies are prioritizing and what areas of the program 

they are not implementing. 

We also do not have a good sense of the amount of money each of the agencies 

needs to fulfill its role in the program. 

I suggest that we take a step back and seek input from the NWIRP agencies before we move forward with this bill. I believe this Committee has an important role 

to play in minimizing the number of Americans who are harmed or killed by natural 

disasters or who have to face the challenge of rebuilding their homes, businesses, 

and communities. I’m sure that the sponsors of this legislation are well intentioned; 

we need to make sure we get it right—the stakes are too high to do otherwise. 


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(55) 

XXIII. PROCEEDINGS OF THE FULL 

COMMITTEE 

MARKUP ON H.R. 1786, 

NATIONAL WINDSTORM IMPACT REDUCTION 

ACT 

REAUTHORIZATION OF 2013 

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2014 

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, 

COMMITTEE ON SCIENCE, SPACE, AND TECHNOLOGY

WASHINGTON, D.C. 

The Committee met, pursuant to call, at 10:06 a.m., in Room 

2318 of the Rayburn House Office Building, Hon. Lamar Smith 

[Chairman of the Committee] presiding. 

Chairman SMITH. The Committee on Science, Space, and Technology will come to order. Without objection, the Chair is authorized to declare recesses of the Committee at any time, and pursuant to Committee Rule 2(f) and House Rule XI 2(h)(4), the Chair 

announces that he may postpone roll call votes, but I hope that is 

not necessary. 

Today, we consider H.R. 1786, the National Windstorm Impact 

Reduction Act Reauthorization of 2013. I am going to, without objection, put my opening statement into the record because we are 

expecting votes at 10:40 today and I would like to complete the 

markup by that time. 

Before recognizing the ranking member for her opening statement, I do want to thank the gentleman from Texas, Mr. Neugebauer, for his long and hard work on this particular piece of legislation, and he has gotten a great assist from the gentlewoman from 

Florida, Ms. Wilson, as well. So we appreciate their efforts. This is 

a very good product and a great piece of legislation that is going 

to help a lot of people. 

[The prepared statement of Mr. Smith follows:] 

PREPARED STATEMENT OF CHAIRMAN LAMAR SMITH

Today we consider H.R. 1786, the National Windstorm Impact Reduction Act Reauthorization of 2013, introduced by my Texas colleague, Congressman Randy 

Neugebauer. 

I thank Mr. Neugebauer and the gentlewoman from Florida, Ms. Frederica Wilson, for their work to draft a bipartisan amendment that strengthens this bill. 

H.R. 1786 reauthorizes the activities of the National Windstorm Impact Reduction 

Program (NWIRP). This important program supports federal research and developVerDate Mar 15 2010 00:38 Mar 19, 2014 Jkt 039006 PO 00000 Frm 00055 Fmt 6601 Sfmt 6621 E:\HR\OC\HR380P1.XXX HR380P1

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ment efforts to help mitigate the loss of life and property due to wind related hazards. 

Millions of Americans live in areas vulnerable to hurricanes, tornadoes and other 

windstorms. 

In Texas, we are all too familiar with the harm that wind can cause. According 

to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s storm prediction center, 

179 tornadoes and 1,586 windstorms were reported in Texas in the last two years. 

Windstorms take American lives, destroy homes and businesses, and cause billions of dollars of damage around the United States. The effects of these disasters 

can be felt for years. 

Since 2004, the National Windstorm Impact Reduction Program has supported activities to improve our understanding of windstorms and their impacts. It also has 

helped develop and encourage the implementation of cost-effective mitigation measures. 

H.R. 1786 improves public transparency for how much money is being spent on 

windstorm research, establishes the National Institute of Standards and Technology 

as the lead agency for the program and improves coordination and planning of agency activities in a fiscally responsible manner. 

This bill and the Manager’s Amendment also address some of the funding uncertainty we have faced as we worked through the legislative process. 

The bill requires each NWIRP [N-werp] agency to add details about NWIRP [Nwerp] programs and spending to its annual budget requests to Congress. It also requires the Interagency Coordinating Committee to develop a budget. 

These changes will provide us with a better representation and understanding of 

the real work that goes into this program in time for the next reauthorization. 

I want to thank Representative Neugebauer for his continued efforts in support 

of NWIRP [N-werp]. I am happy we are able to come together in a bipartisan manner today to support this important program. 

Chairman SMITH. With that, I will recognize the Ranking Member, Ms. Johnson, the gentlewoman from Texas. 

Ms. JOHNSON. Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman, and I want 

you to make a record of this: I am a copycat. I am going to move 

to put my opening statement in the record so we can get to business. 

[The prepared statement of Ms. Johnson follows:] 

PREPARED STATEMENT OF RANKING MEMBER EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON

Thank you, Chairman Smith. This morning we are considering legislation to reauthorize the National Windstorm Impact Reduction Program—or NWIRP. 

The last few years have been devastating years for natural disasters across the 

country. According to the National Weather Service, severe weather has caused an 

average of 278 fatalities and over 24 billion dollars of property damage per year, 

over the last 10 years. Hurricane Ike, which made landfall in my state of Texas in 

2008, was responsible for over a hundred deaths and tens of billions of dollars in 

damages. Last year, there were massive tornadoes across the Midwest, including in 

Moore, Oklahoma, that resulted in loss of life and significant economic losses. And, 

Hurricane Irene in 2011 and Superstorm Sandy in 2012 caused widespread destruction and death along the Eastern seaboard. 

