69–006

106TH CONGRESS REPORT " ! HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 1st Session 106–146

NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE AND RELATED AGENCIES

AUTHORIZATION ACT OF 1999

MAY 18, 1999.—Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the State of

the Union and ordered to be printed

Mr. SENSENBRENNER, from the Committee on Science,

submitted the following

REPORT

together with

MINORITY VIEWS

[To accompany H.R. 1553]

[Including cost estimate of the Congressional Budget Office]

The Committee on Science, to whom was referred the bill (H.R.

1553) to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2000 and fiscal

year 2001 for the National Weather Service, Atmospheric Research,

and National Environmental Satellite, Data and Information Service activities of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 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 of the Bill ...................................................................................... 5

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

IV. Summary of Hearings ................................................................................. 6

V. Committee Actions ...................................................................................... 8

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

VII. Section-By-Section Analysis and Committee Views ................................. 16

VIII. Cost Estimate .............................................................................................. 20

IX. Congressional Budget Office Cost Estimate ............................................. 21

X. Compliance with Public Law 104–4 .......................................................... 22

XI. Committee Oversight Findings and Recommendations ........................... 22

XII. Oversight Findings and Recommendations by the Committee on Government Reform ....................................................................................... 23
2

XIII. Constitutional Authority Statement .......................................................... 23

XIV. Federal Advisory Committee Statement ................................................... 23

XV. Congressional Accountability Act .............................................................. 23

XVI. Changes in Existing Law Made by the Bill, as Reported ........................ 23

XVII. Committee Recommendations .................................................................... 24

XVIII. Minority Views ............................................................................................ 25

XIX. Proceedings of Committee on Science Markup ......................................... 26

I. AMENDMENT

The amendment is as follows:

Strike out all after the enacting clause and insert in lieu thereof

the following:

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the ‘‘National Weather Service and Related Agencies Authorization Act of 1999’’.

SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.

For purposes of this Act, the term—

(1) ‘‘Administrator’’ means the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; and

(2) ‘‘Secretary’’ means the Secretary of Commerce.

SEC. 3. NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE.

(a) OPERATIONS, RESEARCH, AND FACILITIES.—There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to enable the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to carry out the Operations, Research, and Facilities activities of the National Weather Service $617,897,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $617,897,000 for fiscal

year 2001, to remain available until expended. Of such amounts—

(1) $449,441,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $450,411,000 for fiscal year 2001

shall be for Local Warnings and Forecasts;

(2) $2,200,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $2,200,000 for fiscal year 2001 shall

be for Advanced Hydrological Prediction System;

(3) $619,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $619,000 for fiscal year 2001 shall be

for Susquehanna River Basin Flood Systems;

(4) $35,596,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $35,596,000 for fiscal year 2001 shall

be for Aviation Forecasts;

(5) $4,000,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $4,000,000 for fiscal year 2001 shall

be for Weather Forecast Offices (WFO) Facilities Maintenance;

(6) $37,081,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $37,081,000 for fiscal year 2001 shall

be for Central Forecast Guidance;

(7) $3,090,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $3,090,000 for fiscal year 2001 shall

be for Atmospheric and Hydrological Research;

(8) $39,325,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $39,325,000 for fiscal year 2001 shall

be for Next Generation Weather Radar (NEXRAD);

(9) $7,573,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $7,573,000 for fiscal year 2001 shall

be for Automated Surface Observing System (ASOS);

(10) $38,002,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $38,002,000 for fiscal year 2001

shall be for Advanced Weather Interactive Processing System (AWIPS); and

(11) $970,000 for fiscal year 2000 shall be for two 1,000-watt National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Weather Radio transmitters, to be located

in Jasper and Marion Counties, Illinois, and nine 300-watt National Oceanic

and Atmospheric Administration Weather Radio transmitters, to be installed in

appropriate locations throughout the State of Illinois, and for maintenance costs

related thereto.

(b) PROCUREMENT, ACQUISITION, AND CONSTRUCTION.—There are authorized to be

appropriated to the Secretary to enable the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to carry out the Procurement, Acquisition, and Construction activities

of the National Weather Service $69,632,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $70,120,000

for fiscal year 2001, to remain available until expended. Of such amounts—

(1) $9,560,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $9,060,000 for fiscal year 2001 shall

be for Next Generation Weather Radar (NEXRAD);

(2) $4,180,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $6,125,000 for fiscal year 2001 shall

be for Automated Surface Observing System (ASOS);

(3) $22,575,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $21,525,000 for fiscal year 2001 shall

be for Advanced Weather Interactive Processing System (AWIPS);
3

(4) $11,100,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $12,835,000 for fiscal year 2001 shall

be for Computer Facilities Upgrades; (5) $8,350,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $8,350,000 for fiscal year 2001 shall

be for Radiosonde Replacement; (6) $500,000 for fiscal year 2000 shall be for National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Operations Center Rehabilitation; and (7) $13,367,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $12,225,000 for fiscal year 2001 shall

be for Weather Forecast Office (WFO) Construction.

(c) DUTIES OF THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE.— (1) IN GENERAL.—To protect life and property, the Secretary, through the National Weather Service, except as provided in paragraph (2), shall be responsible

for—

(A) forecasts and shall serve as the sole official source of weather and

flood warnings;

(B) the issuance of storm warnings;

(C) the collection, exchange, and distribution of meteorological,

hydrological, climatic, and oceanographic data and information;

(D) the preparation of hydrometeorological guidance and core forecast information; and

(E) the issuance of marine and aviation forecasts and warnings.

(2) COMPETITION WITH PRIVATE SECTOR.—The National Weather Service shall

not provide, or assist other entities to provide, a service (other than a service

described in paragraph (1)(A) or (B)) if that service is currently provided or can

be provided by commercial enterprise, unless—

(A) the Secretary finds that the private sector is unwilling or unable to

provide the service; or

(B) the service provides vital weather warnings and forecasts for the protection of lives and property of the general public.

(3) AMENDMENTS.—The Act of October 1, 1890 (26 Stat. 653) is amended—

(A) by striking section 3 (15 U.S.C. 313); and

(B) in section 9 (15 U.S.C. 317), by striking ‘‘, and it shall be’’ and all

that follows, and inserting a period.

(4) 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 subsection and outlining a timetable

for their termination.

SEC. 4. ATMOSPHERIC RESEARCH.

(a) OPERATIONS, RESEARCH, AND FACILITIES.—

(1) IN GENERAL.—There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to

enable the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to carry out the

Atmospheric Research Operations, Research, and Facilities environmental research and development activities of the Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research $173,250,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $173,250,000 for fiscal year 2001,

to remain available until expended.

(2) CLIMATE AND AIR QUALITY RESEARCH.—Of the amounts authorized under

paragraph (1), $126,200,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $126,200,000 for fiscal year

2001 shall be for Climate and Air Quality Research, of which—

(A) $16,900,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $16,900,000 for fiscal year 2001

shall be for Interannual and Seasonal Climate Research;

(B) $34,600,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $34,600,000 for fiscal year 2001

shall be for Long-Term Climate and Air Quality Research;

(C) $69,700,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $69,700,000 for fiscal year 2001

shall be for Climate and Global Change; and

(D) $5,000,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $5,000,000 for fiscal year 2001

shall be for Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment

(GLOBE).

(3) ATMOSPHERIC PROGRAMS.—Of the amounts authorized under paragraph

(1), $47,050,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $47,050,000 for fiscal year 2001 shall

be for Atmospheric Programs, of which—

(A) $36,600,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $36,600,000 for fiscal year 2001

shall be for Weather Research;

(B) $4,350,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $4,350,000 for fiscal year 2001

shall be for Wind Profiler; and

(C) $6,100,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $6,100,000 for fiscal year 2001

shall be for Solar-Terrestrial Services and Research.
4

(b) PROCUREMENT, ACQUISITION, AND CONSTRUCTION.—There are authorized to be

appropriated to the Secretary to enable the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to carry out the Atmospheric Research Procurement, Acquisition, and

Construction environmental research and development activities of the Office of

Oceanic and Atmospheric Research $10,040,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $14,160,000

for fiscal year 2001, to remain available until expended. Of such amounts—

(1) $5,700,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $8,000,000 for fiscal year 2001 shall

be for the Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory Supercomputer; and

(2) $4,340,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $6,160,000 for fiscal year 2001 shall

be for the Advanced Composition Explorer (ACE) Follow-On Satellite/

GEOSTORM.

SEC. 5. NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL SATELLITE, DATA AND INFORMATION SERVICE.

(a) OPERATIONS, RESEARCH, AND FACILITIES.—

(1) IN GENERAL.—There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to

enable the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to carry out the

Operations, Research, and Facilities environmental research and development

and related activities of the National Environmental Satellite, Data and Information Service $103,092,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $103,092,000 for fiscal

year 2001, to remain available until expended.

(2) SATELLITE OBSERVING SYSTEMS.—Of the amounts authorized under paragraph (1), $59,236,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $59,236,000 for fiscal year 2001

shall be for Satellite Observing Systems, of which—

(A) $2,000,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $2,000,000 for fiscal year 2001

shall be for Global Disaster Information Network (GDIN);

(B) $4,000,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $4,000,000 for fiscal year 2001

shall be for Ocean Remote Sensing; and

(C) $53,236,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $53,236,000 for fiscal year 2001

shall be for Environmental Observing Services.

(3) ENVIRONMENTAL DATA MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS.—Of the amounts authorized

under paragraph (1), $43,856,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $43,856,000 for fiscal

year 2001 shall be for Environmental Data Management Systems, of which—

(A) $31,521,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $31,521,000 for fiscal year 2001

shall be for Data and Information Services; and

(B) $12,335,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $12,335,000 for fiscal year 2001

shall be for Environmental Data Systems Modernization.

(b) PROCUREMENT, ACQUISITION, AND CONSTRUCTION.—

(1) IN GENERAL.—There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to

enable the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to carry out the

Procurement, Acquisition, and Construction environmental research and development and related activities of the National Environmental Satellite, Data and

Information Service $413,657,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $476,183,000 for fiscal year 2001, to remain available until expended.

(2) SYSTEMS ACQUISITION.—Of the amounts authorized under paragraph (1),

$410,612,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $473,803,000 for fiscal year 2001 shall be

for Systems Acquisition, of which—

(A) $140,979,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $114,594,000 for fiscal year

2001 shall be for the procurement and launch of, and supporting ground

systems for, Polar Orbiting Environmental Satellites (POES), K, L, M, N,

and N′;

(B) $80,100,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $113,600,000 for fiscal year 2001

shall be for the procurement and launch of, and supporting ground systems

for, the National Polar-Orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System (NPOESS); and

(C) $189,533,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $245,609,000 for fiscal year

2001 shall be for the procurement and launch of, and supporting ground

systems for, Geostationary Operational Environmental NEXT follow-on Satellites (GOES N–Q).

(3) CONSTRUCTION.—Of the amounts authorized under paragraph (1),

$3,045,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $2,380,000 for fiscal year 2001 shall be for

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Operations Center Rehabilitation Construction.

SEC. 6. FACILITIES.

There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to enable the National

Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to carry out the Operations, Research, and

Facilities environmental research and development and related activities required

to meet recurring facilities operations costs associated with the David Skaggs Re-
5

search Center in Boulder, Colorado, $3,850,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $3,850,000

for fiscal year 2001.

SEC. 7. ELIGIBILITY FOR AWARDS.

