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[Congressional Bills 104th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 1815 Reported in House (RH)]

                                                 Union Calendar No. 140

104th CONGRESS

  1st Session

                               H. R. 1815

                  [Report No. 104-237, Parts I and II]

_______________________________________________________________________

                                 A BILL

 To authorize appropriations for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
      Administration for fiscal year 1996, and for other purposes.

_______________________________________________________________________

                           September 29, 1995

 Reported from the Committee on Resources with an amendment, committed 
  to the Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union, and 
                         ordered to be printed
                                                 Union Calendar No. 140
104th CONGRESS
  1st Session
                                H. R. 1815

                  [Report No. 104-237, Parts I and II]

 To authorize appropriations for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
      Administration for fiscal year 1996, and for other purposes.

_______________________________________________________________________

                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                             June 13, 1995

 Mr. Rohrabacher (for himself and Mr. Hayes) introduced the following 
 bill; which was referred to the Committee on Science, and in addition 
    to the Committee on Resources, for a period to be subsequently 
   determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such 
 provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned

                             August 4, 1995

        Reported from the Committee on Science with an amendment
 [Strike out all after the enacting clause and insert the part printed 
                               in italic]

                             August 4, 1995

Referral to the Committee on Resources extended for a period ending not 
                     later than September 22, 1995

                           September 29, 1995

Referral to the Committee on Resources extended for a period ending not 
                     later than September 29, 1995

                           September 29, 1995

 From the Committee on Resources reported with an amendment, committed 
  to the Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union, and 
                         ordered to be printed
 [For text of introduced bill, see copy of bill as introduced on June 
                               13, 1995]
 [Strike out all after the enacting clause and insert the part printed 
                          in bold face roman]

_______________________________________________________________________

                                 A BILL

 
 To authorize appropriations for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
      Administration for fiscal year 1996, and for other purposes.

    Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration Authorization Act of 1995''.

SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.

    For the purposes of this Act, the term--
            (1) ``Act of 1890'' means the Act entitled ``An Act to 
        increase the efficiency and reduce the expenses of the Signal 
        Corps of the Army, and to transfer the Weather Bureau to the 
        Department of Agriculture'', approved October 1, 1890 (26 Stat. 
        653);
            (2) ``Act of 1947'' means the Act entitled ``An Act to 
        define the functions and duties of the Coast and Geodetic 
        Survey, and for other purposes'', approved August 6, 1947 (33 
        U.S.C. 883a et seq.);
            (3) ``Act of 1970'' means the Act entitled ``An Act to 
        clarify the status and benefits of commissioned officers of the 
        National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and for other 
        purposes'', approved December 31, 1970 (33 U.S.C. 857-1 et 
        seq.);
            (4) ``Administrator'' means the Administrator of the 
        National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; and
            (5) ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of Commerce.

         TITLE I--ATMOSPHERIC, WEATHER, AND SATELLITE PROGRAMS

SEC. 101. NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE.

    (a) Operations and Research.--There are authorized to be 
appropriated to the Secretary to enable the National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration to carry out the operations and research 
duties of the National Weather Service, $472,338,000 for fiscal year 
1996. Such duties include meteorological, hydrological, and 
oceanographic public warnings and forecasts, as well as applied 
research in support of such warnings and forecasts.
    (b) Systems Acquisition.--There are authorized to be appropriated 
to the Secretary to enable the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration to carry out the public warning and forecast systems 
duties of the National Weather Service, $79,034,000 for fiscal year 
1996. Such duties include the development, acquisition, and 
implementation of major public warning and forecast systems. None of 
the funds authorized under this subsection shall be used for the 
purposes for which funds are authorized under section 102(b) of the 
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Authorization Act of 
1992 (Public Law 102-567). None of the funds authorized by such section 
102(b) shall be expended for a particular NEXRAD installation unless--
            (1) it is identified as a National Weather Service NEXRAD 
        installation in the National Implementation Plan for 
        modernization of the National Weather Service, required under 
        section 703 of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
        Administration Authorization Act of 1992 (Public Law 102-567); 
        or
            (2) it is to be used only for spare parts, not as an 
        installation at a particular site.
    (c) New NEXRAD Installations.--No funds may be obligated for NEXRAD 
installations not identified in the National Implementation Plan for 
1996, unless the Secretary certifies that such NEXRAD installations can 
be acquired within the authorization for NEXRAD contained in section 
102(b) of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 
Authorization Act of 1992.
    (d) ASOS Program Authorization.--Of the sums authorized in 
subsection (b), $16,952,000 for fiscal year 1996 are authorized to be 
appropriated to the Secretary, for the acquisition and deployment of--
            (A) the Automated Surface Observing System and related 
        systems, including multisensor and backup arrays for National 
        Weather Service sites at airports; and
            (B) Automated Meteorological Observing System and Remote 
        Automated Meteorological Observing System replacement units,
and to cover all associated activities, including program management 
and operations and maintenance.
    (e) AWIPS Authorization.--Of the sums authorized in subsection (b), 
there are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary $52,097,000 
for fiscal year 1996, to remain available until expended, for--
            (1) the acquisition and deployment of the Advanced Weather 
        Interactive Processing System and NOAA Port and associated 
        activities; and
            (2) associated program management and operations and 
        maintenance.
    (f) Construction of Weather Forecast Offices.--There are authorized 
to be appropriated to the Secretary to enable the National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration to carry out construction, repair, and 
modification activities relating to new and existing weather forecast 
offices, $20,628,000 for fiscal year 1996. Such activities include 
planning, design, and land acquisition related to such offices.
    (g) Streamlining Weather Service Modernization.--
            (1) Repeals.--Sections 706 and 707 of the Weather Service 
        Modernization Act (15 U.S.C. 313 note) are repealed.
            (2) Conforming amendments.--The Weather Service 
        Modernization Act (15 U.S.C. 313 note) is amended--
                    (A) in section 702, by striking paragraph (3) and 
                redesignating paragraphs (4) through (10) as paragraphs 
                (3) through (9), respectively; and
                    (B) in section 703--
                            (i) by striking ``(a) National 
                        Implementation Plan.--'';
                            (ii) by striking paragraph (3) and 
                        redesignating paragraphs (4), (5), and (6) as 
                        paragraphs (3), (4), and (5), respectively; and
                            (iii) by striking subsections (b) and (c).