NWIRP is an important program that can reduce the vulnerability of our communities to natural disasters. This program can help us build stronger and safer communities before a disaster occurs rather than after. When we discussed this bill at 

the Subcommittee, the Members on my side of the aisle raised some concerns about 

the bill. I shared those concerns. I think it is important that we authorize the 

NWIRP agencies adequately, allow room for the program to grow, and include social 

science research in the program. 

I am pleased that the process of getting from Subcommittee to Full Committee 

today was a fair, productive and bipartisan process and I want to thank Chairman 

Smith and Mr. Neugebauer for working with us to address some of our concerns 

with the legislation. The manager’s amendment addresses many of our concerns. It 

includes an increase to the FEMA authorization level. FEMA is the NWIRP agency 

tasked with taking the research conducted at other agencies and developing mitigation techniques and public outreach. It is important to ensure that they have the 

resources they need to be effective. 


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The manager’s amendment also ensures that social science research plays an important role in windstorm preparation and mitigation. Often in a compromise, like 

this one, you do not get everything you would like. I would have liked to see increases in the authorization levels across the board. This bill includes a lower total 

authorization level than what was authorized for this program in Fiscal Year 2008. 

When the last few years have been devastating years for windstorms—including 

Superstorm Sandy and the tornado outbreak last May that struck parts of Texas 

and Oklahoma—it is difficult to understand why we would cut the total authorization level for this important program. I also would have liked to see room for the 

program to grow. Unfortunately, this bill includes flat authorization levels. At the 

legislative hearing we held on this bill back in June, more than one witness expressed concern about NWIRP being underfunded. 

However, this Committee has an important role to play in making sure agencies 

and communities have the resources and tools to minimize the loss of life and property by windstorms or to face the challenge of rebuilding their homes, businesses, 

and communities after a major windstorm. And reauthorizing NWIRP helps us do 

that. 

I want to thank my fellow Texans—Chairman Smith and Mr. Neugebauer—for 

working across the aisle on this bill. This process reminds me of how this Committee used to work on a regular basis. It is good to see Members coming together, 

working out their differences, compromising, and ending up with a bill with bipartisan support. I hope we can continue in this vein as we take up other, significant 

legislation in the coming months, including reauthorizing the National Earthquake 

Hazards Reduction Program. 

Finally, I want to thank Majority and Minority Committee staff, and personal office staff who have worked on this agreement. Mr. Chairman, I support the manager’s amendment and the underlying bill as amended and I urge my colleagues to 

do the same. 

Thank you, and I yield back the balance of my time. 

Chairman SMITH. Thank you very much for that. Without objection, the Ranking Member’s—oh, you get spontaneous applause out 

of that one—statement is entered. 

Chairman SMITH. Pursuant to notice, I now call up H.R. 1786, 

the National Windstorm Impact Reduction Act Reauthorization of 

2013, which was introduced by Representative Neugebauer and 

amended by the Subcommittee on Research and Technology, and 

the clerk will report the bill. 

The CLERK. H.R. 1786, as amended by the Subcommittee on Research and Technology on June 28, 2013. Section 1—— 

Chairman SMITH. Without objection, the bill will be considered as 

read. 

[H.R. 1786 appears in Appendix I] 

Chairman SMITH. The gentleman from Texas, Mr. Neugebauer, is 

recognized for his comments on the bill. 

Mr. NEUGEBAUER. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, for holding this 

markup today on H.R. 1786, the National Windstorm Impact Reduction Act Reauthorization. 

You know, one of the things that I learned firsthand in 1970 is 

the devastation that can be caused by tornadoes. The apartment 

complex that I lived in in Lubbock, Texas, was destroyed by a fairly 

massive tornado we had then, and what that experience taught me 

was the tremendous damage that can be caused by these windstorms and tornadoes, but also the loss of life. 

And so one of the things that I am proud that this particular 

piece of legislation does is that it begins to prioritize, you know, 

how we begin to research the impacts, some of the things we can 

do to do mitigation from loss of life and property damage, and making sure that all of the agencies that have some jurisdiction in this 

work together. 


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So in the interest of time, Mr. Chairman, I will be brief, and I 

think we have a Manager’s Amendment as well. 

Chairman SMITH. Thank you, Mr. Neugebauer. 

Are there other Members who wish to comment on the bill at 

this point? 

If not, we will go to the Manager’s Amendment. Okay. We are 

going to the Manager’s Amendment and then Members can comment on that if they want to. 

The first amendment to consider is a Manager’s Amendment that 

is going to be offered by Mr. Neugebauer and Ms. Wilson, and the 

clerk will report the Manager’s Amendment. 

The CLERK. Amendment to H.R. 1786 offered by Mr. Neugebauer 

of Texas and Ms. Wilson of Florida. Page 1, line 3—— 

[The amendment of Mr. Neugebauer and Ms. Wilson appears in 

Appendix I] 

Chairman SMITH. Without objection, the amendment will be considered as read, and the gentleman from Texas and the gentlewoman from Florida will be recognized to comment on this bipartisan amendment. 

Mr. NEUGEBAUER. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and I want to particularly thank the Minority and Ms. Wilson for their cooperation 

on finding some common ground on this bill. This truly makes this 

a bipartisan bill, and I am pleased to have Ms. Wilson to be a cosponsor of this amendment. 