(a) IN GENERAL.—The Administrator shall exclude from consideration for grant

agreements made after fiscal year 1999 by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric

Administration, under the activities for which funds are authorized under this Act,

any person who received funds, other than those described in subsection (b), appropriated for a fiscal year after fiscal year 1999, under a grant agreement from any

Federal funding source for a project that was not subjected to a competitive, meritbased award process, except as specifically authorized by this Act. 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 the receipt of Federal funds by

a person due to the membership of that person in a class specified by law for which

assistance is awarded to members of the class according to a formula provided by

law.

(c) DEFINITION.—For purposes of this section, the term ‘‘grant agreement’’ means

a legal instrument whose principal purpose is to transfer a thing of value to the

recipient to carry out a public purpose of support or stimulation authorized by a law

of the United States, and does not include the acquisition (by purchase, lease, or

barter) of property or services for the direct benefit or use of the United States Government. Such term does not include a cooperative agreement (as such term is used

in section 6305 of title 31, United States Code) or a cooperative research and development agreement (as such term is defined in section 12(d)(1) of the StevensonWydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 (15 U.S.C. 3710a(d)(1))).

SEC. 8. INTERNET AVAILABILITY OF INFORMATION.

The Administrator shall make available through the Internet home page of the

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration the abstracts relating to all research grants and awards made with funds authorized by this Act. Nothing in this

section shall be construed to require or permit the release of any information prohibited by law or regulation from being released to the public.

II. PURPOSE OF THE BILL

The purpose of H.R. 1553 is to authorize appropriations for fiscal

year 2000 and fiscal year 2001 for the National Weather Service

(NWS), Atmospheric Research, and National Environmental Satellite, Data and Information Service (NESDIS) activities of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

III. BACKGROUND AND NEED FOR THE LEGISLATION

NOAA was created on October 3, 1970, by President Nixon’s Reorganization Plan No. 4 of 1970 to consolidate many of the Nation’s

civil programs related to the oceans and atmosphere. NOAA’s stated mission is ‘‘to describe and predict changes in the Earth’s environment, and to conserve and manage the Nation’s coastal and marine resources to ensure sustainable economic opportunities.’’

The NOAA programs for which the Committee on Science has

sole jurisdiction include NWS, NESDIS, and NOAA’s Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR) Climate and Atmospheric

programs. In addition, the Committee has jurisdiction over the associated line accounts for the aforementioned programs under the

Facilities and Construction accounts.

Since its creation, NOAA has obtained most of its program funding through direct appropriation without annual legislative authorization. In the 98th Congress, legislation authorizing NOAA activities for FY 1984, S. 1097, was vetoed on October 19, 1984. In the

99th Congress, the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation

Act of 1986 (Public Law 99–272) authorized various NOAA activi-
6

ties, including nautical and aeronautical chart programs, marine

research and monitoring, ocean pollution research, and weather

modification research. During the 100th Congress, provisions authorizing FY 1989 appropriations for NOAA’s satellite, atmospheric, and weather programs (previously approved by the House

of Representatives and the Senate as S. 1667) were included in

Title IV of S. 2209, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act for FY 1989, which was signed into law

on November 17, 1988 (Public Law 100–685).

During the 102nd Congress, the first comprehensive NOAA authorization bill was approved and signed into law, the National

Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Authorization Act of 1992

(Public Law 102–567). With three exceptions, Public Law 102–567

only authorized funding for fiscal years (FYs) 1992 and 1993. These

exceptions include portions of the Next Generation Weather Radar

(NEXRAD) program and the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites I, J, K, L, and M (GOES I–M), which are authorized to completion. No comprehensive NOAA authorization bills

have been signed into law since the 102nd Congress.

In the 104th Congress, a one-year NOAA authorization bill (H.R.

3322), which focused on NOAA’s weather, satellite, and atmospheric programs, passed the House but was not acted on in the

Senate. And in the 105th Congress, a two-year authorization bill

(H.R. 1278) was reported by the Committee on Science and the

Committee on Resources, but was not acted on by the House.

IV. SUMMARY OF HEARINGS

The Subcommittee on Energy and Environment of the Committee

on Science held a hearing on February 24, 1999 to hear testimony

on the Administration’s FY 2000 budget request for NOAA. Appearing as witnesses before the Subcommittee were: Dr. D. James

Baker, Under Secretary for Oceans and Atmosphere, U.S. Department of Commerce, and Administrator, NOAA; Mr. Joel C.

Willemssen, Director, Civil Agencies Information Systems, Accounting and Information Management Division, U.S. General Accounting Office, accompanied by Mr. L. Nye Stevens, Director, Federal

Management and Workforce Issues, General Government Division,

U.S. General Accounting Office; and Dr. Richard A. Anthes, Chair,

National Research Council National Weather Service Modernization Committee, and President, University Corporation for Atmospheric Research, Boulder, Colorado.

Dr. Baker testified that NOAA’s FY 2000 request is for $2.6 billion in total budget authority, which includes $2.5 billion in discretionary budget authority. This request collectively represents a

12.9% increase over the total budget authority appropriated for FY

1999, and Dr. Baker highlighted the following items relevant to the

programs authorized in this bill:

• Funding to maintain NOAA’s supercomputing capacity at the

National Weather Service (NWS) Central Computing Facility in

Suitland, Maryland, and the Forecast Systems Lab (FSL) in Boulder, Colorado, while acquiring a massively parallel, scaleable computer to be located at the OAR’s Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Lab

(GFDL), in Princeton, New Jersey.
7

• Recurring lease and/or operations costs at a number of NOAA

facilities coming on-line in FY 1999 and FY 2000, including the

David Skaggs Research Center in Boulder, Colorado. • Adjustments-to-base for pay related and inflationary cost increases to the NWS, as well as for the FY 2000 pay raise for the

remaining Line Offices; and • Funds to begin replacing outdated climate/weather observing

equipment in order to maintain continuity of core data and services

and provides funds for continuing technology infusion for systems

developed under the Weather Service Modernization.

Mr. Willemssen’s testimony discussed, among other things, the

status of the NWS systems modernization. GAO findings included

the following: • Although the NWS is nearing completion of its systems modernization effort, two significant challenges face it this year—deploying the Advanced Weather Interactive Processing System

(AWIPS), the final system of the modernization, and ensuring that

all of its mission-critical systems are Year 2000 compliant. NWS

has made progress on the development and operational testing of

the forecaster workstations and its Year 2000 testing and contingency planning. However, cost, schedule, and technical risks associated with the workstations continue to be concerns. Further, the

results of NWS’ Years 2000 end-to-end testing and business continuity and contingency plans are expected to be delivered soon.

Dr. Anthes’ testimony summarized the work to date of the National Research Council’s National Weather Service Modernization

Committee (NWSMC), and focused on the ongoing modernization

and restructuring of the NWS. The NWSMC was established under

a NOAA contract executed with the National Research Council on

December 29, 1989 to monitor the technical aspects of the modernization and restructuring of the NWS. To date, the NWSMC has

completed 15 reports, three of which were letter reports—representing a total of more than 10,000 hours of volunteered time by

37 professionals from a range of science, engineering, weather and

information technologies, and organizational management specialties, who provided oversight and independent advice to NOAA and

the NWS during the past nine years.

At this time, the NWSMC finds the following:

• Three of the five major technical components of the modernization—the Weather Surveillance Radar-1998 Doppler (WSR–88D),

more commonly referred to as NEXRAD; to Automated Surface Observing System (ASOS); and the Next Generation Geostationary

Operational Environmental Satellites (GOES-NEXT)—are in place,

operational, and contributing to improved weather forecasts nationwide.

• The fourth component—AWIPS—has experienced delays

caused by a mixture of technical and management problems, and

is now being deployed in a configuration that is somewhat less capable than originally specified. However, even with its somewhat

reduced capability, it provides a data integration and communications tools to the forecasters that is far superior to the old technology in use at weather offices.

• The fifth component of the modernization, supercomputers at

the National Centers for Environmental Prediction, are clearly defi-
8

cient to meet current and climate modeling needs. A program to

buy a class 8 supercomputer is in place, but there needs to be a

longterm commitment to upgrade periodically and regularly computers at the National Centers.

Dr. Anthes concluded his testimony by summarizing the latest

NWSMC report, ‘‘A New Vision for the National Weather Service:

Roadmap for the Future.’’

V. COMMITTEE ACTIONS

As summarized above, the Subcommittee on Energy and Environment of the Committee on Science heard testimony relevant to

the programs authorized in H.R. 1553 at a hearing held on February 24, 1999.

On April 26, 1999, Mr. Ken Calvert, Chairman of the Subcommittee on Energy and Environment, introduced H.R. 1553, the

National Weather Service and Related Programs Authorization Act

of 1999, a bill to authorize appropriations for FY 2000 and FY 2001

for the NWS, Atmospheric Research, and NESDIS activities of

NOAA.

The Committee on Science met to consider H.R. 1553 on Thursday, April 29, 1999, and entertained the following amendments and

report language.

Amendment 1.—Mr. Calvert, Chairman of the Science Committee’s Subcommittee on Energy and Environment, offered a manager’s amendment making technical and conforming changes,

which was adopted by voice vote.

Amendment 2.—Mr. Ewing offered an amendment to provide, within available funds authorized for NWS ORF, $970,000 for two

1,000 watt NOAA Weather Radio transmitters, to be located in Jasper and Marion Counties, Illinois, and nine 300-watt NOAA Weather Radio transmitters, to be installed in appropriate locations

throughout the State of Illinois, and for maintenance costs related

thereto. The amendment was adopted by voice vote.

Amendment 3.—Mr. Costello offered an amendment: (1) making

the NWS the sole official source of flood warnings and responsible

for the issuance of marine and aviation forecasts and warnings;

and (2) prohibiting the NWS from providing or assisting other entities to provide a service—other than forecasts and weather and

flood warnings or the issuance of storm warnings—unless (A) the

Secretary finds that the private sector is unwilling or unable to

provide the service, or (B) the service provides vital weather warnings and forecasts for the protection of lives and property of the

general public. The amendment was adopted by voice vote.

Amendment 4.—Mr. Costello offered an amendment providing a

3-percent increase above the levels authorized for FY 2000 for all

ORF accounts in the bill. The amendment was rejected by a vote

of 16 ayes to 18 noes.

Amendment 5.—Mr. Costello offered an amendment providing

$13,500,000 for FY 2000 and $13,500,000 for FY 2001 for NOAA’s

High Performance Computing and Communications (HPCC) Program. After a discussion clarifying that it was the Chairman’s intention for the Committee to act on separate legislation that will

authorize appropriations the HPCC program—including NOAA’s

portion—as well as the proposed Information Technology for the
9

21st Century Initiative for those agencies under the Committee’s

jurisdiction, Mr. Costello withdrew the amendment.

Amendment 6.—Mr. Kuykendall offered an amendment requiring

the NOAA Administrator to make available through NOAA’s Internet home page abstracts relating to all research grants and awards

made with funds authorized by this Act, with the proviso that

nothing in the amendment shall be construed to require or permit

the release of any information prohibited by law or regulation from

being released to the public. The amendment was adopted by voice

vote.

Amendment 7.—Mr. Wu offered report language regarding the

unique geography of the Astoria/Warrenton Airport at the Port of

Astoria, Oregon and the challenges it represents for the NWS. The

language was adopted by voice vote.

With a quorum present, Mr. Costello moved that the Committee

favorably report the bill, H.R. 1553, as amended, to the House

with the recommendation that bill as amended do pass, that the

staff be instructed to prepare the legislative report and make necessary technical and conforming changes, and that the Chairman

take all necessary steps to bring the bill before the House for consideration. The motion was approved by voice vote.