SEC. 102. ATMOSPHERIC RESEARCH.

    (a) Climate and Air Quality Research.--(1) There are authorized to 
be appropriated to the Secretary to enable the National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration to carry out its climate and air quality 
research duties, $86,757,000 for fiscal year 1996. Such duties include 
interannual and seasonal climate research and long-term climate and air 
quality research.
    (2) The Administrator shall ensure that at least the same 
percentage of the climate and air quality research funds that were 
provided to institutions of higher education for fiscal year 1995 is 
provided to institutions of higher education from funds authorized by 
this subsection.
    (b) Atmospheric Programs.--There are authorized to be appropriated 
to the Secretary to enable the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration to carry out its atmospheric research duties, 
$39,894,000 for fiscal year 1996. Such duties include research for 
developing improved prediction capabilities for atmospheric processes, 
as well as solar-terrestrial research and services.
    (c) GLOBE Authorization.--There are authorized to be appropriated 
to the Secretary to enable the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration to carry out the Global Learning and Observations to 
Benefit the Environment program, $7,000,000 for fiscal year 1996.

SEC. 103. NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL SATELLITE, DATA, AND INFORMATION 
              SERVICE.

    (a) Satellite Observing Systems.--There are authorized to be 
appropriated to the Secretary to enable the National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration to carry out its satellite observing systems 
duties, $319,448,000 for fiscal year 1996, to remain available until 
expended. Such duties include spacecraft procurement, launch, and 
associated ground station systems involving polar orbiting and 
geostationary environmental satellites, as well as the operation of 
such satellites. None of the funds authorized under this subsection 
shall be used for the purposes for which funds are authorized under 
section 105(d) of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 
Authorization Act of 1992 (Public Law 102-567).
    (b) POES Program Authorization.--Of the sums authorized in 
subsection (a), there are authorized to be appropriated to the 
Secretary $184,425,000 for fiscal year 1996, to remain available until 
expended, for the procurement of Polar Orbiting Environmental 
Satellites K, L, M, N, and N<SUP>1, and the procurement of the 
launching and supporting ground systems of such satellites.
    (c) Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites.--Of the 
sums authorized in subsection (a), there are authorized to be 
appropriated to the Administrator $46,300,000 for fiscal year 1996, to 
remain available until expended--
            (1) to procure up to three additional Geostationary 
        Operational Environmental NEXT Satellites (GOES I-M clones) and 
        instruments; and
            (2) for contracts, and amendments or modifications of 
        contracts, with the developer of previous GOES-NEXT satellites 
        for the acquisition of the additional satellites and 
        instruments described in paragraph (1).
    (d) Environmental Data and Information Services.--There are 
authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to enable the National 
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to carry out its environmental 
data and information services duties, $35,665,000 for fiscal year 1996. 
Such duties include climate data services, geophysical data services, 
and environmental assessment and information services.
    (e) National Polar-Orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite 
System Program Authorization.--Of the sums authorized in subsection 
(a), there are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary, for 
fiscal year 1996, $39,500,000, to remain available until expended, for 
the procurement of the National Polar-Orbiting Operational 
Environmental Satellite System, and the procurement of the launching 
and supporting ground systems of such satellites.

                       TITLE II--MARINE RESEARCH

SEC. 201. NATIONAL OCEAN SERVICE.

    (a) Mapping and Charting.--There are authorized to be appropriated 
to the Secretary, to enable the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration to carry out mapping and charting activities under the 
Act of 1947 and any other law involving those activities, $29,149,000.
    (b) Geodesy.--There are authorized to be appropriated to the 
Secretary, to enable the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration to carry out geodesy activities under the Act of 1947 
and any other law involving those activities, $19,927,000 for fiscal 
year 1996.
    (c) Observation and Prediction.--
            (1) In general.--There are authorized to be appropriated to 
        the Secretary, to enable the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
        Administration to carry out observation and prediction 
        activities under the Act of 1947 and any other law involving 
        those activities, $11,279,000 for fiscal year 1996.
            (2) Circulatory survey program.--In addition to amounts 
        authorized under paragraph (1), there are authorized to be 
        appropriated to the Secretary, to enable the National Oceanic 
        and Atmospheric Administration to carry out the Circulatory 
        Survey Program, $695,000 for fiscal year 1996.
            (3) Ocean and earth sciences.--In addition to amounts 
        authorized under paragraph (1), there are authorized to be 
        appropriated to the Secretary, to enable the National Oceanic 
        and Atmospheric Administration to carry out ocean and earth 
        science activities, $4,231,000 for fiscal year 1996.
    (d) Estuarine and Coastal Assessment.--
            (1) In general.--There are authorized to be appropriated to 
        the Secretary, to enable the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
        Administration to support estuarine and coastal assessment 
        activities under the Act of 1947 and any other law involving 
        those activities, $1,171,000 for fiscal year 1996.
            (2) Ocean assessment.--In addition to amounts authorized 
        under paragraph (1), there are authorized to be appropriated to 
        the Secretary, to enable the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
        Administration to carry out the National Status and Trends 
        Program, the Strategic Environmental Assessment Program, and 
        the Hazardous Materials Response Program, $8,401,000 for fiscal 
        year 1996.
            (3) Damage assessment program.--In addition to amounts 
        authorized under paragraph (1), there are authorized to be 
        appropriated to the Secretary, to enable the National Oceanic 
        and Atmospheric Administration to carry out the Damage 
        Assessment Program, $585,000 for fiscal year 1996.
            (4) Coastal ocean program.--In addition to amounts 
        authorized under paragraph (1), there are authorized to be 
        appropriated to the Secretary, to enable the National Oceanic 
        and Atmospheric Administration to carry out the Coastal Ocean 
        Program, $9,158,000 for fiscal year 1996.