This amendment makes some corrections including adjustments 

to the authorization levels of the bill while maintaining the top-line 

authorization in the original bill. 

The other issue is that it brings some much-needed transparency 

in making sure that the agencies disclose the activities that they 

are actually requesting funding for. I think that gives us a better 

accountability and trackability of how these monies are being used, 

and so I look forward to working with my colleagues as we move 

this bill to the Floor. 

Again, I want to thank Ms. Wilson for the cooperation of her and 

her staff. 

Chairman SMITH. Thank you, Mr. Neugebauer. 

The gentlewoman from Florida, Ms. Wilson, is recognized. 

Ms. WILSON. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I want to thank you for 

holding today’s markup to reauthorize the National Windstorm Impact Reduction Program. I am pleased to join my colleague, Mr. 

Neugebauer, for introducing this Manager’s Amendment and I urge 

my colleagues to support it. 

As a Floridian and survivor of Hurricane Andrew, I know firsthand that natural hazards are a leading threat to American lives 

and the economy. This Committee has an important role to play in 

helping Americans prepare for and recover from natural hazards. 

While we cannot stop a hurricane or a tornado from happening, we 

should do all that we can to make sure our communities have the 

tools they need to respond to and recover from such events. 

NWIRP has the potential to lessen the loss of life and economic 

damage by carrying out research on windstorms and their impacts 

and translating that research into development of improved building codes and emergency planning. NWIRP needs investment to 

reach that potential. We as a Nation must invest in preparedness 


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and resilience. Studies of FEMA’s pre-disaster mitigation program 

have shown that every dollar we invest, we save $3 to $4 in recovery costs. 

I am pleased to see an increase in the FEMA authorization level 

in the Manager’s Amendment. FEMA is the NWIRP agency tasked 

with taking research conducted at other agencies in developing 

mitigation techniques and public outreach. 

I want to thank you, Mr. Chair, Representative Neugebauer and 

Committee staff for working to include a higher FEMA authorization level in the bill. I want to reiterate that it would have been 

helpful to have a hearing with witnesses from the NWIRP Federal 

agencies before moving the bill to a full Committee markup. That 

hearing would have given Members the opportunity to ask NWIRP 

agencies about program implementation and activities and what 

level of resources the agencies need. Nevertheless, I understand the 

need to reauthorize an important program that can minimize the 

number of Americans who are harmed or killed by windstorm disasters and reduce costs associated with the disaster recovery. That 

is why I am supporting this bipartisan Manager’s Amendment and 

the underlying bill. I urge my colleagues to do the same. 

Finally, I want to thank Chairman Smith and Mr. Neugebauer 

for working with me across the aisle on this Manager’s Amendment. This was a smooth and productive process, what I hope to 

see more of on this Committee. 

Thank you, Mr. Chairman, Ms. Ranking Member, and I yield 

back the balance of my time. 

Chairman SMITH. Thank you, Ms. Wilson. We too hope for more 

smooth and productive pieces of legislation to be moved by the 

Committee. 

I do want to say that votes have now been moved up to as soon 

as 10:20, but are there any other Members who wish to be recognized on this Manager’s Amendment? 

The gentleman from California, Mr. Peters, is recognized. 

Mr. PETERS. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word. 

I wanted to just confirm that we have an understanding that we 

will move forward to schedule a hearing on the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program in the Research and Technology 

Subcommittee after we have completed Committee consideration of 

the First Act, and that following the hearing we will work toward 

a bill to reauthorize that program. 

Coming from California where earthquakes have and will continue to be a significant threat to human life and infrastructure, 

I want to ensure that the Federal Government program to help 

mitigate loss from earthquakes is as strong as it can be and makes 

the most efficient use of resources. I know that we have Members 

on both sides of the aisle in our Committee who care about this 

program as well. 

I thank the chairman for a very good bipartisan process on the 

bill before us today, and I look forward to working with the chairman and my colleague from New York, Mr. Collins, on a similarly 

productive process to reauthorize—— 

Chairman SMITH. Will the gentleman yield? 

Mr. PETERS. I will yield to the Chair. 

Chairman SMITH. Thank you, Mr. Peters. 


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I want to thank the gentleman from California for his interest 

in reauthorizing this bill. It is an important program that deserves 

this Committee’s attention, and my intention is to schedule a hearing following the Committee’s consideration of the First Act and I 

look forward to working with the gentleman from California on a 

bill to reauthorize NEHRP. I appreciate his comments. 

Are there any other Members who wish be heard on the Manager’s Amendment? The gentleman from Illinois, Mr. Lipinski, is 

recognized. 

Mr. LIPINSKI. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I move to strike the last 

word. 

Chairman SMITH. The gentleman is recognized for five minutes. 

Mr. LIPINSKI. I want to thank you and Mr. Neugebauer for working with us, especially Ms. Wilson, to continue to improve upon this 

bill to reauthorize NWIRP. 

There is still disagreement on the funding levels provided in the 

underlying text but I join Ranking Member Johnson in supporting 

the compromise arrived at in the Manager’s Amendment. It is a 

good start, ensuring that FEMA has sufficient resources enabling 

us to revisit the adequacy of funding levels for this important program a bit sooner. 