Mr. Sensenbrenner asked and received unanimous consent that:

(1) the bill be reported in the form of a single amendment in the

nature of a substitute reflecting amendments adopted; (2) that pursuant to clause 1 of Rule XXII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, the Chairman may offer such motions as may be necessary in the House to go to conference with the Senate on

H.R. 1553 or a similar Senate bill; and (3) Members have two subsequent calendar days in which to submit supplemental, minority

or additional views on the measure.

VI. SUMMARY OF MAJOR PROVISIONS OF THE BILL

As shown in Table 1, H.R. 1553 authorizes a total of

$1,391,418,000 for FY 2000 and $1,458,552,000 for FY 2001 for the

NWS, the Atmospheric Research programs of OAR, NESDIS, and

related Facilities, including (1) $687,529,000 for FY 2000 and

$688,017,000 for FY 2001 for the NWS; (2) $183,290,000 for FY

2000 and $187,410,000 for FY 2001 for Atmospheric Research within the NOAA Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR);

(3) $516,749,000 for FY 2000 and $579,275,000 for FY 2001 for the

NESDIS; and (5) $3,850,000 for each of FYs 2000 and 2001 for Facilities. A detailed breakdown of the authorizations contained in

the bill is contained in Table 2.

Excluded from this authorization legislation is NOAA’s High Performance Computing and Communications Program, which will be

authorized under separate authorization legislation. Also excluded

are any additional authorizations for GOES I–M, which were authorized to completion by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric

Administration Authorization Act of 1992 (Public Law 102–567).
10

TABLE 1.—H.R. 1553—NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE AND RELATED AGENCIES AUTHORIZATION ACT OF 1999: SUMMARY

[In thousands of dollars]

Program/activity FY 1999 appro- priation FY 2000 request FY 2000 rec- ommendation

FY 2000 recommendation

compared with (+

or ¥) FY 1999

appropriation

FY 2001 recommendation

FY 2001 recommendation

compared with (+

or ¥) FY 2000

appropriation

National Weather Service ........................................................................................................................ 658,653 687,529 687,529 +28,876 688,017 +488Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research ........................................................................................ 168,850 196,790 183,290 +14,440 187,410 +4,120National Environmental Satellite, Data and Information Service (NESDIS) Budget Authority .............. 574,994 593,831 593,831 +18,837 637,890 +44,059

Less GOES I–M PAC Budget Authorization .................................................................................... ¥82,376 ¥77,082 ¥77,082 +5,294 ¥58,615 +18,467

NESDIS Budget Authorization .................................................................................................................. 492,618 516,749 516,749 +24,131 579,275 +62,526Facilities .................................................................................................................................................. 3,000 3,850 3,850 +850 3,850 0Construction ............................................................................................................................................ 7,220 0 0 ¥7,220 0 0

Total, H.R. 1553 Budget Authority ............................................................................................ 1,412,717 1,482,000 1,468,500 +55,783 1,517,167 +48,667Total, H.R. 1553 Budget Authorization ..................................................................................... 1,330,341 1,404,918 1,391,418 +61,077 1,458,552 +67,134

TABLE 2.—H.R. 1553—NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE AND RELATED AGENCIES AUTHORIZATION ACT OF 1999

[In thousands of dollars]

Program/activity/appropriation account FY 1999 appro- priation FY 2000 request FY 2000 rec- ommendation

FY 2000 recommendation

compared with (+

or ¥) FY 1999

appropriation

FY 2001 recommendation

FY 2001 recommendation

compared with (+

or ¥) FY 2000

appropriation

NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE (NWS)

Operations, Research and Facilities (ORF) Appropriation

Operations and Research:

Local Warnings and Forecasts ....................................................................................................... 357,034 450,411 449,441 +92,407 450,411 +970

MARDI .................................................................................................................................... 64,036 0 0 ¥64,036 0 0Radiosonde Replacement ...................................................................................................... 2,000 0 0 ¥2,000 0 0Advanced Hydrological Prediction System ............................................................................ 0 2,200 2,200 +2,200 2,200 0Susquehanna River Basin Flood Systems ............................................................................ 1,250 619 619 ¥631 619 0Aviation Forecasts ................................................................................................................. 35,596 35,596 35,596 0 35,596 0
11

WFO Maintenance .................................................................................................................. 0 4,000 4,000 +4,000 4,000 0

Subtotal ............................................................................................................................ 459,916 492,826 491,856 +31,940 492,826 +970

Central Forecast Guidance .................................................................................................... 35,574 37,081 37,081 +1,507 37,081 0Atmospheric and Hydrological Research .............................................................................. 2,964 3,090 3,090 +126 3,090 0

Total, Operations and Research ORF Budget Authority ................................................... 498,454 532,997 532,027 +33,573 532,997 +970

Systems Acquisition:

Public Warning and Forecast Systems:

Next Generation Weather Radars (NEXRAD) ......................................................................... 38,346 39,325 39,325 +979 39,325 0Automated Surface Observing System (ASOS) ..................................................................... 7,116 7,573 7,573 +457 7,573 0Advanced Weather Interactive Processing System (AWIPS)/NOAAPort ................................. 12,189 38,002 38,002 +25,813 38,002 0NOAA Weather Radio Transmitters ....................................................................................... 0 0 970 +970 0 ¥970Computer Facility Upgrades .................................................................................................. 4,600 0 0 ¥4,600 0 0

Total, Systems Acquisition ORF Budget Authority ........................................................... 62,251 84,900 85,870 +23,619 84,900 ¥970Total, NWS ORF Budget Authority .................................................................................... 560,705 617,897 617,897 +57,192 617,897 0

Procurement, Acquisition and Construction (PAC) Appropriation

Systems Acquisition:

NEXRAD .......................................................................................................................................... 7,000 9,560 9,560 +2,560 9,060 ¥500

ASOS ............................................................................................................................................... 3,855 4,180 4,180 +325 6,125 +1,945AWIPS ............................................................................................................................................. 67,667 22,575 22,575 ¥45,092 21,525 ¥1,050Computer Facility Upgrades ........................................................................................................... 9,900 11,100 11,100 +1,200 12,835 +1,735Radiosonde Replacement ............................................................................................................... 0 8,350 8,350 +8,350 8,350 0

Subtotal, Systems Acquisition PAC Budget Authority ............................................................... 88,422 55,765 55,765 ¥32,657 57,895 +2,130

Construction:

NOAA Operations Center (NORC) Rehabilitation ............................................................................ 0 500 500 +500 0 ¥500NWS WFO Construction .................................................................................................................. 9,526 13,367 13,367 +3,841 12,225 ¥1,142

Total, Construction PAC Budget Authority ................................................................................ 9,526 13,867 13,867 +4,341 12,225 ¥1,642Total, NWS PAC Budget Authority ............................................................................................. 97,948 69,632 69,632 ¥28,316 70,120 +448
12

TABLE 2.—H.R. 1553—NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE AND RELATED AGENCIES AUTHORIZATION ACT OF 1999—Continued

[In thousands of dollars]

Program/activity/appropriation account FY 1999 appro- priation FY 2000 request FY 2000 rec- ommendation

FY 2000 recommendation

compared with (+

or ¥) FY 1999

appropriation

FY 2001 recommendation

FY 2001 recommendation

compared with (+

or ¥) FY 2000

appropriation

Total, NWS Budget Authority/Authorization ............................................................................... 658,653 687,529 687,529 +28,876 688,017 +488

OFFICE OF OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC RESEARCH (OAR)

Operations, Research and Facilities (ORF) Appropriation

Climate and Air Quality Research:

Interannual and Seasonal Climate Research ................................................................................ 14,900 16,900 16,900 +2,000 16,900 0

Subtotal ..................................................................................................................................... 14,900 16,900 16,900 +2,000 16,900 0

Long-Term Climate & Air Quality Research .................................................................................. 30,000 34,600 34,600 +4,600 34,600 0

High Performance Computing and Communications ........................................................... 12,000 13,500 0 ¥12,000 0 0

Subtotal ............................................................................................................................ 42,000 48,100 34,600 ¥7,400 34,600 0

Climate and Global Change .......................................................................................................... 63,000 69,700 69,700 +6,700 69,700 0GLOBE ............................................................................................................................................. 2,500 5,000 5,000 +2,500 5,000 0

Subtotal ..................................................................................................................................... 65,500 74,700 74,700 +6,700 74,700 0Total, Climate and Air Quality Research .................................................................................. 122,400 139,700 126,200 +1,300 126,200 0

Atmospheric Programs:

Weather Research .......................................................................................................................... 36,100 36,600 36,600 +500 36,600 0

Wind Profiler .......................................................................................................................... 4,350 4,350 4,350 0 4,350 0

Subtotal ............................................................................................................................ 40,450 40,950 40,950 +500 40,950 0
13

Solar-Terrestrial Services and Research ........................................................................................ 6,000 6,100 6,100 +100 6,100 0

Total, Atmospheric Programs ........................................................................................... 46,450 47,050 47,050 +600 47,050 0Total, OAR ORF Budget Authority ..................................................................................... 168,850 186,750 173,250 +1,900 173,250 0

Procurement, Acquisition and Construction (PAC) Appropriation

Systems Acquisition:

Geophysical Fluid Dyn. Lab (GFDL) Supercomputer ...................................................................... 0 5,700 5,700 +5,700 8,000 +2,300Advance Composition Explorer (ACE) Satellite Follow-on/GEOSTORMS ......................................... 0 4,340 4,340 +4,340 6,160 +1,820

Total, OAR PAC Budget Authority .............................................................................................. 0 10,040 10,040 +10,040 14,160 +4,120Total, OAR Budget Authority/Authorization ................................................................................ 168,850 196,790 183,290 +14,440 187,410 +4,120

NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL SATELLITE, DATA AND INFORMATION SERVICE (NESDID)

Operations, Research and Facilities (ORF) Appropriation

Satellite Observing Systems:

Global Disaster Information Network (GDIN) ................................................................................. 0 2,000 2,000 +2,000 2,000 0

Ocean Remote Sensing .................................................................................................................. 4,000 4,000 4,000 0 4,000 0Enviornmental Observing Services ................................................................................................. 53,300 53,236 53,236 ¥64 53,236 0

Total, Satellite Observing Systems ORF Budget Authority ........................................................ 57,300 59,236 59,236 +1,936 59,236 0

Enviornmental Data Management Systems (EDMS):

Data and Informatino Services ...................................................................................................... 33,550 31,521 31,521 ¥2,029 31,521 0Environmental Data Systems Modernization ................................................................................. 16,335 12,335 12,335 ¥4,000 12,335 0Regional Climate Centers .............................................................................................................. 2,750 0 0 ¥2,750 0 0

Total, EDMS ORF Budget Authority ........................................................................................... 52,635 43,856 43,856 ¥8,779 43,856 0Total, NESDIS ORF Budget Authority ......................................................................................... 109,935 103,092 103,092 ¥6,843 103,092 0

Procurement, Acquisition and Construction (PAC) Appropriation

Systems Acquisition:

Polar Spacecraft and Launching:

Polar-Orbiting Operational Environmental Satellites (POES) K–N ....................................... 149,917 140,979 140,979 ¥8,938 114,594 ¥26,385
14

TABLE 2.—H.R. 1553—NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE AND RELATED AGENCIES AUTHORIZATION ACT OF 1999—Continued

[In thousands of dollars]

Program/activity/appropriation account FY 1999 appro- priation FY 2000 request FY 2000 rec- ommendation

FY 2000 recommendation

compared with (+

or ¥) FY 1999

appropriation

FY 2001 recommendation

FY 2001 recommendation

compared with (+

or ¥) FY 2000

appropriation

National Polar-Orbiting Environmental Satellite System (NPOESS) ..................................... 50,000 80,100 80,100 +30,100 113,000 +33,500