SEC. 202. OCEAN AND GREAT LAKES RESEARCH.

    (a) Marine Prediction Research.--There are authorized to be 
appropriated to the Secretary, to enable the National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration to carry out marine prediction research 
activities under the Act of 1947, the Act of 1890, and any other law 
involving those activities, $13,763,000 for fiscal year 1996.
    (b) National Sea Grant College Program.--(1) Section 212(a) of the 
National Sea Grant College Program Act (33 U.S.C. 1131(a)) is amended 
to read as follows:
    ``(a) Grants and Contracts; Fellowships.--There are authorized to 
be appropriated to carry out sections 205 and 208, $34,500,000 for 
fiscal year 1996.''.
    (2) Section 212(b)(1) of the National Sea Grant College Program Act 
(33 U.S.C. 1131(b)(1)) is amended by striking ``an amount'' and all 
that follows through ``not to exceed $2,900,000'' and inserting in lieu 
thereof ``$1,500,000 for fiscal year 1996''.
    (3) Section 203(4) of the National Sea Grant College Program Act 
(33 U.S.C. 1122(4)) is amended by striking ``discipline or field'' and 
all that follows through ``public administration)'' and inserting in 
lieu thereof ``field or discipline involving scientific research''.

SEC. 203. USE OF OCEAN RESEARCH RESOURCES OF OTHER FEDERAL AGENCIES.

    (a) Findings.--The Congress finds the following:
            (1) Observing, monitoring, and predicting the ocean 
        environment has been a high priority for the defense community 
        to support ocean operations.
            (2) Many advances in ocean research have been made by the 
        defense community which could be shared with civilian 
        researchers.
            (3) The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's 
        missions to describe and predict the ocean environment, manage 
        the Nation's ocean and coastal resources, and promote 
        stewardship of the world's oceans would benefit from increased 
        cooperation with defense agencies.
    (b) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of the Congress that the 
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration should expand its 
efforts to develop interagency agreements to further the use of 
defense-related technologies, data, and other resources to support its 
oceanic missions.
    (c) Report.--
            (1) In general.--Not later than 120 days after the date of 
        the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Commerce shall 
        submit to the Committee on Science of the House of 
        Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
        Transportation of the Senate a report on the feasibility of 
        expanding the use of defense-related technologies, data, and 
        other resources to support and enhance the oceanic missions of 
        the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
            (2) Contents.--The report required under paragraph (1) 
        shall include--
                    (A) a detailed listing of defense-related resources 
                currently available to the National Oceanic and 
                Atmospheric Administration and the National Oceanic and 
                Atmospheric Administration missions which utilize those 
                resources;
                    (B) detailed findings and recommendations, 
                including funding requirements, on the potential for 
                expanding the use of available defense-related 
                resources;
                    (C) a detailed listing and funding history of the 
                National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 
                resources, including data and technology, which could 
                be supplemented by defense-related resources;
                    (D) a listing of currently unavailable defense-
                related resources, including data and technology, which 
                if made available would enhance the National Oceanic 
                and Atmospheric Administration mission performance;
                    (E) recommendations on the regulatory and 
                legislative structures needed to maximize the use of 
                defense-related resources;
                    (F) an assessment of the respective roles in the 
                use of defense-related resources of the Army Corps of 
                Engineers, data centers, operational centers, and 
                research facilities of the National Oceanic and 
                Atmospheric Administration; and
                    (G) recommendations on how to provide access to 
                relevant defense-related data for non-Federal 
                scientific users.

                       TITLE III--PROGRAM SUPPORT

SEC. 301. PROGRAM SUPPORT.

    (a) Executive Direction and Administrative Activities.--There are 
authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary, to enable the National 
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to carry out executive direction 
and administrative activities under the Act of 1970 and any other law 
involving those activities, $20,632,000 for fiscal year 1996.
    (b) Central Administrative Support.--There are authorized to be 
appropriated to the Secretary, to enable the National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration to carry out central administrative support 
activities under the Act of 1970 and any other law involving those 
activities, $30,000,000 for fiscal year 1996.
    (c) Retired Pay.--There are authorized to be appropriated to the 
Secretary, for retired pay for retired commissioned officers of the 
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration under the Act of 1970, 
$7,706,000 for fiscal year 1996.
    (d) Marine Services.--
            (1) Contracting authority.--Notwithstanding any other 
        provision of law, the Secretary is authorized to enter into 
        contracts for data or days-at-sea to fulfill the National 
        Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration missions of marine 
        research, climate research, fisheries research, and mapping and 
        charting services.
            (2) UNOLS vessel agreements.--In fulfilling the National 
        Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration mission requirements 
        described in paragraph (1), the Secretary shall use excess 
        capacity of University-National Oceanographic Laboratory System 
        vessels where appropriate, and may enter into memoranda of 
        agreement with operators of those vessels to carry out those 
        mission requirements.
            (3) Authorization of appropriations.--There are authorized 
        to be appropriated to the Secretary, to enable the National 
        Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to carry out marine 
        services activities, including activities described in 
        paragraphs (1) and (2), $60,689,000 for fiscal year 1996.
    (e) Aircraft Services.--There are authorized to be appropriated to 
the Secretary, to enable the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration to carry out aircraft services activities (including 
aircraft operations, maintenance, and support) under the Act of 1970 
and any other law involving those activities, $9,548,000 for fiscal 
year 1996.
    (f) Facilities Repairs and Renovations.--There are authorized to be 
appropriated to the Secretary, to enable the National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration to carry out facilities repairs and 
renovations, $7,374,000 for fiscal year 1996.

                  TITLE IV--STREAMLINING OF OPERATIONS

SEC. 401. PROGRAM TERMINATIONS.