I especially want to thank Mr. Neugebauer for working with us 

to ensure that this reauthorization of NWIRP addresses the important role that social science research plays in windstorm preparation and mitigation. Many of the fatalities and much of the damage 

in these storms could be prevented with more resilient structures, 

but strengthening our physical infrastructure is not sufficient to 

save lives. We need to make sure that people in the path of severe 

weather have accurate and easily understandable information 

about what is coming and how best to protect themselves and their 

families and that decision makers have both the information and 

the tools to make the best possible decisions. 

It may sound like a no-brainer that people in the path of a destructive windstorm will take appropriate shelter but decades of social science research tells us otherwise. A recent survey by the National Center for Disaster Preparedness found that most Americans 

are unprepared for a major disaster in that they have a false sense 

of security about what will happen if a major disaster occurs. More 

than half the families surveyed had no emergency plan in place for 

a hurricane or earthquake, and those who had such a plan lacked 

essential items to implement their plan. 

The Manager’s Amendment ensures that people are a central 

part of our mitigation response and recovery activities by making 

certain that social science research is a part of the NWIRP program and that the results of such research are incorporated into 

outreach and implementation efforts. We can and must do more to 

increase the disaster resiliency of our communities. The social scientists have an essential role in those efforts, and I urge my colleagues to adopt this amendment. 

Thank you, Chairman, and I yield back the balance of my time. 

Chairman SMITH. Thank you, Mr. Lipinski. 

Are there others who wish to be heard? The gentlewoman from 

Connecticut, Ms. Esty, is recognized. 


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Ms. ESTY. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I move to strike the last 

word. 

Mr. Chairman, I would like to thank you and Ranking Member 

Johnson for the leadership you have shown in moving this legislation forward in a bipartisan manner. 

This bill is particularly important because windstorms affect all 

50 States. In Connecticut, we are still recovering from the devastating effects of Hurricane Sandy, which shattered communities 

and killed 285 people in the Northeast. Now more than ever, it is 

crucial that we do everything in our power to prevent these storms 

from taking more lives and wreaking more havoc. That is why I appreciate Subcommittee Chair Bucshon agreeing to accept my 

amendment, which would define the term ‘‘lifelines’’ and have 

added it to the bill. 

As we discussed in Subcommittee, adding this definition will improve the bill and provide the interagency Coordinating Committee 

on Windstorm Impact Reduction specific direction on the most important research topics. This addition will help improve—will help 

the involved agencies work effectively and efficiently towards the 

goal of reducing the impact of windstorms on our infrastructure. 

I thank the chairman for including my amendment in the version 

of the bill under consideration today, and I yield back my time, and 

it is under one minute. 

Chairman SMITH. Thank you, Ms. Esty. I appreciate those comments. 

The gentlewoman from Oregon, Ms. Bonamici, is recognized. 

Ms. BONAMICI. Thank you. I move to strike the last word. 

Chairman SMITH. The gentlewoman is recognized for five minutes. 

Ms. BONAMICI. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. 

Mr. Chairman, I would like to thank the Committee, the leadership on both sides of the aisle for bringing this piece of legislation 

forward. 

I just want to join in the comments made by Mr. Peters about 

the importance of also working on the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program, and I thank you, Mr. Chairman, for your 

commitment to do so later this session. 

So thank you again for your work, and I look forward to working 

as well on legislation that will affect the earthquake hazards. 

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. 

Chairman SMITH. Thank you, Ms. Bonamici. 

Are there any other Members who wish to be heard on the Manager’s Amendment? If not, the question is on the Manager’s 

Amendment by Mr. Neugebauer and Ms. Wilson. 

All in favor, say aye. 

Opposed, nay. 

The ayes have it, and the Manager’s Amendment is agreed to. 

The gentleman from Florida, Mr. Grayson, is recognized for the 

purpose of offering an amendment. 

Mr. GRAYSON. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk. 

Chairman SMITH. The clerk will report the amendment. 

The CLERK. Amendment H.R. 1786 offered by Mr. Grayson of 

Florida, amendment number 002. Page—— 

[The amendment of Mr. Grayson appears in Appendix I] 


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Chairman SMITH. Without objection, the amendment will be considered as read, and the gentleman from Florida, Mr. Grayson, is 

recognized to explain his amendment. 

Mr. GRAYSON. Mr. Chairman, the purpose of this amendment is 

to prevent conflicts of interest on the advisory committee by requiring recusal. 

I yield the balance of my time. 

Chairman SMITH. Thank you, Mr. Grayson. I will be longer than 

you will in agreeing to your amendment. 

The gentleman’s amendment will require members of the National Windstorm Advisory Committee to recuse themselves from a 

committee activity in which they have a financial interest, I support this amendment, but would like to continue to work with the 

gentleman between now and the House Floor on possible additional 

improvements. 

So I appreciate the gentleman offering the amendment. 

Is there further discussion on this amendment? If not, the vote 

is on the amendment. 

All in favor, say aye. 

Opposed, nay. 

The ayes have it, and the amendment is agreed to. 

Are there any other amendments? And if not, a reporting quorum 

being present, the question is on the bill H.R. 1786, as amended. 

Those in favor, say aye. 

Opposed, nay. 

The ayes have it, and the bill as amended is ordered reportedly 

favorably. 

Pursuant to Committee Rule 2(f) and House Rule XI 2(h)(4), 

without objection, the motion to reconsider is laid upon the table. 

I move that the bill, H.R. 1786, as amended, be favorably reported 

to the House and the staff be authorized to make any necessary 

technical and conforming changes. Without objection, so ordered. 