Total, Polar Spacecraft and Launching ........................................................................... 199,917 221,079 221,079 +21,162 228,194 +7,115

Geostationary Spacecraft and Launching:

Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites:

(GOES) I–M ................................................................................................................. 82,376 77,082 77,082 ¥5,294 58,615 ¥18,467GOES N–Q .................................................................................................................... 182,766 189,533 189,533 +6,767 245,609 +56,076

Total, Geostationary Spacecraft and Launching ..................................................... 265,142 266,615 266,615 +1,473 304,224 +37,609Total, Systems Acquisition PAC Budget Authority .................................................. 465,059 487,694 487,694 +22,635 532,418 +44,724Less GOES I–M PAC Budget Authorization ............................................................. ¥82,376 ¥77,082 ¥77,082 +5,194 ¥58,615 +18,467Total, Systems Acquisition PAC Budget Authorization ............................................ 382,683 410,612 410,612 +27,929 473,803 +63,191

Construction:

NOAA Operations Center (NORC) Rehabilitation ............................................................................ 0 3,045 3,045 +3,045 2,380 ¥665

Total, Construction PAC Budget Authority ................................................................................ 0 3,045 3,045 +3,045 2,380 ¥665Total, NESDIS PAC Budget Authority ......................................................................................... 465,059 490,739 490,739 +25,680 534,798 +44,059Total, NESDIS PAC Budget Authorization .................................................................................. 382,683 413,657 413,657 +30,974 476,183 +62,526Total, NESDIS Budget Authority ................................................................................................. 574,994 593,831 593,831 +18,837 637,890 +44,059Total, NESDIS Budget Authorization .......................................................................................... 492,618 516,749 516,749 +24,131 579,275 +62,526

FACILITIES

Operations, Research and Facilities (ORF) Appropriation

NWS WFO Facilities Maintenance ........................................................................................................... 3,000 0 0 ¥3,000 0 0

David Skaggs Research Center (Boulder, CO) Facilities Operations ..................................................... 0 3,850 3,850 +3,850 3,850 0
15

Total, FACILITIES ORF Budget Authority/Authorization .............................................................. 3,000 3,850 3,850 +850 3,850 0

CONSTRUCTION

Procurement, Acquisition and Construction (PAC) Appropriation

Boulder Laboratory Above Standard Cost ............................................................................................... 6,370 0 0 ¥6,370 0 0National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) .......................................................................... 850 0 0 ¥850 0 0

Total, Construction PAC Budget Authority/Authorization .......................................................... 7,220 0 0 ¥7,220 0 0Total, ORF Budget Authority/Authorization ................................................................................ 842,490 911,589 895,589 +53,099 895,589 0Total, PAC Budget Authority ...................................................................................................... 570,227 570,411 570,411 +184 619,078 +48,667

Less GOES I–M PAC Budget Authorization ...................................................................... ¥82,376 ¥77,082 ¥77,082 +5,294 ¥58,615 +18,467

Total, PAC Budget Authorization ............................................................................................... 487,851 493,329 493,329 +5,478 560,463 +67,134Total, H.R. 1553 Budget Authority ............................................................................................ 1,412,717 1,482,000 1,468,500 +55,783 1,517,167 +48,667Total, H.R. 1553 Budget Authorization ..................................................................................... 1,330,341 1,404,918 1,391,418 +61,077 1,458,552 +67,134
16

VII. SECTION-BY-SECTION ANALYSIS AND COMMITTEE VIEWS

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE

Section 1 cites the Act as the ‘‘National Weather Service and Related Agencies Authorization Act of 1999.’’

SECTION 2. DEFINITIONS

Section 2 defines: (1) the ‘‘Administrator’’ as the Administrator of

the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; and (2) the

‘‘Secretary’’ as the Secretary of Commerce.

SECTION 3. NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE

Subsection 3(a) authorizes $617,897,000 for each of FYs 2000 and

2001, to remain available until expended, to carry out the Operations, Research, and Facilities (ORF) activities of the NWS, including—(1) $449,441,000 for FY 2000 and $450,411,000 for FY

2001 for Local Warnings and Forecasts; (2) $2,200,000 for each of

FYs 2000 and 2001 for the Advanced Hydrological Prediction System; (3) $619,000 for each of FYs 2000 and 2001 for Susquehanna

River Basin Flood Systems; (4) $35,596,000 for each of FYs 2000

and 2001 for Aviation Forecasts; (5) $4,000,000 for each of FYs

2000 and 2001 for Weather Forecast Offices (WFO) Facilities Maintenance; (6) $37,081,000 for each of FYs 2000 and 2001 for Central

Forecast Guidance; (7) $3,090,000 for each of FYs 2000 and 2001

for Atmospheric and Hydrological Research; (8) $39,325,000 for

each of FYs 2000 and 2001 for NEXRAD; (9) $7,573,000 for each

of FYs 2000 and 2001 for ASOS; (10) $38,002,000 for each of FYs

2000 and 2001 for Advanced Weather Interactive Processing System; and (11) $970,000 for two 1,000 watt NOAA Weather Radio

transmitters, to be located in Jasper and Marion Counties, Illinois,

and nine 300-watt NOAA Weather Radio transmitters, to be installed in appropriate locations throughout the State of Illinois, and

for maintenance costs related thereto.

Subsection (3)(b) authorizes $69,632,000 for FY 2000 and

$70,120,000 for FY 2001, to remain available until expended, to

carry out the Procurement, Acquisition, and Construction (PAC) activities of the NWS, including—(1) $9,560,000 for FY 2000 and

$9,060,000 for FY 2001 for NEXRAD; (2) $4,180,000 for FY 2000

and $6,125,000 for FY 2001 for ASOS; (3) $22,575,000 for FY 2000

and $21,525,000 for FY 2001 for AWIPS; (4) $11,100,000 for FY

2000 and $12,835,000 for FY 2001 for Computer Facilities Upgrades; (5) $8,350,000 for each of FYs 2000 and 2001 for Radiosonde Replacement; (6) $500,000 for FY 2000 for NOAA Operations

Center Rehabilitation; and (7) $13,367,000 for FY 2000 and

$12,225,000 for FY 2001 for WFO Construction.

Subsection 3(c) provides (1) that the Secretary of Commerce,

through the National Weather Service, except as provided in paragraph (2), shall be responsible for—(A) forecasts and shall serve as

the sole official source of weather and flood warnings; (B) the

issuance of storm warnings; (C) the collection, exchange, and distribution of meteorological, hydrological, and climatic data and information; (D) the preparation of hydrometeorological guidance and
17

core forecast information; and (E) the issuance of marine and aviation forecasts and warnings.

Subsection 3(c)(2) stipulates that the NWS will not provide, or

assist other entities to provide a service—other than forecasts and

weather and flood warnings or the issuance of storm warnings—

unless (A) the Secretary finds that the private sector is unwilling

or unable to provide the service, or (B) the service provides vital

weather warnings and forecasts for the protection of lives and property of the general public.

Subsection 3(c)(3) amends the Act of October 1, 1890 (26 Stat.

653) accordingly.

Subsection 3(c)(4) requires the Secretary submit a report to Congress no later than 60 days after the enactment of this Act detailing all NWS activities that do not conform to the requirements of

this subsection and outlining a timetable for their termination.

Committee views

Astoria/Warrenton Airport

The Committee notes the unique geography of the Astoria/

Warrenton Airport at the Port of Astoria, Oregon and the challenges it represents for the National Weather Service. It is the

Committee’s hope that the Director of the National Weather Service should work with airport officials to ensure that the newly installed ASOS, in conjunction with pilot and ground observations,

allows the NWS to effectively carry out its mission in the region.

Moreover, the Director shall ensure that a local representative is

trained in making reports for NWS in the event of an ASOS failure. If these additional pilot and ground observations fail to address the special needs of this airport, further solutions should be

investigated and implemented.

Committee views

The National Weather Service and the private sector

The Committee supports privatizing specialized weather services

provided by NWS and recommends that the Secretary of Commerce

develop criteria for determining which services should be

privatized. The Committee notes that NWS has a good working relationship with the commercial weather service sector and supports

the continuation of their relationship. The Committee recommends

that NWS continue its practice of collecting, exchanging, and distributing weather data and information in real time and in a nondiscriminatory manner.

The Committee believes that NWS should not directly or indirectly compete with the private sector. The Committee believes

that in carrying-out its duties as described in the legislation, NWS

should not compete with the private sector by confining its activities to those that protect the lives and property of the general public. Additionally, the weather service should not enter into exclusive agreements, fee-based or otherwise, with any organization, for

profit or otherwise, for distribution of weather data if the

orgainzation uses the data to generate marketable products.

The Committee also reiterates that NWS is the sole official

source of weather and flood warnings. The Committee further
18

notes, however, that this designation should in no way preclude

private weather forecasters from issuing weather forecasts.

SECTION 4. ATMOSPHERIC RESEARCH

Subsection 4(a)(1) authorizes $170,250,000 for each of FYs 2000

and 2001, to remain available until expended, to carry out the ORF

environmental research and development activities of OAR. Subsection 4(a)(2) authorizes $126,200,000 for each of FYs 2000

and 2001 for Climate and Air Quality Research, of which—(A)

$16,900,000 for each of FYs 2000 and 2001 is for Interannual and

Seasonal Climate Research; (B) $34,600,000 for each of FYs 2000

and 2001 is for Long-Term Climate and Air Quality Research; (C)

$69,700,000 for each of FYs 2000 and 2001 is for Climate and Global Change; and (D) $5,000,000 for each of FYs 2000 and 2001 is

for Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment

(GLOBE); and Subsection 4(a)(3) authorizes $47,050,000 for each of FYs 2000 and 2001 for Atmospheric Programs, of which—(A) $36,600,000 for

each of FYs 2000 and 2001 is for Weather Research; (B) $4,350,000

for each of FYs 2000 and 2001 is for Wind Profiler; and (C)

$6,100,000 for each of FYs 2000 and 2001 is for Solar-Terrestrial

Services and Research.

Subsection 4(b) authorizes $10,040,000 for FY 2000 and $14,160,000 for FY 2001, to remain available until expended, to

carry out the PAC environmental research and development activities of OAR, including—(1) $5,700,000 for FY 2000 and $8,000,000

for FY 2001 for the GFDL Supercomputer; and (2) $4,340,000 for

FY 2000 and $6,160,000 for FY 2001 for the Advanced Composition

Explorer (ACE) Follow-On/GEOSTORM Satellite.

Committee views

The lack of authorization for NOAA’s HPCC program in H.R.

1553 should not be construed as a lack of endorsement of the program. The Committee intends to act on separate legislation that

will authorize appropriations for the HPCC program—including

NOAA’s portion—as well as the proposed Information Technology

for the 21st Century Initiative for those agencies under its jurisdiction.

SECTION 5. NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL SATELLITE, DATA AND

INFORMATION SERVICE

Subsection 5(a)(1) authorizes $103,092,000 for each of FYs 2000

and 2001, to remain available until expended, to carry out the ORF

environmental research and development and related activities of

NESDIS.

Subsection 5(a)(2) authorizes $59,236,000 for each of FYs 2000

and 2001 for Satellite Observing Systems, of which—(A) $2,000,000

for each of FYs 2000 and 2001 is for the Global Disaster Information Network; (B) $4,000,000 for each of FYs 2000 and 2001 is for

Ocean Remote Sensing; and (C) $53,236,000 for each of FYs 2000

and 2001 is for Environmental Observing Services. Subsection 5(a)(3) authorizes $43,856,000 for each of FYs 2000

and 2001 for Environmental Data Management Systems, of

which—(A) $31,521,000 for each of FYs 2000 and 2001 is for Data
19

and Information services; and (B) $12,335,000 for each of FYs 2000

and 2001 is for Environmental Data Systems Modernization. Subsection 5(b)(1) authorizes $413,657,000 for FY 2000 and $476,183,000 for FY 2001, to remain available until expended, to

carry out the PAC environmental research and development and

related activities of NESDIS.