    (a) Terminations.--No funds may be appropriated for the following 
programs and accounts:
            (1) The National Undersea Research Program.
            (2) The Fleet Modernization, Shipbuilding, and Construction 
        Account.
            (3) The Charleston, South Carolina, Special Management 
        Plan.
            (4) Chesapeake Bay Observation Buoys.
            (5) Federal/State Weather Modification Grants.
            (6) The Southeast Storm Research Account.
            (7) The Southeast United States Caribbean Fisheries 
        Oceanographic Coordinated Investigations Program.
            (8) National Institute for Environmental Renewal.
            (9) The Lake Champlain Study.
            (10) The Maine Marine Research Center.
            (11) The South Carolina Cooperative Geodetic Survey 
        Account.
            (12) Pacific Island Technical Assistance.
            (13) Sea Grant/Oyster Disease Account.
            (14) National Coastal Research and Development Institute 
        Account.
            (15) VENTS program.
            (16) National Weather Service Non-Federal, Non-Wildfire 
        Fire Weather Service.
            (17) National Weather Service Regional Climate Centers.
            (18) National Weather Service Samoa Weather Forecast Office 
        Repair and Upgrade Account.
            (19) Dissemination of Weather Charts (Marine Facsimile 
        Service).
    (b) Report.--Not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment 
of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Science of 
the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, 
and Transportation of the Senate a report certifying that all the 
programs listed in subsection (a) will be terminated no later than 
September 30, 1995.
    (c) Repeal of Sea Grant Programs.--
            (1) Repeals.--(A) Section 208(b) of the National Sea Grant 
        College Program Act (33 U.S.C. 1127(b)) is repealed.
            (B) Section 3 of the Sea Grant Program Improvement Act of 
        1976 (33 U.S.C. 1124a) is repealed.
            (2) Conforming amendment.--Section 209 of the National Sea 
        Grant College Program Act (33 U.S.C. 1128(b)(1)) is amended by 
        striking ``and section 3 of the Sea Grant Program Improvement 
        Act of 1976''.
    (d) Additional Repeal.--The NOAA Fleet Modernization Act (33 U.S.C. 
851 note) is repealed.

SEC. 402. LIMITATION ON APPROPRIATIONS.

    (a) Subsequent Fiscal Years.--Notwithstanding any other provision 
of law, no funds are authorized to be appropriated for any fiscal year 
after fiscal year 1996 for carrying out the programs, projects, and 
activities for which funds are authorized by this Act.
    (b) Fiscal Year 1996.--No more than $1,692,470,000 is authorized to 
be appropriated to the Secretary for fiscal year 1996, by this Act or 
any other Act, to enable the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration to carry out all activities associated with Operations, 
Research, and Facilities.
    (c) Reduction in Travel Budget.--Of the sums appropriated under 
this Act for Operations, Research, and Facilities, no more than 
$20,000,000 may be used for reimbursement of travel and related 
expenses for National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration personnel.

SEC. 403. REDUCTION IN THE COMMISSIONED OFFICER CORPS.

    (a) Maximum Number.--The total number of commissioned officers on 
the active list of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 
shall not exceed--
            (1) 369 for fiscal year 1996;
            (2) 100 for fiscal year 1997; and
            (3) 50 for fiscal year 1998.
No such commissioned officers are authorized for any fiscal year after 
fiscal year 1998.
    (b) Separation Pay.--The Secretary may separate commissioned 
officers from the active list of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, and may do so without providing separation pay.

                         TITLE V--MISCELLANEOUS

SEC. 501. WEATHER DATA BUOYS.

    (a) Prohibition.--It shall be unlawful for any unauthorized person 
to remove, change the location of, obstruct, willfully damage, make 
fast to, or interfere with any weather data buoy established, 
installed, operated, or maintained by the National Data Buoy Center.
    (b) Civil Penalties.--The Administrator is authorized to assess a 
civil penalty against any person who violates any provision of this 
section in an amount of not more than $10,000 for each violation. Each 
day during which such violation continues shall be considered a new 
offense. Such penalties shall be assessed after notice and opportunity 
for a hearing.
    (c) Rewards.--The Administrator may offer and pay rewards for the 
apprehension and conviction, or for information helpful therein, of 
persons found interfering, in violation of law, with data buoys 
maintained by the National Data Buoy Center; or for information leading 
to the discovery of missing National Weather Service property or the 
recovery thereof.

SEC. 502. DUTIES OF THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE.

    (a) In General.--To protect life and property and enhance the 
national economy, the Secretary, through the National Weather Service, 
except as outlined in subsection (b), shall be responsible for--
            (1) forecasts and shall serve as the sole official source 
        of weather warnings;
            (2) the issue of storm warnings;
            (3) the collection, exchange, and distribution of 
        meteorological, hydrological, climatic, and oceanographic data 
        and information; and
            (4) the preparation of hydrometeorological guidance and 
        core forecast information.
    (b) Competition With Private Sector.--The National Weather Service 
shall not compete, or assist other entities to compete, with the 
private sector when a service is currently provided or can be provided 
by commercial enterprise, unless--
            (1) the Secretary finds that the private sector is 
        unwilling or unable to provide the services; and
            (2) the service provides vital weather warnings and 
        forecasts for the protection of lives and property of the 
        general public.
    (c) Amendments.--The Act of 1890 is amended--
            (1) by striking section 3 (15 U.S.C. 313); and
            (2) in section 9 (15 U.S.C. 317), by striking all after 
        ``Department of Agriculture'' and inserting in lieu thereof a 
        period.
    (d) Report.--Not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment 
of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Science of 
the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, 
and Transportation of the Senate a report detailing all National 
Weather Service activities which do not conform to the requirements of 
this section and outlining a timetable for their termination.

SEC. 503. REIMBURSEMENT OF EXPENSES.

    (a) In General.--Notwithstanding section 3302 (b) and (c) of title 
31, United States Code, and subject to subsection (b) of this section, 
all amounts received by the United States in settlement of, or judgment 
for, damage claims arising from the October 9, 1992, allision of the 
vessel ZACHERY into the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 
research vessel DISCOVERER--
            (1) shall be retained as an offsetting collection in the 
        Marine Services account of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
        Administration;
            (2) shall be deposited in that account upon receipt by the 
        United States Government; and
            (3) shall be available only for obligation for National 
        Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration vessel repairs.
    (b) Limitation.--Not more than $518,757.09 of the amounts referred 
to in subsection (a) may be deposited into the Marine Services account 
pursuant to subsection (a).