There being no further business, we stand adjourned. I want to 

thank all the Members for this great turnout for this markup, and 

appreciate your attention before votes. 

We stand adjourned. 

[Whereupon, at 10:22 a.m., the Committee was adjourned.] 


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Appendix I 

H.R. 1786, NATIONAL WINDSTORM IMPACT REDUCTION ACT 

REAUTHORIZATION OF 2013 

SECTION–BY–SECTION ANALYSIS, AMENDMENTS

AMENDMENT ROSTER


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H.R. 1786, AS AMENDED BY THE SUBCOMMITTEE 

ON RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY 

ON JUNE 28, 2013 

1 SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. 

2 This Act may be cited as the "National Windstorm 

3 Impact Reduction Act Reauthorization of 2013". 

4 SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS. 

5 (a) DIRECTOR.-Section 203(1) of the National 

6 Windstorm Impact Reduction Act of 2004 (42 U.S.C. 

7 15702(1» is amended by striking "Director of the Office 

8 of Science and Technology Policy" and inserting "Director 

9 of the National Institute of Standards and Technology". 

10 (b) LIFELINEs.-Section 203 of the National Wind11 storm Impact Reduction Act of 2004 (42 U.S.C. 15702) 

12 is further amended13 (1) by redesignating paragraphs (2) through 

14 (4) as paragraphs (3) through (5), respectively; and 

15 (2) by inserting after paragraph (1) the fol16 lovving new paragraph: 

17 "(2) LIFELINEs.-The term 'lifelines' means 

18 public works and utilities, including transportation 

19 facilities and infrastructure, oil and gas pipelines, 

20 electrical power and communication facilities and inf:IVHLCI0628131062813,068,xml 

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2 

frastructure, and water supply and sewage treat2 ment facilities.". 

3 SEC. 3. NATIONAL WINDSTORM IMPACT REDUCTION PRO4 GRAM. 

5 Section 204 of the National Windstorm Impact Re6 ductionAct of 2004 (42 U.S.C. 15703) is amended7 (1) by striking subsections (a), (b), and (c) and 

8 inserting the following: 

9 "(a) ESTABLISIDIENT.-There is established the Na10 tional Windstorm Impact Reduction Program, the purpose 

11 of which is to achieve major measurable reductions in the 

12 losses of life and property from windstorms through a coB ordinated Federal effort, in cooperation with other levels 

14 of government, academia, and the private sector, aimed 

15 at improving the understanding of vvindstorms and their 

16 impacts and developing and encouraging the implementa17 tion of cost-effective mitigation measnres to reduce those 

18 impacts. 

19 "(b) RESPONSIBILITIES OF PROGfuUI AGENCIES.-

20 "(1) LEAD AGENCY.-The National Institute of 

21 Standards and Technology shall have the primary 

22 responsibility for pJanning and coordinating the Pro23 gram. In carrying out this parab'Taph, the Director 

24 shallf:IVHLCIOO28131002813,068,xml (55534313) 

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1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

7 

8 

9 

10 

11 

12 

13 

14 

15 

16 

17 

18 

19 

20 

21 

22 

23 

24 

f:\VHLCI062813\062813.068.xml 

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3 

"(A) ensure that the Program includes the 

necessary components to promote the implementation of windstorm risk reduction measures by Federal, State, and local governments, 

national standards and model building code organizations, architects and engineers, and others with a role in planning and constructing 

buildings and lifelines; 

"(B) support the development of performance-based engineering tools, and work with appropriate groups to promote the commercial application of such tools, including through ,vindrelated model building codes, voluntary standards, and construction best practices; 

"(C) request the assistance of Federal 

agencies other than the Program agencies, as 

necessary to assist in carrying out this Act; 

"(D) coordinate all Federal post-windstorm 

investigations; and 

"(E) when warranted by research or investigative findings, issue recommendations to assist in informing the development of model 

codes, and provide information to Congress on 

the use of such recommendations. 

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1 "(2) NATIONAL INSTITUTg OF STANDARDS AND 

2 TgCUNOLOGY.-Ill addition to the lead agency re3 sponsibilities described under paragraph (1), the Na4 tional Institute of Standards and Technology shall 

5 be responsible for carrying out research and develop6 ment to improve model building codes, voluntary 

7 standards, and best practices for the design, con8 struction, and retrofit of buildings, structures, and 

9 lifelines. 

10 "(3) NATIONAL SOIgNeE FOUNDATION.-The 

11 National Science Foundation shall support research 

12 in engineering and the atmospheric sciences to im13 prove the understanding of the behavior of wind14 storms and their impact on buildings, structures, 

15 and lifelines. 

16 "(4) NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC 

17 ADliUNISTRATION.-The National Oceanic and At18 mosphcric Administration shall support atmospheric 

19 sciences research to improve the understanding of 

20 the behavior of windstorms and their impact on 

21 buildings, structures, and lifelines. 