Subsection 5(b)(2) authorizes $410,612,000 for FY 2000 and $473,803,000 for FY 2001 for Systems Acquisition, of which—(A)

$140,979,000 for FY 2000 and $114,594,000 for FY 2001 is for the

procurement and launch of, and supporting ground systems for,

Polar Orbiting Environmental Satellites (POES), K, L, M, N, and

N′; (B) $80,100,000 for FY 2000 and $113,600,000 for FY 2001 use

for the procurement and launch of, and supporting ground systems

for, the National Polar-Orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System (NPOESS); and (C) $189,533,000 for FY 2000 and

$245,609,000 for FY 2001 is for the procurement and launch of,

and supporting ground systems for, Geostationary Operational Environmental NEXT follow-on Satellites (GOES N–Q). Subsection 5(b)(3) authorizes $3,045,000 for FY 2000 and $2,380,000 for FY 2001 is for WFO Construction.

Committee views

As was noted above, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Authorization Act of 1992 (Public Law, 102–567) authorized to completion the procurement of GOES I–M. Consequently, H.R. 1553 does include specific authorizations for GOES

I–M. The Committee does, however, support the Administration’s

FY 2000 request of $77,082,000, as well as the FY 2001 estimate

of $58,615,000 for GOES I–M.

SECTION 6. FACILITIES

Section 6 provides a two-year authorization of $3,850,000 for

each of FYs 2000 and 2001 to enable NOAA to carry out the ORF

environmental research and development and related activities required to meet recurring facilities operations costs associated with

the David Skaggs Research Center in Boulder, Colorado.

SECTION 7. ELIGIBILITY FOR AWARDS

Subsection 7(a) requires the NOAA Administrator to exclude

from consideration for grant agreements made after FY 1999 by

the NOAA, under the programs for which funds are authorized

under this Act, any person who received funds, other than those

described in subsection 7(b), appropriated for a fiscal year after FY

1999, under a grant agreement from any Federal funding source

for a project that was not subjected to a competitive, merit-based

award process, unless specifically authorized by this Act. Any exclusion from consideration pursuant to this section shall be effective for a period of 5 years after the person receives such Federal

funds.

Subsection 7(b) provides that subsection 7(a) shall not apply to

the receipt of Federal funds by a person due to the membership of

that person in a class specified by law for which assistance is

awarded to members of the class according to a formula provided

by law.
20

Subsection 7(c) defines the term ‘‘grant agreement’’ to mean a

legal instrument whose principal purpose is to transfer a thing of

value to the recipient to carry out a public purpose of support or

stimulation authorized by a law of the United States, and does not

include the acquisition (by purchase, lease, or barter) of property

or services for the direct benefit or use of the United States Government. Such term also does not include a cooperative agreement

(as such term is used in section 6305 of title 31, United States

Code) or a cooperative research and development agreement (as

such term is defined in section 12(d)(1) of the Stevenson-Wydler

Technology Innovation Act of 1980 (15 U.S.C. 3710a(d)(1))).

Committee views

The Committee has a long-standing position that awards should

be based on a competitive merit-based process. Merit review allows

taxpayers’ dollars to be spent in the most cost-effective manner.

SECTION 8. INTERNET AVAILABILITY OF INFORMATION

Section 8 requires the NOAA Administrator to make available

through NOAA’s Internet home page of the National Oceanic and

Atmospheric Administration the abstracts relating to all research

grants and awards made with funds authorized by this Act. Nothing in this section shall be construed to require or permit the release of any information prohibited by law or regulation from being

released to the public.

Committee views

The Committee believes that by giving public access to information about how tax dollars are spent, it is acting as a responsible

steward of taxpayer resources. Such information can also stimulate

additional public and private sector research by informing the research community.

VIII. COST ESTIMATE

Rule XIII, clause 3(d)(2) of the Rules of the House of Representatives requires that each report of a committee on a public bill or

public joint resolution contain: (A) an estimate by the committee of

the costs that would be incurred in carrying out the bill or joint

resolution in the fiscal year in which it is reported, and in each of

the five fiscal years following that fiscal year (or for the authorized

duration of any program authorized by such bill or joint resolution,

if less than five years); (B) a comparison of the estimate of costs

described in subdivision (A) made by the committee with any estimate of such costs made by a Government agency and submitted

to such committee; and (C) when practicable, a comparison of the

total estimated funding level for the relevant programs with the

appropriate levels under current law. However, House Rule XIII,

clause 3(d)(3)(B) provides that this requirement does not apply

when a cost estimate and comparison prepared by the Director of

the Congressional Budget Office under section 402 of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 has been included in the report pursuant

to House Rule XIII, clause 3(c)(3). A cost estimate and comparison

prepared by the Director of the Congressional Budget Office under
21

section 402 of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 has been timely submitted to the Committee on Science prior to the filing of this

report and is included in Section IX of this report pursuant to

House Rule XIII, clause 3(c)(3).

Rule XIII, clause 3(c)(2) of the Rules of the House of Representatives requires that the report of a committee on a measure that has

been approved by the committee providing new budget authority

(other than continuing appropriations), new spending authority, or

new credit authority, or changes in revenues or tax expenditures

include the statement required by section 308(a) of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974, except that an estimate of new budget

authority shall include, when practicable, a comparison of the total

estimated funding level for the relevant programs to the appropriate levels under current law. H.R. 1553 does not contain any

new budget authority, new spending authority, or new credit authority, or changes in revenues or tax expenditures. Assuming that

the sums authorized under the bill are appropriated, H.R. 1553

does authorize additional discretionary spending, as described in

the Congressional Budget Office report on the bill, which is contained in Section IX of this report.

IX. CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET OFFICE COST ESTIMATE

Rule XIII, clause 3(c)(3) of the Rules of the House of Representatives requires that the report of a committee on a measure that has

been approved by the committee include an estimate and comparison prepared by the Director of the Congressional Budget Office

under section 402 of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 if timely

submitted to the committee before the filing of the report. The

Committee on Science has received the following cost estimate for

H.R. 1553 from the Director of the Congressional Budget Office:

U.S. CONGRESS, CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET OFFICE, Washington, DC, May 7, 1999.

Hon. F. JAMES SENSENBRENNER, Jr.,

Chairman, Committee on Science,

House of Representatives, Washington, DC.

DEAR MR. CHAIRMAN: The Congressional Budget Office has prepared the enclosed cost estimate for H.R. 1553, the National

Weather Service and Related Agencies Authorization Act of 1999.

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

to provide them. The CBO staff contact is Gary Brown.

Sincerely,

BARRY B. ANDERSON

(For Dan L. Crippen, Director).

Enclosure.

H.R. 1553—National Weather Service and Related Agencies Authorization Act of 1999

Summary: H.R. 1553 would authorize the appropriation of $1,391

million in fiscal year 2000 and $1,459 million in 2001 for weather

and atmospheric research programs of the National Oceanic and

Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Specifically, the bill would
22

authorize funding for NOAA programs carried out by the National

Weather Service, the Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research,

and the National Environmental Satellite, Data and Information

Service.

CBO estimates that implementing H.R. 1553 would result in ad- ditional outlays of $2,828 million over the 2000–2004 period, assuming the appropriation of the authorized amounts. Enacting the

bill would not affect direct spending or receipts; therefore, pay-asyou-go procedures would not apply. H.R. 1553 contains no intergovernmental or private-sector mandates as defined in the Unfunded

Mandates Reform Act (UMRA) and would impose no costs on state,

local, or tribal governments.

Estimated cost to the Federal Government: The estimated budgetary impact of H.R. 1553 is shown in the following table. The costs

of this legislation fall within budget function 300 (natural resources

and environment).

For the purposes of this estimate, CBO assumes that H.R. 1553

will be enacted by the end of fiscal year 1999 and that all amounts

authorized by the bill will be appropriated for each fiscal year. Estimated outlays are based on historical spending rates for these

programs.

By fiscal years, in millions of dollars—

1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004

SPENDING SUBJECT TO APPROPRIATION

Spending Under Current Law:

Budget Authority1 .................................................... 1,413 0 0 0 0 0

Estimated Outlays ................................................... 1,313 630 257 103 23 0

Proposed Changes:

Authorization Level .................................................. 0 1,391 1,459 0 0 0

Estimated Outlays ................................................... 0 747 1,159 564 249 107

Spending Under H.R. 1553:

Authorization Level 1 ................................................ 1,413 1,391 1,459 0 0 0

Estimated Outlays ................................................... 1,313 1,378 1,416 667 272 107

1 The 1999 level is the amount appropriated for that year for activities conducted by the National Weather Service, The Office of Oceanic

and Atmospheric Research, and the National Environmental Satellite, Data and Information Service that would be authorized by H.R. 1553.

Pay-as-you-go considerations: None.

Intergovernmental and private-sector impact: H.R. 1553 contains

no intergovernmental or private-sector mandates as defined in

UMRA and would impose no costs on state, local, or tribal governments. Some of the funds authorized in this bill would be used to

provide grants for research at public universities.

Estimate prepared by: Gary Brown.

Estimte approved by: Robert A. Sunshine, Deputy Assistant Director for Budget Analysis.

X. COMPLIANCE WITH PUBLIC LAW 104–4

H.R. 1553 contains no unfunded mandates.

XI. COMMITTEE OVERSIGHT FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Rule XIII, clause 3(c)(1) of the Rules of the House of Representatives requires that the report of a committee on a measure that has

been approved by the committee include oversight findings and recommendations under clause 2(b)(1) of rule X. The Committee on
23

Science’s oversight findings and recommendations are reflected in

the body of this report.

XII. OVERSIGHT FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS BY THE

COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT REFORM

Rule XIII, clause 3(c)(4) of the Rules of the House of Representatives requires that the report of a committee on a measure that has

been approved by the committee include a summary of oversight

findings and recommendations made by the Committee on Government Reform under clause 4(c)(2) of rule X if such findings and recommendations have been submitted to the reporting committee in

time to allow it to consider such findings and recommendations

during its deliberations on the measure. The Committee on Science

has received no such findings or recommendations from the Committee on Government Reform.

XIII. CONSTITUTIONAL AUTHORITY STATEMENT

Rule XIII, clause 3(d)(1) of the Rules of the House of Representatives requires that each report of a committee on a public bill or

public joint resolution contain a statement citing the specific powers granted to the Congress in the Constitution to enact the law

proposed by the bill or joint resolution. Article I, section 8 of the

Constitution of the United States grants Congress the authority to

enact Y.R. 1553.

XIV. FEDERAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE STATEMENT

H.R. 1553 does not establish or authorize the establishment of

any advisory committee.

XV. CONGRESSIONAL ACCOUNTABILITY ACT

The Committee finds that H.R. 1553 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 (Public Law 104–1).

XVI. 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 and existing law in which no

change is proposed is shown in roman):

ACT OF OCTOBER 1, 1890

CHAP. 1226.—An act to increase the efficiency and reduce the expenses of the Signal Corps of the Army, and to transfer the Weather Service to the Department

of Agriculture.