SEC. 504. ELIGIBILITY FOR AWARDS.

    (a) In General.--The Administrator shall exclude from consideration 
for awards of financial assistance made by the National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration after fiscal year 1995 any person who 
received funds, other than those described in subsection (b), 
appropriated for a fiscal year after fiscal year 1995, from any Federal 
funding source for a project that was not subjected to a competitive, 
merit-based award process. Any exclusion from consideration pursuant to 
this section shall be effective for a period of 5 years after the 
person receives such Federal funds.
    (b) Exception.--Subsection (a) shall not apply to awards to persons 
who are members of a class specified by law for which assistance is 
awarded to members of the class according to a formula provided by law.

SEC. 505. PROHIBITION OF LOBBYING ACTIVITIES.

    None of the funds authorized by this Act shall be available for any 
activity whose purpose is to influence legislation pending before the 
Congress, provided that this shall not prevent officers or employees of 
the United States or of its departments or agencies from communicating 
to Members of Congress on the request of any Member or to Congress, 
through the proper channels, requests for legislation or appropriations 
which they deem necessary for the efficient conduct of the public 
business.

SEC. 506. REPORT ON LABORATORIES.

    (a) In General.--No later than 120 days after the date of the 
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall conduct a review of the 
laboratories operated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration and submit a report to the Committee on Science of the 
House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
Transportation of the Senate.
    (b) Requirements.--The report required by subsection (a) shall--
            (1) address potential efficiencies and savings which could 
        be achieved through closing or consolidating laboratory 
        facilities;
            (2) review each laboratory's--
                    (A) mission and activities and their correlation to 
                the mission priorities of the National Oceanic and 
                Atmospheric Administration;
                    (B) physical assets, equipment, condition, and 
                personnel resources; and
                    (C) organization and program management; and
            (3) address other issues the Inspector General considers 
        relevant.

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration Authorization Act of 1995''.

SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.

    For the purposes of this Act, the term--
            (1) ``Act of 1890'' means the Act entitled ``An Act to 
        increase the efficiency and reduce the expenses of the Signal 
        Corps of the Army, and to transfer the Weather Bureau to the 
        Department of Agriculture'', approved October 1, 1890 (26 Stat. 
        653);
            (2) ``Act of 1947'' means the Act entitled ``An Act to 
        define the functions and duties of the Coast and Geodetic 
        Survey, and for other purposes'', approved August 6, 1947 (33 
        U.S.C. 883a et seq.); and
            (3) ``Administrator'' means the Administrator of the 
        National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

                    TITLE I--NATIONAL OCEAN SERVICE

SEC. 101. NATIONAL OCEAN SERVICE.

    (a) Mapping, Charting, and Geodesy.--
            (1) Authorization of appropriations.--There are authorized 
        to be appropriated to the Secretary of Commerce, to enable the 
        National Ocean and Atmospheric Administration to carry out 
        mapping, charting, and geodesy activities (including geodetic 
        data collection and analysis) under the Act of 1947 and any 
        other law involving those activities, $58,500,000 for fiscal 
        year 1996 and $63,000,000 for fiscal year 1997.
            (2) Engineering services contracts.--The Secretary, subject 
        to the availability of appropriations, may award contracts for 
        hydrographic, geodetic, and photogrammetric surveying and 
        mapping services in accordance with title IX of the Federal 
        Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 (40 U.S.C. 541 
        et seq.).
    (b) Observation and Assessment.--(1) There are authorized to be 
appropriated to the Secretary of Commerce, to enable the National 
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to carry out observation and 
assessment activities, $50,500,000 for each of fiscal years 1996 and 
1997.
    (2) Of the sums authorized under paragraph (1), $5,000,000 for each 
of fiscal years 1996 and 1997 are authorized to be appropriated for the 
purposes of conducting a Coastal Ocean Program. Such program shall 
augment and integrate existing programs of the National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration, and shall include efforts to improve 
predictions of fish stocks to better conserve and manage living marine 
resources, to improve predictions of coastal ocean pollution to help 
correct and prevent degradation, and to improve predictions of coastal 
hazards to protect human life and personal property.

SEC. 102. OCEAN AND GREAT LAKES RESEARCH.

    There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary of 
Commerce, to enable the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 
to carry out ocean and Great Lakes research activities under the Act of 
1947, the Act of 1890, and any other law involving those activities, 
$13,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1996 and 1997.

SEC. 103. NATIONAL UNDERSEA RESEARCH PROGRAM.

    (a) Establishment.--The Secretary of Commerce shall--
            (1) establish and maintain within the Administration a 
        program to be known as the National Undersea Research Program 
        (in this section referred to as the ``Program''); and
            (2) under the Program, establish and maintain regional 
        National Undersea Research Centers.
    (b) Purpose.--The purpose of the Program shall be to increase 
knowledge essential for the wise use and preservation of oceanic, 
coastal, and large lake resources through advanced undersea 
exploration, sampling observation, and experimentation addressing 
issues of regional, national, and global importance.
    (c) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be 
appropriated to the Secretary of Commerce--
            (1) to administer the Program, $1,800,000 for each of 
        fiscal years 1996 and 1997; and
            (2) for grants and contracts to regional National Undersea 
        Research Centers, $16,200,000 for each of fiscal years 1996 and 
        1997.

                 TITLE II--NOAA MARINE FISHERY PROGRAMS

SEC. 201. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

    The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Marine 
Fisheries Program Authorization Act (Public Law 98-210; 97 Stat. 1409) 
is amended--
            (1) in section 2(a)--
                    (A) by striking ``and'' after ``1992'' and 
                inserting a comma; and
                    (B) by inserting before the period at the end the 
                following: ``, $45,000,000 for each of fiscal years 
                1996 and 1997'';
            (2) in section 3(a)--
                    (A) by striking ``and'' after ``1992'' and 
                inserting a comma; and
                    (B) by inserting before the period at the end the 
                following: ``, $27,000,000 for each of fiscal years 
                1996 and 1997'';
            (3) in section 4(a)--
                    (A) by striking ``and'' after ``1992'' and 
                inserting a comma; and
                    (B) by inserting before the period at the end the 
                following: ``, $18,000,000 for each of fiscal years 
                1996 and 1997''; and
            (4) in section 2(e)--
                    (A) by striking ``1992 and 1993'' and inserting 
                ``1996 and 1997'';
                    (B) by striking ``establish'' and inserting 
                ``operate'';
                    (C) by striking ``306'' and inserting ``307''; and
                    (D) by striking ``1991'' and inserting ``1992''.