22 "(5) FEDERAJ~ E~fERGENCY l\lANAGEl\fENT 

23 AGENCY-The Federal Emergency Management 

24 Agency shall support the development of risk assess25 ment tools and effective mitigation techniques, windf:WHLCI0628131062813.068.xml 

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5 

1 storm-related data collection and analysis, public 

2 outreach, information dissemination, and implemel1-

3 tation of mitigation measures consistent with the 

4 l\gency's all-hazards approach."; 

5 (2) by redesignating subseetion (d) as sub6 section (c); 

7 (3) by inserting after subsection (c), as so re8 desigllated, the follo,\'ing new subsection: 

9 "(d) INTERAGENCY COORDINATING CmI:\IITTEE ON 

10 'WINDS'l'OHM hIPACT REDUCTION.-

11 "(1) ESTABLISHMENT.-There is established an 

12 Interagency Coordinating Committee on Windstorm 

13 Impact Reduction, chaired by the Director. 

14 "(2) J\:IEMBERSHIP.-In addition to the chair, 

15 the Committee shall he composed of16 "(A) the heads of17 "(i) the Pederal Emergency J\:Ianage18 ment Agency; 

19 "(ii) the National Oceanic and Atmos20 pheric Administration; 

21 "(iii) the National Science Pounda22 tion; 

23 "(iv) the Office of Science and 'rech24 nology Policy; and 

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1 "(v) the Office of Management and 

2 Budget; and 

3 "(B) the hea~l of any other Federal agency 

4 the chair considers appropriate. 

5 "(3) 1VIEETINGS.-The Committee shall meet 

6 not less than 2 times a year at the call of the Direc7 tor of the National Institute of Standards and Tech8 nology. 

9 "(4) GENERAL P"CRPOSE AND DUTIES.-The 

10 Committee shall oversee the planning and coordina11 tion of the Program. 

12 "(5) STRATEGIC PLAN.-The Committee shall 

13 develop and submit to Congress, not later than one 

14 year after the date of enactment of the National 

15 Windstorm Impact Reduction Act Reauthorization of 

16 2013, a Strategic Plan for the Program that iu17 cludes18 "(A) prioritized goals for the Program that 

19 will mitigate against the loss of life and prop20 erty from future windstorms; 

21 "(B) short-term, mid-term, and long-term 

22 research objectives to achievc those goals; 

23 "(C) a description of the role of each Pro24 gram agency in achieving the prioritized goals; 

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"(D) the methods by which progress to2 wards the goals will be assessed; and 

3 "(E) an explanation of how the Program 

4 "ill foster the transfer of research results into 

5 outcomes, such as improved model building 

6 codes. 

7 "(6) PROGRESS REPORT.-Not later than 18 

8 months after the date of enactment of the National 

9 Windstorm Impact Reduction Act Reauthorization of 

10 2013, the Committee shall submit to the Congress a 

11 report on the progress of the Program that in12 cludes13 "(A) a description of the activities funded 

14 under the Program, a description of how these 

15 activities align 'with the prioritized goals and re16 search objectives established in the Strategic 

17 Plan, and the budgets, per agency, for these ac18 tivitics; 

19 "(B) the outcomes achieved by the Pro20 gram for each of the goals identified in the 

21 Strategic Plan; 

22 "(C) a description of any recommendations 

23 made to change existing building codes that 

24 were the result of Program activities; and 

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1 "(D) a description of the extent to which 

2 the Program has incorporated recommendations 

3 from the Advisory Committee on Windstorm 

4 Impact Reduction. 

5 "(7) COORDINATED BUDGE'l'.-'l'he Committee 

6 shall develop a coordinated budget for the Program, 

7 which shall be submitted to the Conb'Tess at the time 

8 of the President's budget submission for each fiseal 

9 year."; and 

10 (4) by striking subsections (e) and (f). 

11 SEC. 4. NATIONAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON WINDSTORM 

12 IMPACT REDUCTION. 

13 Section 205 of the National Windstorm Impact Re14 duction Act of 2004 (42 U.S.C. 15704) is amended to 

15 read as follows: 

16 "SEC. 205. NATIONAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON WIND17 STORM IMPACT REDUCTION. 

18 "(a) IN GENERAJ,.-rrhe Director of the National 111-

19 stitute of Standards and Technology shall establish an Ad20 visory Committee on Windstorm Impact Reduction, which 

21 shall be composed of at least 7 members, none of whom 

22 may be employees of the Federal Government, including' 

23 representatives of research and academic institutions, in24 dustry standards development organizations, emergeney 

25 management agencies, State and local government, and 

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1 business communities who are qualified to provide advice 

2 on windstorm impact reduction and represent all related 

3 scientific, architectural, and engineering disciplines. The 

4 recommendations of the Advisory Committee shall be con5 sidered by Federal agencies in implementing the Program. 

6 "(b) ASSESSMENTS.-The Advisory Committee on 

7 Windstorm Impact Reduction shall offer assessments on8 "( 1) trends and developments in the natural 

9 and engineering sciences and practices of 'windstorm 

10 impact mitigation; 

11 "(2) the priorities of the Program's Strategic 

12 Plan; 

13 "(3) the coordination of the Program; and 

14 "( 4) any revisions to the Program which may 

15 be necessary. 

16 "(c) COMPENSATION.-The members of the Advisory 

17 Committee established under this section shall serve \,,;.1h18 out compensation. 

19 "(d) REPORTS.-At least every 2 years, the Advisory 

20 Committee shall report to the Director on the assessments 

21 canied out under subsection (b) and its recommendations 

22 for ways to improve the Program. 

23 "(e) CHARTER-Notwithstanding section 14(b)(2) of 

24 the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App), the 

25 Advisory Committee shall not be required to file a charter 

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1 subsequent to its initial charter, filed under section 9(c) 

2 of such Act, before the termination date specified in sub3 section (f) of this section. 