* * * * * * *

øSEC. 3. That the Chief of the Weather Bureau, under the direction of the Secretary of Agriculture, on and after July first, eighteen hundred and ninety-one, shall have charge of the forecasting

of weather, the issue of storm warnings, the display of weather and
24

flood signals for the benefit of agriculture, commerce, and navigation, the gauging and reporting of rivers, the maintenance and operation of sea-coast telegraph lines and the collection and transmission of marine intelligence for the benefit of commerce and

navigation, the reporting of temperature and rain-fall conditions for

the cotton interests, the display of frost and cold-wave signals, the

distribution of meteorological information in the interests of agriculture and commerce, and the taking of such meteorological observations as may be necessary to establish and record the climatic

conditions of the United States, or as are essential for the proper

execution of the foregoing duties.¿

* * * * * * *

SEC. 9. That on and after July first, eighteen hundred and ninety-one, the appropriations for the support of the Signal Corps of the

Army shall be made with those of other staff corps of the Army,

and the appropriations for the support of the Weather Bureau shall

be made with those of the other bureaus of the Department of

Agricultureø, and it shall be the duty of the Secretary of Agriculture to prepare future estimates for the Weather Bureau which

shall be hereafter specially developed and extended in the interests

of agriculture¿.

XVII. COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

On April 29, 1999, a quorum being present, the Committee favorably reported H.R. 1553, the National Weather Service and Related

Agencies Authorization Act of 1999, as amended, by a voice vote,

and recommended its enactment.
(25)

XVIII. MINORITY VIEWS

The minority is satisfied that the exclusion of the authorization

of appropriations for NOAA’s portion of the High Performance

Computing and Communication program is done without prejudice.

This funding supports advancements in NOAA’s computational

ability which will enable NOAA to improve both short and longrange forecasting. The Chairman indicated the Committee will

move separate legislation within the coming few weeks to authorize

appropriations for the HPCC program in its entirety, including the

authorization for NOAA’s portion of the program. We understand

that the bill will provide authorizations of appropriations for all

Departments and Agencies which participate in the governmentwide HPCC program, as well as in the proposed Information Technology for the 21st Century initiative.

The Chairman’s bill shows flat funding in program accounts from

FY 2000 to FY 2001. The minority are concerned that these outyear funding numbers are insufficient to provide for the real needs

of the Nation. This flat funding authorization will produce a decline

in the real work being done by NOAA as inflation has to be absorbed from those numbers. Reduced funding will impact our

Weather Service and studies on environmental atmospheric

change. While the nominal dollars from FY 2000 to FY 2001 appear

to be the same, the level of services supported will decline in real

terms.

Consequently, Mr. Costello offered an amendment to raise the

authorization level for FY 2001 by 3%. A 3% increase would increase program authorizations by less than $27 million. This level

of increase is consistent with the Committee’s past three Views and

Estimates produced by the majority. The majority endorsed a 3%

increase in FY 1998 and FY 2000 and a 4% increase in FY 1999.

We would add that in February, the majority released an analysis

of the President’s outyear request numbers for science and technology accounts. That analysis criticized the President for weak

outyear numbers for the programs under the Science Committee’s

jurisdiction. Specifically, the Chairman’s press release noted that

‘‘in the out years, the Administration’s civilian R&D budget fails to

keep pace with inflation.’’ Ironically, the numbers used for FY 2000

in H.R. 1552 came from the President’s request for FY 2000.

We would add that the Costello amendment was consistent with

the findings in Rep. Ehlers’ report on Federal Science policy. That

report called for stable and substantial funding for science programs. It is hard to see how funding can be stable and substantial

if we routinely let inflation eat away at our programs.

The goal of this amendment was to send a signal to the Administration, as it develops its FY 2001 budget request for NOAA, that

the Committee values these programs. Further, we wanted to offer

some flexibility to the appropriators in FY 2001 in case the budget
26

situation continues to improve and there is fiscal room to enhance

our funding for NOAA’s work. In any event, these arguments produced a straight party line vote in which the amendment was defeated and NOAA’s authorization will fail to keep pace with inflation in FY 2001.

GEORGE E. BROWN, Jr.

MIKE DOYLE. JOHN B. LARSON. MARK UDALL. ZOE LOFGREN. MICHAEL E. CAPUANO.

NICK LAMPSON.

LYNN N. RIVERS.

JERRY F. COSTELLO.

SHEILA JACKSON LEE.

DEBBIE STABENOW.

BART GORDON.

EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON.

DAVID WU.

JIM BARCIA.

LYNN WOOLSEY.

ANTHONY D. WEINER.

XIX. PROCEEDINGS OF COMMITTEE ON SCIENCE MARKUP

Chairman SENSENBRENNER. The final bill on the calendar today

is H.R. 1553, The National Weather Service and Related Agencies

Authorization Act of 1999, which authorizes a total of $1.391 billion

for Fiscal 2000; $1.468 billion for Fiscal 2001 for the National

Weather Service, the NOAA Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research Program, the National Environmental Satellite Data and

Information Service and related agencies.

I would ask unanimous consent that the balance of my statement

be included in the record before recognizing the Subcommittee

Chairs and Ranking Minority Members for opening statements, let

me say that it is the intention of the Chair when we reach a roll

call, which can be anywhere from 20 to 50 minutes not to come

back. And if this bill is not approved and reported out by the time

bell rings and we have to adjourn, it will be placed at the top of

the agenda at our next markup. So those who really want this bill

to be reported, are urged to make their statements brief and quick

and to the point.

The Chair recognizes the gentleman from California, Mr. Calvert,

for a brief 5 minutes.

[The statement of Mr. Sensenbrenner follows:]

STATEMENT OF HON. F. JAMES SENSENBRENNER, JR.

H.R. 1553, the National Weather Service and Related Agencies Authorization Act

of 1999, authorizes a total of $1.391 billion for FY 2000 and $1.468 billion for FY

2001 for the National Weather Service, the NOAA Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research programs, the National Environmental Satellite, Data and Information Service and related Facilities.

Similar to H.R. 1552, the programs in H.R. 1553 are authorized at the FY 2000

level requested by NOAA and are consistent with the FY 2001 estimates contained

in NOAA FY 2000 budget request except this bill excludes NOAA’s High Performance Computing and Communications Program, which will be authorized under sep-
27

arate authorization legislation. Also excluded are any additional authorizations for

the Geostationary Operational Satellites, I, J, K, L, and M (GOES I–M), which were

authorized to completion by the NOAA Authorization Act of 1992 (Public Law 102–

567).

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Chairman, I had an opening statement that

pretty much explained both bills in that statement. I would just

like to move to the amendment process.

Chairman SENSENBRENNER. The gentleman from Illinois, Mr.

Costello.

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Chairman, I will follows Chairman Calvert’s

lead and let me just say that I am pleased that we are bringing

this bill before the Committee today. I have the same concern with

this legislation as far as the authorization level as I did with the

last bill. I will be offering my amendment at the appropriate time.

Chairman SENSENBRENNER. Without objection, the two opening

statements just referred to will be inserted into the record at this

point. Also, without objection, other Members may insert opening

statements into the record at this point. Further without objection,

the bill is read a first time, open for amendment at any point and

the Chair recognizes Mr. Calvert of California who has the first

amendment which is a technical and conforming amendment.

[The information follows:]

H.R. 1553

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 Weather Service and Related Agencies Authorization Act of 1999’’.

SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.

For purposes of this Act, the term—

(1) ‘‘Administrator’’ means the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; and

(2) ‘‘Secretary’’ means the Secretary of Commerce.

SEC. 3. NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE.

(a) OPERATIONS, RESEARCH, AND FACILITIES.—There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to enable the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to carry out the Operations, Research, and Facilities activities of the National Weather Service $617,897,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $617,897,000 for fiscal

year 2001, to remain available until expended. Of such amounts—

(1) $450,411,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $450,411,000 for fiscal year 2001

shall be for Local Warnings and Forecasts;

(2) $2,200,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $2,200,000 for fiscal year 2001 shall

be for Advanced Hydrological Prediction System;

(3) $619,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $619,000 for fiscal year 2001 shall be

for Susquehanna River Basin Flood Systems;

(4) $35,596,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $35,596,000 for fiscal year 2001 shall

be for Aviation Forecasts;

(5) $4,000,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $4,000,000 for fiscal year 2001 shall

be for Weather Forecast Offices (WFO) Facilities Maintenance;

(6) $37,081,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $37,081,000 for fiscal year 2001 shall

be for Central Forecast Guidance;

(7) $3,090,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $3,090,000 for fiscal year 2001 shall

be for Atmospheric and Hydrological Research;

(8) $39,325,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $39,325,000 for fiscal year 2001 shall

be for Next Generation Weather Radar (NEXRAD);

(9) $7,573,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $7,573,000 for fiscal year 2001 shall

be for Automated Surface Observing System (ASOS); and

(10) $38,002,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $38,002,000 for fiscal year 2001

shall be for Advanced Weather Interactive Processing System (AWIPS).
28

(b) PROCUREMENT, ACQUISITION, AND CONSTRUCTION.—There are authorized to be

appropriated to the Secretary to enable the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to carry out the Procurement, Acquisition, and Construction activities

of the National Weather Service $69,632,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $70,120,000

for fiscal year 2001, to remain available until expended. Of such amounts—

(1) $9,560,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $9,060,000 for fiscal year 2001 shall

be for Next Generation Weather Radar (NEXRAD);

(2) $4,180,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $6,125,000 for fiscal year 2001 shall

be for Automated Surface Observing System (ASOS);

(3) $22,575,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $21,525,000 for fiscal year 2001 shall

be for Advanced Weather Interactive Processing System (AWIPS);

(4) $11,100,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $12,835,000 for fiscal year 2001 shall

be for Computer Facilities Upgrades;

(5) $8,350,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $8,350,000 for fiscal year 2001 shall

be for Radiosonde Replacement;

(6) $500,000 for fiscal year 2000 shall be for National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Operations Center Rehabilitation; and

(7) $13,367,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $12,225,000 for fiscal year 2001 shall

be for Weather Forecast Office (WFO) Construction.

(c) DUTIES OF THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE.—

(1) IN GENERAL.—To protect life and property, the Secretary, through the National Weather Service, except as provided in paragraph (2), shall be responsible

for—

(A) forecasts and shall serve as the sole official source of weather warnings;

(B) the issuance of storm warnings;

(C) the collection, exchange, and distribution of meteorological,

hydrological, climatic, and oceanographic data and information; and

(D) the preparation of hydrometeorological guidance and core forecast information.

(2) COMPETITION WITH PRIVATE SECTOR.—The National Weather Service shall

not provide, or assist other entities to provide, a service (other than a service

described in paragraph (1)(A)) if that service is currently provided or can be provided by commercial enterprise, unless—

(A) the Secretary finds that the private sector is unwilling or unable to

provide the service; or

(B) the service provides vital weather warnings and forecasts for the protection of lives and property of the general public.

(3) AMENDMENTS.—The Act of October 1, 1890 (26 Stat. 653) is amended—

(A) by striking section 3 (15 U.S.C. 313); and

(B) in section 9 (15 U.S.C. 317), by striking ‘‘, and it shall be’’ and all

that follows, and inserting a period.

(4) 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 subsection and outlining a timetable

for their termination.

SEC. 4. ATMOSPHERIC RESEARCH.

(a) OPERATIONS, RESEARCH, AND FACILITIES.—

(1) IN GENERAL.—There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to

enable the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to carry out the

Atmospheric Research Operations, Research, and Facilities environmental research and development activities of the Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research $173,250,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $173,250,000 for fiscal year 2001,

to remain available until expended.