                  TITLE III--MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

SEC. 301. PROGRAM SUPPORT.

    (a) Executive Direction and Administrative Activities.--There are 
authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary of Commerce, to enable 
the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to carry out 
executive direction and administrative activities (including 
management, administrative support, provision of retired pay of 
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration commissioned officers, 
and policy development) under the Act entitled ``An Act to clarify the 
status and benefits of commissioned officers of the National Oceanic 
and Atmospheric Administration, and for other purposes'', approved 
December 31, 1970 (33 U.S.C. 857-1 et seq.), and any other law 
involving those activities, $60,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1996 
and 1997.
    (b) Acquisition, Construction, Maintenance, and Operation of 
Facilities.--There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary 
of Commerce, for acquisition, construction, maintenance, and operation 
of facilities of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 
under any law involving those activities, $43,000,000 for fiscal year 
1996, and such sums as may be necessary for fiscal year 1997.
    (c) Marine Services.--There are authorized to be appropriated to 
the Secretary of Commerce, to enable the National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration to carry out marine services activities 
(including ship operations, maintenance, and support) under the Act of 
1947 and any other law involving those activities, $60,000,000 for each 
of fiscal years 1996 and 1997.

SEC. 302. CONVEYANCE OF NATIONAL MARINE FISHERIES SERVICE LABORATORY AT 
              GLOUCESTER, MASSACHUSETTS.

    (a) Conveyance Required.--
            (1) In general.--The Secretary of Commerce shall convey to 
        the Commonwealth of Massachusetts all right, title, and 
        interest of the United States in and to the property comprising 
        the National Marine Fisheries Service laboratory located on 
        Emerson Avenue in Gloucester, Massachusetts.
            (2) Terms.--A conveyance of property under paragraph (1) 
        shall be made--
                    (A) without payment of consideration; and
                    (B) subject to the terms and conditions specified 
                under subsections (b) and (c).
    (b) Conditions for Transfer.--
            (1) In general.--As a condition of any conveyance of 
        property under this section, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts 
        shall assume full responsibility for maintenance of the 
        property for as long as the Commonwealth retains the right and 
        title to that property.
            (2) Continued use of property by nmfs.--The Secretary may 
        enter into a memorandum of understanding with the Commonwealth 
        of Massachusetts under which the National Marine Fisheries 
        Service is authorized to occupy existing laboratory space on 
        the property conveyed under this section, if--
                    (A) the term of the memorandum of understanding is 
                for a period of not longer than 5 years beginning on 
                the date of enactment of this Act; and
                    (B) the square footage of the space to be occupied 
                by the National Marine Fisheries Service does not 
                conflict with the needs of, and is agreeable to, the 
                Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
    (c) Reversionary Interest.--All right, title, and interest in and 
to all property conveyed under this section shall revert to the United 
States on the date on which the Commonwealth of Massachusetts uses any 
of the property for any purpose other than the Commonwealth of 
Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries resource management program.

SEC. 303. CLEANUP OF NOAA FACILITIES.

    (a) In General.--The Secretary of Commerce shall cleanup landfills, 
wastes, dumps, debris, storage tanks, property, hazardous or unsafe 
conditions, and contaminants (including, without limitation, petroleum 
products and their derivatives), on lands which the National Oceanic 
and Atmospheric Administration and its predecessor agencies abandoned, 
quitclaimed, or otherwise transferred, or is obligated to transfer, to 
local entities or landowners on the Pribilof Islands, Alaska, pursuant 
to the Fur Seal Act of 1966 (16 U.S.C. 1161 et seq.).
    (b) Specific Requirements.--To carry out subsection (a), the 
Secretary shall--
            (1) by December 31, 1995, executive agreements with the 
        State of Alaska, affected local entities and landowners, and in 
        the case of new landfills, the Indian Health Service;
            (2) manage the cleanup required in subsection (a) with the 
        minimum possible Federal overhead, delay, and duplication of 
        State and local planning and design work;
            (3) receive approval of the State of Alaska for the cleanup 
        plans prepared as a result of the agreements described in 
        subsection (b)(1) where said cleanup is required by State law;
            (4) receive approval of affected local entities and 
        landowners before conducting cleanup work on their property, if 
        such approval is not obtained by agreement in accordance with 
        paragraph (5);
            (5) to the maximum extent possible, and notwithstanding any 
        other law, carry out duties under this Act and under other 
        Federal laws on the Pribilof Islands through contracts, grants, 
        or cooperative agreements, including agreements on a 
        reimbursable basis, with the local entities and landowners and 
        with residents of the Pribilof Islands; and
            (6) not require financial contributions by or from local 
        entities or landowners.
    (c) Contents of Agreements.--The agreements described in subsection 
(b)(1) shall--
            (1) require the Secretary to clean up all sites referred to 
        in subsection (a), as soon as possible;
            (2) specify the Secretary's responsibility to--
                    (A) contribute to the planning and construction of 
                new or redeveloped landfills;
                    (B) provide technical and financial assistance and 
                training to the local entities and landowners and 
                residents of the Pribilof Islands; and
                    (C) to the greatest extent possible, secure their 
                participation in carrying out this section.
    (d) Definitions.--For purposes of this section--
            (1) the term ``cleanup'' means, without limitation, 
        planning and execution of remediation actions for lands 
        described in subsection (a) and redevelopment of landfills to 
        meet regulatory requirements; and
            (2) the term ``local entities and landowners'' means those 
        local political subdivisions and entities that have received or 
        are eligible to receive lands under the Fur Seal Act of 1966 
        (16 U.S.C. 1161 et seq.)