4 "(f) TEmfINATION.-'fhe Advisory Committee shall 

5 terminate on September 30,2016.". 

6 SEC. 5. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. 

7 Section 207 of the National Windstorm Impact Rc8 duction Act of 2004 (42 U.S.C. 15706) is amended to 

9 read as follows: 

10 "SEC. 207. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. 

11 "(a) FEDERAL EMERGENCY ~1ANAGEMENT AGEN12 CY.-There are authorized to be appropriated to the Fed13 eral Emergency Management Agency for carrying out this 

14 title15 "(1) $2,000,000 for fiscal year 2014; 

16 "(2) $2,000,000 for fiscal year 2015; and 

17 "(3) $2,000,000 for fiscal year 2016. 

18 "(b) NATIONAL SCIENCE POUNDATION.-There are 

19 authorized to be appropriated to the National Science 

20 li1oundation for carrying out this titk,-

21 "(1) $11,400,000 for fiscal year 2014; 

22 "(2) $11,400,000 for fiscal year 2015; and 

23 "(3) $11,400,000 for fiscal year 2016. 

24 "(c) NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STA~l)ARDS AND 

25 'l'EcIINOI,OGY.-There are authorized to be appropriated 

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1 to the National Institute of Standards and Technolof,'Y for 

2 carrying out this title3 "(1) $5,500,000 for fiscal year 2014; 

4 "(2) $5,500,000 for fiscal year 2015; and 

5 "(3) $5,500,000 for fiscal year 2016. 

6 "(d) NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC AmuN7 ISTRATION.-There are authorized to be appropriated to 

8 the National Oeeanic and Atmospherie Administration for 

9 carrying out this title--

10 

11 

12 

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"(1) $2,500,000 for fiseal year 2014; 

"(2) $2,500,000 for fiseal year 2015; and 

"(3) $2,500,000 for fiscal year 2016.". 

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SECTION–BY–SECTION ANALYSIS OF

H.R. 1786, NATIONAL WINDSTORM IMPACT REDUCTION ACT 

REAUTHORIZATION OF 2013 

Section 1. Short Title 

This section establishes the short title as the ‘‘National Windstorm Impact Reduction Reauthorization Act of 2013.’’ 

Section 2. Definitions 

This section amends the National Windstorm Impact Reduction Act of 2004 to define the ‘‘Director’’ of the Program as the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) rather than the Director of the White House Office of 

Science and Technology Policy (OSTP). This section also defines ‘‘Lifelines’’ to mean 

the public works and utilities, oil and gas pipelines, electrical power and communication facilities and infrastructure, and water supply and sewage treatment facilities. 

Section 3. National Windstorm Impact Reduction Program 

This section identifies the four agencies that make up the National Windstorm 

Impact Reduction Program (NWIRP): NIST, the National Science Foundation (NSF), 

the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and the Federal 

Emergency Management Agency (FEMA); defines NIST as the lead program agency; 

and assigns responsibilities to the four program agencies. 

As the new lead agency, NIST’s activities include planning and coordinating the 

Program; supporting the development of performance-based engineering tools; requesting the assistance of Federal agencies other than Program agencies as necessary; coordinating all Federal post-windstorm investigations; and issuing recommendations to assist in informing model codes when warranted by research or 

investigative findings. In addition to the lead agency responsibilities, NIST shall 

also conduct research and development to improve model building codes, voluntary 

standards, and best practices for the design, construction, and retrofit of buildings, 

structures, and lifelines. 

NSF activities include research in engineering and the atmospheric sciences to 

improve the understanding of the behavior of windstorms and their impact on buildings, structures, and lifelines. 

NOAA activities include the support of atmospheric science research to improve 

the understanding of the behavior of windstorms and their impact on buildings, 

structures, and lifelines. 

FEMA activities include the development of risk assessment tools and effective 

mitigation techniques; data collection and analysis; and public outreach, information 

dissemination, and implementation of mitigation measures. 

Additionally, this section creates an Interagency Coordinating Committee on 

Windstorm Impact Reduction. The Committee is chaired by the Director of NIST 

and is made up of the heads of FEMA, NOAA, NSF, OSTP, the Office of Management and the Budget (OMB), and the head of any other Federal agency the Chair 

considers appropriate. The Committee is to meet not less than two times a year and 

is tasked with developing and submitting to Congress a strategic plan, progress report, and coordinated budget for the Program. 

Section 4. National Advisory Committee on Windstorm Impact Reduction 

This section amends the National Windstorm Impact Reduction Act of 2004 to reauthorize and update an existing Advisory Committee for NWIRP of at least seven 

relevant non-Federal employee experts to offer recommendations and assessments 

on program developments, priorities, coordination, and revisions as necessary. This 

section requires the Advisory Committee to report to the Director of NIST on the 

assessment and its recommendations at least every two years. The authority for the 

Advisory Committee terminates on September 30, 2016. 

Section 5. Authorization of Appropriations 

This section provides authorizations of appropriations as follows: 

• For FEMA: $2,000,000 for each fiscal year 2014 through 2016. 

• For NSF: $11,400,000 for each fiscal year 2014 through 2016. 


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• For NIST: $5,500,000 for each fiscal year 2014 through 2016. 

• For NOAA: $2,500,000 for each fiscal year 2014 through 2016. 