(2) CLIMATE AND AIR QUALITY RESEARCH.—Of the amounts authorized under

paragraph (1), $126,200,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $126,200,000 for fiscal year

2001 shall be for Climate and Air Quality Research, of which—

(A) $16,900,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $16,900,000 for fiscal year 2001

shall be for Interannual and Seasonal Climate Research;

(B) $34,600,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $34,600,000 for fiscal year 2001

shall be for Long-Term Climate and Air Quality Research;

(C) $69,700,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $69,700,000 for fiscal year 2001

shall be for Climate and Global Change; and
29

(D) $5,000,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $5,000,000 for fiscal year 2001

shall be for Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment

(GLOBE).

(3) ATMOSPHERIC PROGRAMS.—Of the amounts authorized under paragraph (1), $47,050,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $47,050,000 for fiscal year 2001 shall

be for Atmospheric Programs, of which— (A) $36,600,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $36,600,000 for fiscal year 2001

shall be for Weather Research; (B) $4,350,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $4,350,000 for fiscal year 2001

shall be for Wind Profiler; and (C) $6,100,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $6,100,000 for fiscal year 2001

shall be for Solar-Terrestrial Services and Research.

(b) PROCUREMENT, ACQUISITION, AND CONSTRUCTION.—There are authorized to be

appropriated to the Secretary to enable the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to carry out the Atmospheric Research Procurement, Acquisition, and

Construction environmental research and development activities of the Office of

Oceanic and Atmospheric Research $10,040,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $14,160,000

for fiscal year 2001, to remain available until expended. Of such amounts—

(1) $5,700,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $8,000,000 for fiscal year 2001 shall

be for the Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory Supercomputer; and

(2) $4,340,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $6,160,000 for fiscal year 2001 shall

be for the Advanced Composition Explorer (ACE) Follow-On Satellite/

GEOSTORM.

SEC. 5. NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL SATELLITE, DATA AND INFORMATION SERVICE.

(a) OPERATIONS, RESEARCH, AND FACILITIES.—

(1) IN GENERAL.—There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to

enable the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to carry out the

Operations, Research, and Facilities environmental research and development

and related activities of the National Environmental Satellite, Data and Information Service $103,092,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $103,092,000 for fiscal

year 2001, to remain available until expended.

(2) SATELLITE OBSERVING SYSTEMS.—Of the amounts authorized under paragraph (1), $59,236,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $59,236,000 for fiscal year 2001

shall be for Satellite Observing Systems, of which—

(A) $2,000,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $2,000,000 for fiscal year 2001

shall be for Global Disaster Information Network (GDIN);

(B) $4,000,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $4,000,000 for fiscal year 2001

shall be for Ocean Remote Sensing; and

(C) $53,236,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $53,236,000 for fiscal year 2001

shall be for Environmental Observing Systems.

(3) ENVIRONMENTAL DATA MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS.—Of the amounts authorized

under paragraph (1), $43,856,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $43,856,000 for fiscal

year 2001 shall be for Environmental Data Management Systems, of which—

(A) $31,521,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $31,521,000 for fiscal year 2001

shall be for Data and Information Services; and

(B) $12,335,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $12,335,000 for fiscal year 2001

shall be for Environmental Data Systems Modernization.

(b) PROCUREMENT, ACQUISITION, AND CONSTRUCTION.—

(1) IN GENERAL.—There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to

enable the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to carry out the

Procurement, Acquisition, and Construction environmental research and development and related activities of the National Environmental Satellite, Data and

Information Service $413,657,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $476,183,000 for fiscal year 2001, to remain available until expended.

(2) SYSTEMS ACQUISITION.—Of the amounts authorized under paragraph (1),

$410,612,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $473,803,000 for fiscal year 2001 shall be

for Systems Acquisition, of which—

(A) $140,979,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $114,594,000 for fiscal year

2001 shall be for the procurement and launch of, and supporting ground

systems for, Polar Orbiting Environmental Satellites (POES), K, L, M, N,

and N′;

(B) $80,100,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $113,600,000 for fiscal year 2001

shall be for the procurement and launch of, and supporting ground systems

for, the National Polar-Orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System (NPOESS); and

(C) $189,533,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $245,609,000 for fiscal year

2001 shall be for the procurement and launch of, and supporting ground
30

systems for, up to three Geostationary Operational Environmental NEXT

follow-on Satellites (GOES N–Q).

(3) CONSTRUCTION.—Of the amounts authorized under paragraph (1), $3,045,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $2,380,000 for fiscal year 2001 shall be for

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Operations Center Rehabilitation Construction.

SEC. 6. FACILITIES.

There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to enable the National

Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to carry out the Operations, Research, and

Facilities environmental research and development and related activities required

to meet recurring facilities operations costs associated with the David Skaggs Research Center in Boulder, Colorado, $3,850,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $3,850,000

for fiscal year 2001.

SEC. 7. ELIGIBILITY FOR AWARDS.

(a) IN GENERAL.—The Administrator shall exclude from consideration for grant

agreements made after fiscal year 1999 by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric

Administration, under the programs for which funds are authorized under this Act,

any person who received funds, other than those described in subsection (b), appropriated for a fiscal year after fiscal year 1999, under a grant agreement from any

Federal funding source for a project that was not subjected to a competitive, meritbased 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 the receipt of Federal funds by

a person due to the membership of that person in a class specified by law for which

assistance is awarded to members of the class according to a formula provided by

law.

(c) DEFINITION.—For purposes of this section, the term ‘‘grant agreement’’ means

a legal instrument whose principal purpose is to transfer a thing of value to the

recipient to carry out a public purpose of support or stimulation authorized by a law

of the United States, and does not include the acquisition (by purchase, lease, or

barter) of property or services for the direct benefit or use of the United States Government. Such term does not include a cooperative agreement (as such term is used

in section 6305 of title 31, United States Code) or a cooperative research and development agreement (as such term is defined in section 12(d)(1) of the StevensonWydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 (15 U.S.C. 3710a(d)(1))).

STATEMENT OF HON. JERRY COSTELLO

Mr. Chairman, my district in Southern Illinois lies along the Mississippi River

and we are subject to flooding and a host of ill-tempered storms, especially in the

summer months. Consequently, I am a big fan of the National Weather Service and

happy to take up a bill that authorizes NWS as well as all the other important atmospheric research work at NOAA.

As with H.R. 1552, this bill reflects the President’s request for FY2000 and I am

pleased by the numbers for next year. I am concerned that the FY 2001 numbers

would lead to a decline in real support for the work of the National Weather Service

and other NOAA accounts and will offer an amendment to plus the out-year authorization up by a modest 3%. I hope the Chairman can join me on this amendment.

There are a few other issues that my colleagues hope to improve through judicious

amendments and would ask for the support of my colleagues on the other side of

the aisle. In general this is a good bill that we want to make better.

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Chairman SENSENBRENNER. The clerk will report the amendment.

The CLERK. ‘‘Amendment to H.R. 1553, offered by Mr. Calvert.’’

Chairman SENSENBRENNER. Without objection, the amendment is

considered as read. And the gentleman from California is recognized for 5 minutes.

[The information follows:]

AMENDMENT TO H.R. 1553 OFFERED BY MR. CALVERT

Page 10, line 11, strike ‘‘systems’’ and insert ‘‘Services’’.
31

Page 12, line 4, strike ‘‘up to three’’.

Page 12, line 25, strike ‘‘programs’’ and insert ‘‘activities’’.

Page 13, line 6, insert ‘‘, except as specifically authorized by this Act’’ after ‘‘award

process’’.

Mr. CALVERT. And as the Chairman mentioned, this bill—this

amendment is only technical and conforming changes and I would

urge its adoption.

Chairman SENSENBRENNER. Further discussion on the Calvert

amendment?

Hearing none, all those in favor of agreeing to the amendment

will signify by saying aye.

Opposed, no.

The ayes appear to have it. The ayes have it. And the amendment is agreed to.

The second amendment on the list is one by the gentleman from

Illinois, Mr. Ewing. For what purpose does the gentleman seek recognition?

Mr. EWING. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Chairman SENSENBRENNER. The clerk will report the amendment.

The CLERK. ‘‘Amendment to H.R. 1553, offered by Mr. Ewing.’’

Chairman SENSENBRENNER. Without objection, the amendment is

considered as read and open for amendment at any point. And the

gentleman from Illinois, Mr. Ewing, is recognized for 5 minutes.

[The information follows:]

AMENDMENT TO H.R. 1553 OFFERED BY MR. EWING

Page 2, line 20, strike ‘‘$450,411,000’’ and insert ‘‘$449,441,000’’.

Page 3, line 21, strike ‘‘and’’.

Page 3, line 25, strike the period and insert ‘‘; and’’.

Page 3, after line 25, insert the following new paragraph:

(11) $970,000 for fiscal year 2000 shall be for two 1,000-watt National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Weather Radio transmitters, to be located

in Jasper and Marion Counties, Illinois, and nine 300-watt National Oceanic

and Atmospheric Administration Weather Radio transmitters, to be installed in

appropriate locations throughout the State of Illinois, and for maintenance costs

related thereto.

Page 13, line 6, insert ‘‘, except as specifically authorized by this Act’’ after ‘‘award

process’’.

Mr. EWING. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I want to thank you for

considering this amendment which is extremely important to a

large section of rural Illinois. The amendment takes $970,000 authorized for Local Warnings and Forecast Division of the National

Weather Service to purchase, install, and cover the initial cost to

build NOAA weather radio transmitters for the region of Illinois

not already covered by the NOAA Weather Radio Alert System.

The tornadoes which recently tore through Illinois and took the

life of one of my constituents in Ashton, Illinois brought home the

importance of these Weather Alert Systems. There are 17 counties

in Illinois without Weather Alert Systems or are only partially covered. It is especially important that rural areas have a system in

place to warn people of oncoming storms and dangerous weather.

The map that shows where these will be located also is very important because it is almost a vanguard on the west side of the large

metropolitan area of Chicago which is so heavily populated and has
32

been hit a number of times by tornadoes with great loss of property

and lives.

I believe the safety concerns and the fact that the funds are coming from existing NOAA programs makes the amendment easily

supportable, and I thank the Chairman for allowing the amendment to be offered.

Chairman SENSENBRENNER. The gentleman yields back the balance of his time. The gentleman from Illinois, Mr. Costello.

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Chairman, I just want to——

Chairman SENSENBRENNER. Recognized for 5 minutes.

Mr. COSTELLO. I want to associate myself with the remarks made

by Mr. Ewing, and I support his amendment.

Chairman SENSENBRENNER. The gentleman yields back the balance of time. Further discussion on the Ewing amendment?

Hearing none, all those in favor of agreeing to the amendment

will signify by saying aye.

Opposed, no.

The ayes appear to have it. The ayes have it. And the amendment is agreed to.

Amendment number three on the roster is by the gentleman

from Illinois, Mr. Costello. For what purpose do you arise?

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Chairman SENSENBRENNER. The clerk will report the amendment.

The CLERK. ‘‘Amendment to H.R. 1553, offered by Mr. Costello.’’

Chairman SENSENBRENNER. This is amendment number three,

correct?

Mr. COSTELLO. Yes, it is.

Chairman SENSENBRENNER. Without objection, the amendment is

considered as read and the gentleman is recognized for 5 minutes.

[The information follows:]

AMENDMENT TO H.R. 1553 OFFERED BY MR. COSTELLO

Page 5, line 14, insert ‘‘and flood’’ after ‘‘source of weather’’.

Page 5, line 18, strike ‘‘and’’ at the end of subparagraph (C).

Page 5, line 20, strike the period and insert ‘‘; and’’.

Page 5, after line 20, insert the following new subparagraph:

(E) the issuance of marine and aviation forecasts and warnings.

Page 5, line 24, insert ‘‘or (B)’’ after ‘‘paragraph (1)(A)’’.