SEC. 304. NOAA FLEET MODERNIZATION.

    (a) Service Contracts.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law 
and subject to the availability of appropriations, the Administrator 
shall enter into contracts, including multiyear contracts, subject to 
subsection (d), for the use of vessels to conduct oceanographic 
research and fisheries research, monitoring, enforcement, and 
management, and for the use of vessels to acquire mapping and charting 
data necessary to carry out the missions of the Administration. The 
Administrator shall enter into these contracts unless--
            (1) the cost of the contract is more than the cost 
        (including the cost of vessel operation, maintenance, and all 
        personnel) to the Administration of obtaining those services on 
        vessels of the Administration;
            (2) the contract is for more than 7 years;
            (3) the Administrator finds that it is not in the public 
        interest to do so; or
            (4) the data is acquired through a vessel agreement 
        pursuant to subsection (e).
    (b) Report.--The Administrator shall report to Congress by February 
1, 1996, on the need to own, lease, or charter vessels to acquire data.
    (c) Vessels.--After the date of the enactment of this Act, the 
Administrator may not enter into any contract for the construction, 
lease-purchase, or service life extension of any vessel unless 
specifically authorized by Congress.
    (d) Multiyear Contracts.--
            (1) In general.--Subject to paragraphs (2) and (3), and 
        notwithstanding section 1341 of title 31 and section 11 of 
        title 41, the Administrator may acquire data under multiyear 
        contracts.
            (2) Required findings.--The Administrator may not enter 
        into a contract pursuant to this subsection unless the 
        Administrator finds with respect to that contract that there is 
        a reasonable expectation that throughout the contemplated 
        contract period the Administrator will request from Congress 
        funding for the contract at the level required to avoid 
        contract termination.
            (3) Required provisions.--The Administrator may not enter 
        into a contract pursuant to this subsection unless the contract 
        includes--
                    (A) a provision under which the obligation of the 
                United States to make payments under the contract for 
                any fiscal year is subject to the availability of 
                appropriations provided in advance for those payments;
                    (B) a provision that specifies the term of 
                effectiveness of the contract; and
                    (C) appropriate provisions under which, in case of 
                any termination of the contract before the end of the 
                term specified pursuant to subparagraph (B), the United 
                States shall only be liable for the lesser of--
                            (i) an amount specified in the contract for 
                        such a termination; or
                            (ii) amounts that--
                                    (I) were appropriated before the 
                                date of the termination for the 
                                performance of the contract or for 
                                procurement of the type of acquisition 
                                covered by the contract; and
                                    (II) are unobligated on the date of 
                                the termination.
    (e) Vessel Agreements.--The Administrator shall use excess capacity 
of University National Oceanographic Laboratory System vessels where 
appropriate and may enter into memoranda of agreement with the 
operators of these vessels to carry out this requirement.
    (f) Transfer of Excess Vessels.--The Administrator shall transfer 
any vessels found excess to the needs of the Administration to the 
National Defense Reserve Fleet. Notwithstanding any other provision of 
law, these vessels may be scrapped in accordance with section 1160(i) 
of title 46 App. United States Code.
    (g) Vessel Retirement Fund.--There shall be established in the 
Treasury a National Marine Resources Administration Vessel Retirement 
Fund. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, 95 percent of amounts 
received by the United States--
            (1) from the scrapping of Administration vessels 
        transferred to the National Defense Reserve Fleet; and
            (2) in settlement of, or judgment for, damage claims 
        arising from the October 9, 1992, collision of the vessel 
        ZACHARY into the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
        Administration research vessel DISCOVERER,
shall be deposited in such Fund. Expenditures from such Fund shall 
cover the Maritime Administration's costs of laying up and selling the 
vessels. Any additional moneys in such Fund shall be used by the 
Administration to make separation payments to commissioned officers of 
the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

SEC. 305. TERMINATION OF THE NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC 
              ADMINISTRATION CORPS OF COMMISSIONED OFFICERS.

    (a) Number of Officers.--Notwithstanding section 8 of the Act of 
June 3, 1948 (33 U.S.C. 853g), the total number of commissioned 
officers on the active list of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration shall not exceed 358 for fiscal year 1996 and 50 for 
fiscal year 1997. No commissioned officers are authorized for any 
fiscal year after fiscal year 1997.
    (b) Separation Pay.--The Secretary of Commerce may separate 
commissioned officers from the active list of the National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration, and may do so without providing separation 
pay.
    (c) Transfer.--
            (1) Transfer to armed services.--Subject to the approval of 
        the Secretary of Defense and under terms and conditions 
        specified by the Secretary, commissioned officers subject to 
        subsection (a) may transfer to the armed services under section 
        716 of title 10, United States Code.
            (2) Transfer to coast guard.--Subject to the approval of 
        the Secretary of Transportation and under terms and conditions 
        specified by the Secretary, commissioned officers subject to 
        subsection (a) may transfer to the Coast Guard under section 
        716 of title 10, United States Code.
            (3) Transfer to administration as member of civil 
        service.--Subject to the approval of the Administrator and 
        under terms and conditions specified by the Administrator, 
        commissioned officers subject to subsection (a) who on the date 
        of enactment of this Act have been assigned for a period of one 
        year or more to the programs transferred to the Administration 
        by this Act (other than those associated with the modernization 
        of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration fleet or 
        the operations of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
        Administration Corps of Commissioned Officers) may transfer to 
        the Administration as members of the civil service.
    (d) Repeals.--
            (1) In general.--The following provisions of law are 
        repealed:
                    (A) The Coast and Geodetic Survey Commissioned 
                Officers' Act of 1948 (33 U.S.C. 853a-853o, 853p-853u).
                    (B) Section 5 of the Act of February 16, 1929 
                (Chapter 221; 45 Stat. 1187).
                    (C) The Act of January 19, 1942 (Chapter 6; 56 
                Stat. 6).
                    (D) Section 9 of Public Law 87-649 (76 Stat. 495).
                    (E) Section 16 of the Act of May 22, 1917 (Chapter 
                20; 40 Stat. 87; 33 U.S.C. 854 et seq.).
                    (F) The Act of December 3, 1942 (Chapter 670; 56 
                Stat. 1038).
                    (G) Sections 1 through 5 of Public Law 91-621 (84 
                Stat. 1863; 33 U.S.C. 857-1 et seq.).
                    (H) Section 3 of the Act of August 10, 1956 
                (Chapter 1041; 70A Stat. 619; 33 U.S.C. 857a).
                    (I) Section 11 of the Act of May 18, 1920 (Chapter 
                190; 41 Stat. 603; 33 U.S.C. 864).
                    (J) The Act of July 22, 1947 (Chapter 286; 61 Stat. 
                400; 33 U.S.C. 873, 874).
                    (K) The Act of August 3, 1956 (Chapter 932; 70 
                Stat. 988; 33 U.S.C. 875, 876).
                    (L) All other Acts inconsistent with this 
                subsection.
            (2) Effective date.--The effective date of the repeals 
        under paragraph (1) shall be September 30, 1997.
    (e) Unexpended Balances.--Unexpended balances of appropriations, 
allocations, and other funds available or made available in connection 
with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Corps of 
Commissioned officers may be used by the Administrator for payments 
under section 8 of the Act of June 3, 1948 (33 U.S.C. 853g).
    (f) Abolition.--The Office of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration Corps of Operations and the Commissioned Personnel 
Center are abolished effective September 30, 1997.