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AMENDMENTS


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AMENDMENT TO H.R. 1786 

OFFERED BY MR. NEUGEBAUER OF TExAs AND 

Ms. WILSON OF FLORIDA 

Page 1, line 3, strike "2013" and insert "2014". 

Page 4, lines 10 through 15, amend paragraph (3) 

to read as follows: 

"(3) NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION.-The 

2 National Science l<~oundation shall support research 

3 in4 "(A) engineering and the atmospheric 

5 sciences to improve the understanding of the 

6 behavior of windstorms and their impact on 

7 buildings, structures, andlifclines; and 

8 "(B) economic and social factors influ9 encing windstorm risk reduction measures. 

Page 4, line 22, through page 5, line 4, amend paragraph (5) to read as follows: 

10 "(5) FEDERAL El\IERGEXCY l\L>\NAGEMENT 

11 AGENCY.-The Federal Emergency Management 

12 1:\gency shall13 "(A) SUppOl'tf:IVHLC\022614\022614.181.xml 

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1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

7 

8 

9 

10 

11 

12 

13 

14 

15 

16 

17 

18 

19 

20 

21 

2 

"(i) the development of risk assessnlent tools and effective mitigation techniques; 

"(ii) ,vindstorm-related data collection 

and analysis; 

"(iii) public outreach and information 

dissemination; and 

"(iv) promotion of the adoption of 

windstorm preparedness and mitigation 

measures, including for households, husinesses, and communities, consistent with 

the ,Agency's all-hazards approach; and 

"(B) work closely with national standards 

and model building code organizations, in conjunction with the National Institute of Standards and Technology, to promote the implementation of research results and promote better 

building practices within the building design 

and construction industry, including architects, 

engineers, contractors, huilders, and inspectors."; 

Page 5, line 6, strike "subsection (c);" and insert 

"suhsection (c), and by striking subsections (e) and (f); 

and". 

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3 

Page 5, line 8, strike "subsection" and insert "subsections". 

Page 5, after line 8, insert the following: 

1 "(d) BUDGET ACTIV1TIES.-r

rhe Director of the Na2 tional Institute of Standards and Technology, the Director 

3 of the National Science Foundation, the Director of the 

4 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and 

5 the Director of the Federal JiJmergency Management 

6 Agency shall each include in their agency's annual budget 

7 request to Congress a description of their agency's pro8 jected activities under the Program for the fiscal year cov9 ered by the budget request, along with an assessment of 

10 what they plan to spend on thosc activities for that fiscal 

11 year. 

Page 5, line 9, redesignate subsection (d) as subsection (e). 

Page 6, line 16, strike "2013" and insert "2014". 

Page 7, line 10, strike "2013" and insert "2014". 

Page 8, line 9, strike "; and" and insert a period. 

Page 8, line 10, strike paragraph (4). 

Page 9, lines 8 through 10, amend paragraph (1) to 

read as follows: 

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4 

1 "(1) trends and developments 1Il the natural, 

2 engineering, and social sciences and practices of 

3 \vindstorm impact mitigation; 

Page 10, lines 15 through 17, strike paragraphs (1) 

through (3) and insert the following: 

4 

5 

"(1) $5,332,000 for fiscal year 2014; and 

"(2) $5,332,000 for fiscal year 2015. 

Page 10, lines 21 through 23, strike paragraphs (1) 

through (3) and insert the following: 

6 

7 

"(1) $9,682,000 for fiscal year 2014; and 

"(2) $9,682,000 for fiscal year 2015. 

Page 11, lines 3 through 5, strike paragraphs (1) 

through (3) and insert the following: 

8 

9 

"(1) $4,120,000 for fIscal year 2014; and 

"(2) $4,120,000 for fiscal year 2015. 

Page 11, lines 10 through 12, strike paragraphs (1) 

through (3) and insert the following: 

10 

11 

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"(1) $2,266,000 for fiscal year 2014; and 

"(2) $2,266,000 for fiscal year 2015. 

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AMENDMENT TO H.R. 1786 

OFFERED BY MR. GRAYSON OF FLORIDA 

Page 10, after line 5, insert the following new subsection: 

1 "(g) CONFLICT OF INTEREST.-An Advisory Com2 mittee member shall recuse himself from any Advisory 

3 Committee activity in which he has an actual pecuniary 

4 interest." . 

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AMENDMENT ROSTER


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--No. 

1 

2 

COMMITTEE ON SCIENCE, SPACE, AND TECHNOLOGY 

Full Committee Markup 

February 28,2014 

AMENDMENT ROSTER 

H.R. 1786, the "National Windstorm Initiative Reauthorization Program of 2013" 

Amendment Summary 

Manager's Makes technical corrections to the existing bill; 

Amendment to H.R. adds economic and social science research to the Agreed to 

1786 type of research that NSF may conduct and the by 

Offered by Advisory Committee may assess; adds language Voice Vote 

Mr. Neugebauer (TX) requiring NIST, NSF, NOAA and FEMA report on 

and Ms. Wilson (FL) planned NWIRP activities in Congressional budget 

(001) requests; reallocates funding within program but 

maintains current overall funding level; authorizes 

the program through 2015. 

Amendment Offered Requires an Advisory Committee member to Agreed to 

by Mr. Grayson (FL) recuse themselves from any Advisory Committee by 

(231) activity in which they have an actual pecuniary Voice Vote 

interest. 

I