SEC. 306. OTHER TERMINATIONS.

    The following programs of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration are terminated:
            (1) The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 
        Fleet Modernization Program.
            (2) The Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the 
        Environment Program.
            (3) The Sea Grant oyster disease account.
            (4) The Sea Grant zebra mussel account.
            (5) VENTS.
            (6) The Charleston, South Carolina Special Management Plan.
            (7) The Lake Champlain study.
            (8) The South Carolina cooperative geodetic survey.
            (9) The Chesapeake Bay data buoys (as of September 30, 
        1996).
            (10) Great Lakes nearshore research.
            (11) Mussel watch.
Any unobligated balances appropriated to carry out any program referred 
to in this subsection shall be transferred to the general fund of the 
Treasury.

SEC. 307. REPEALS.

    The following are repealed:
            (1) The National Advisory Committee on Oceans and 
        Atmosphere Act of 1977, Public Law 95-63, 91 Stat. 265 (33 
        U.S.C. 857-13 through 857-18).
            (2) The Ocean Thermal Conversion Act of 1980 (42 U.S.C. 
        9101 et seq.).
            (3) Title IV of the Marine Protection, Research, and 
        Sanctuaries Act of 1972 (16 U.S.C. 1447 et seq.).
            (4) Title V of the Marine Protection, Research, and 
        Sanctuaries Act of 1972 (33 U.S.C. 2801 et seq.).
            (5) The Great Lakes Shoreline Mapping Act of 1987 (33 
        U.S.C. 883a note).
            (6) The Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Tissue Bank Act (16 
        U.S.C. 943 et seq.).
            (7) The Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and 
        Control Act of 1990 (16 U.S.C. 4701 et seq.).
            (8) Section 3 of the Sea Grant Program Improvement Act of 
        1976 (33 U.S.C. 1124a).
            (9) Section 305 of the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 
        (16 U.S.C. 1454) is repealed effective October 1, 1998.
            (10) The NOAA Fleet Modernization Act (33 U.S.C. 891 et 
        seq.).
            (11) Public Law 85-342 (72 Stat. 35; 16 U.S.C. 778 et 
        seq.), relating to fish research and experimentation.
            (12) The first section of the Act of August 8, 1956 (70 
        Stat. 1126; 16 U.S.C. 760d), relating to grants for commercial 
        fishing education.
            (13) Public Law 86-359 (16 U.S.C. 760e et seq.), relating 
        to the study of migratory marine gamefish.
            (14) The Act of August 15, 1914 (Chapter 253; 38 Stat. 692; 
        16 U.S.C. 781 et seq.), prohibiting the taking of sponges in 
        the Gulf of Mexico and the Straits of Florida.

SEC. 308. BUDGET PRESENTATION.

    The Administrator shall develop a revised budget structure that 
displays the amounts requested under a true program office and activity 
structure. This budget structure shall identify and segregate amounts 
requested for headquarters and field office components of various 
activities as well as indicate the amounts intended for external grants 
or contracts. The Administrator shall develop this budget structure in 
consultation with the Committee on Appropriations and the Committee on 
Resources of the House of Representatives, and shall use this revised 
budget structure in the submission of the fiscal year 1997 budget 
request of the Administrator.

SEC. 309. SOUTH FLORIDA COASTAL OCEAN STUDIES.

    (a) In General.--The Administrator may implement an integrated 
program to study the role of ocean circulation in coastal ocean 
processes affecting the health of South Florida's coastal ecosystems 
and fisheries, including the effects of pollutants on living marine 
resources.
    (b) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be 
appropriated to the Administrator to carry out this section $1,350,000 
for each of fiscal years 1996 and 1997.

SEC. 310. OCEAN APPLICATIONS BRANCH.

    (a) Establishment.--The Secretary of Commerce shall establish and 
maintain within the Administration a program to be known as the Ocean 
Application Branch (in this section referred to as the ``Branch'').
    (b) Purpose.--The purpose of the Branch shall be to make 
meteorological and other weather information developed by the 
Department of Defense Fleet Numerical Meteorology and Oceanography 
Center available for private, educational, and government use pursuant 
to agreement between the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of 
Commerce. It shall be the goal of the Secretary of Commerce to support 
the activities of the Ocean Applications Branch through user fees.
    (c) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be 
appropriated up to $450,000 to support the operation of the Branch not 
supported by user fees.
    (d) Limitation on Closure.--The Secretary of Commerce shall not 
terminate operation of the Branch, before the Branch fully funds its 
operations through user fees or fiscal year 2000, whichever comes 
first.
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