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Chairman, it is my understanding that the

majority is willing to accept this amendment. I can either be brief

or use my 5 minutes.

Chairman SENSENBRENNER. Will the gentleman yield?

Mr. COSTELLO. I will be happy to.

Chairman SENSENBRENNER. The majority will accept this amendment with the understanding that we may want to work with interested parties on this section to work out an acceptable compromise before this bill comes to the Floor. So we accept the

amendment. We have to modify it a bit after some interested parties come to the table that have not been coming to the table in

the past.

Mr. COSTELLO. Reclaiming my time. It is my understanding then

that we will attempt to work this out before we go to the Floor.

Chairman SENSENBRENNER. Yes, that is my understanding as

well.
33

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Chairman, I yield back my time.

Chairman SENSENBRENNER. Further discussion on Costello

amendment number three?

Hearing none, all those in favor will signify by saying aye.

Opposed, no.

The ayes appear to have it. The ayes have it. And amendment

number three is adopted.

Amendment number four is also by Mr. Costello. For what purpose do you arise?

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Chairman SENSENBRENNER. The clerk will report the amendment.

The CLERK. ‘‘Amendment to H.R. 1553, offered by Mr. Costello.’’

Chairman SENSENBRENNER. Without objection, the amendment is

considered as read and the gentleman from Illinois is recognized

for 5 minutes.

AMENDMENT TO H.R. 1553 OFFERED BY MR. COSTELLO

Page 14, after line 2, insert the following new section:

SEC. 8. AUTHORIZATION INCREASE.

Each of the amounts authorized for fiscal year 2001 by this Act, except for the

amounts authorized by sections 3(b), 4(b), and 5(b), shall be increased by 3 percent.

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Chairman, the bill before us today leaves funding for NOAA

program accounts flat from Fiscal Year 2000 to Fiscal Year 2001. My amendment

would rectify this situation. It would——

Chairman SENSENBRENNER. Will the gentleman yield? This appears to be amendment number six on the roster. It is fine if we go ahead with amendment number

six.

Mr. COSTELLO. Can we do six now and then we’ll go back.

Chairman SENSENBRENNER. Yes, let’s do six now and then we can go back.

So the question is on agreeing to amendment number six and the Chair recognizes the gentleman from Illinois for the balance of his 5 minutes.

Mr. COSTELLO. I assume we will be able to dispense with this amendment quicker

than the next. Mr. Chairman, this is a similar amendment that I offered to

H.R. 1552. It would provide for a 3 percent increase in the authorization level for

Fiscal Year 2001. It is consistent with the action of this Committee in the past, the

views and estimates which call for a 3 percent increase for Fiscal Year 1998, a 4

percent increase in Fiscal Year 1999, and a 3 percent increase for 2000. I made my

arguments and the arguments concerning this authorization increase is the same.

And I do believe, for Mr. Rohrabacher’s information, that it is a responsible amendment in standing up for the taxpayers just for the record.

Chairman SENSENBRENNER. Does the gentleman yield back the balance of his

time?

Mr. COSTELLO. I do.

Chairman SENSENBRENNER. Does the gentleman from California wish his remarks

in the previous amendment incorporated by reference into the record at this point?

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Chairman, in the fear of being redundant, I would accept that.

[The prepared statement of Mr. Costello follows:]

STATEMENT OF HON. JERRY COSTELLO

Mr. Chairman, the bill before us today leaves funding for NOAA program accounts flat from FY2000 to FY2001. My amendment would rectify this situation by

simply reaching back into the bill to increase the authorized levels for FY2001 by

3%. Excluded from this increase would be construction and procurement accounts

because in those cases we are working with real projected out-year numbers. The

total increase in the bill’s authorization level is just under $27 million.

Flat funding means that all the increased inflationary costs for doing work will

be absorbed by the programs—leading to an effective cut in funding.

This Committee has gone on record time and again calling for steady, stable funding for our programs. The Ehlers report called for Federal funding to be ‘‘stable and

substantial’’—it can’t be stable and substantial if we let inflation erode the funding
34

from year to year. The Chairman has chided the administration on several occasions

for failing to provide adequate out-year funding in its budget requests leading to net

declines in inflation-adjusted funding.

This level of increase is consistent with the Committee’s recent past Views and

Estimates which called for a 3% increase for FY1998, a 4% increase for FY1999 and

a 3% increase for FY2000. Almost all of us supported those calls for increases; I

would hope we could agree now to support a similar recommended increase in

FY2000.

The administration is now beginning its FY2001 budget process. We can send a

signal to the administration that there are those in Congress who value these programs.

Finally, we would be providing needed flexibility to appropriators and the Administration for FY2001. We can’t know what may be needed 128 months out or what

GPRA performance evaluations may suggest. A small increase such a I am suggesting—totaling just under $27 million—would allow the flexibility to react to such

things.

Chairman SENSENBRENNER. Okay. Further discussion on Costello

amendment number six?

Hearing none, all those in favor will signify by saying aye.

Opposed, no.

The noes appear to have it.

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Chairman, I have to ask for a roll call.

Chairman SENSENBRENNER. Okay, the noes have it. A roll call is

requested and will be granted.

Those in favor of amendment number six will signify by saying

aye.

Those opposed, no. And the clerk will call the roll.

The CLERK. Mr. Sensenbrenner?

Chairman SENSENBRENNER. No.

The CLERK. Mr. Sensenbrenner votes no. Mr. Boehlert.

[No response.]

The CLERK. Mr. Smith of Texas.

[No response.]

The CLERK. Mrs. Morella.

Mrs. MORELLA. No.

The CLERK. Mrs. Morella votes no. Mr. Weldon of Pennsylvania.

[No response.]

The CLERK. Mr. Rohrabacher.

Mr. ROHRABACHER. No.

The CLERK. Mr. Rohrabacher votes no. Mr. Barton.

Mr. BARTON. No.

The CLERK. Mr. Barton votes no. Mr. Calvert.

Mr. CALVERT. No.

The CLERK. Mr. Calvert votes no. Mr. Smith.

Mr. SMITH of Michigan. No.

The CLERK. Mr. Smith votes no. Mr. Bartlett.

Mr. BARTLETT. No.

The CLERK. Mr. Bartlett votes no. Mr. Ehlers.

Mr. EHLERS. No.

The CLERK. Mr. Ehlers votes no. Mr. Weldon of Florida.

Mr. WELDON of Florida. No.

The CLERK. Mr. Weldon votes no. Mr. Gutknecht.

[No response.]

The CLERK. Mr. Ewing.

Mr. EWING. No.

The CLERK. Mr. Ewing votes no. Mr. Cannon.

[No response.]
35

The CLERK. Mr. Brady.

Mr. BRADY. No.

The CLERK. Mr. Brady votes no. Mr. Cook.

Mr. COOK. No.

The CLERK. Mr. Cook votes no. Mr. Nethercutt.

Mr. NETHERCUTT. No.

The CLERK. Mr. Nethercutt votes no. Mr. Lucas.

Mr. LUCAS. No.

The CLERK. Mr. Lucas votes no. Mr. Green.

Mr. GREEN. No.

The CLERK. Mr. Green votes no. Mr. Kuykendall.

Mr. KUYKENDALL. No.

The CLERK. Mr. Kuykendall votes no. Mr. Miller.

[No response.]

The CLERK. Mrs. Biggert.

Mrs. BIGGERT. No.

The CLERK. Mrs. Biggert votes no. Mr. Sanford.

[No response.]

The CLERK. Mr. Metcalf.

Mr. METCALF. No.

The CLERK. Mr. Metcalf votes no. Mr. Brown.

[No response.]

The CLERK. Mr. Hall.

[No response.]

The CLERK. Mr. Gordon.

Mr. GORDON. Yes.

The CLERK. Mr. Gordon votes yes. Mr. Costello.

Mr. COSTELLO. Yes.

The CLERK. Mr. Costello votes yes. Mr. Barcia.

[No response.]

The CLERK. Ms. Johnson.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Yes.

The CLERK. Ms. Johnson votes yes. Ms. Woolsey.

Ms. WOOLSEY. Aye.

The CLERK. Ms. Woolsey votes yes. Mr. Hastings.

[No response.]

The CLERK. Ms. Rivers.

Ms. RIVERS. Yes.

The CLERK. Ms. Rivers votes yes. Ms. Lofgren.

[No response.]

The CLERK. Mr. Doyle.

Mr. DOYLE. Yes.

The CLERK. Mr. Doyle votes yes. Ms. Jackson Lee.

Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas. Aye.

The CLERK. Ms. Jackson Lee votes yes. Ms. Stabenow.

Ms. STABENOW. Yes.

The CLERK. Ms. Stabenow votes yes. Mr. Etheridge.

Mr. ETHERIDGE. Yes.

The CLERK. Mr. Etheridge votes yes. Mr. Lampson.

Mr. LAMPSON. Yes.

The CLERK. Mr. Lampson votes yes. Mr. Larson.

Mr. LARSON. Yes.

The CLERK. Mr. Larson votes yes. Mr. Udall.

Mr. UDALL. Yes.
36

The CLERK. Mr. Udall votes yes. Mr. Wu.

Mr. WU. Yes.

The CLERK. Mr. Wu votes yes. Mr. Weiner.

Mr. WEINER. Yes.

The CLERK. Mr. Weiner votes yes. Mr. Capuano.

Mr. CAPUANO. Yes.

Chairman SENSENBRENNER. Are there any Members in the chamber that wish to cast their vote or change their votes? The gentleman from Michigan?

Mr. BARCIA. I would like to cast my vote aye.

The CLERK. Mr. Barcia votes yes.

Chairman SENSENBRENNER. Further Members in the chamber

who wish to cast or change their votes? There are none. The clerk

will report.

The CLERK. Mr. Chairman, yes is 16; no is 18.

Chairman SENSENBRENNER. and the amendment is not agreed to.
37
38

The next amendment on the roster going back in order is amendment number four, which I understand will be offered by Mr.

Costello. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Illinois?

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Chairman, thank you. I have an amendment

at the desk, please.

Chairman SENSENBRENNER. The clerk will report the amendment.

The CLERK. ‘‘Amendment to H.R. 1553, offered by Mr. Costello.’’

Chairman SENSENBRENNER. Without objection, the amendment is

considered as read and the gentleman from Illinois is recognized

for 5 minutes.

[The information follows:]

AMENDMENT TO H.R. 1553 OFFERED BY MR. COSTELLO

Page 7, line 14, strike ‘‘$126,200,000’’ and insert ‘‘$139,700,000’’.

Page 7, line 15, strike ‘‘$126,200,000’’ and insert ‘‘$139,700,000’’.

Page 7, line 25, strike ‘‘and’’ at the end of subparagraph (C).

Page 8, line 4, strike the period and insert ‘‘; and’’.

Page 8, after line 4, insert the following new subparagraph:

(E) $13,500,000 for fiscal year 2000 and $13,500,000 for fiscal year 2001

shall be for High Performance Computing.

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Chairman, thank you. Mr. Chairman, this

amendment would restore funding for the High Performance Computing Program. As you know, this Committee has had a long history of involvement in the development of advanced computing and

communications systems.

This year, the Administration proposed a New Information for

the 21st Century, IT2. The leadership of this Committee, the majority has proposed deleting the funding for the HPCC and NGI activities to be bundled together in a larger computing authorization

to be done mid-year. This action raises a number of questions, Mr.

Chairman, and I hope I can withdraw this amendment——

Chairman SENSENBRENNER. Will the gentleman yield?

Mr. COSTELLO. Yes.

Chairman SENSENBRENNER. It is the intention of the Chair relatively soon to offer a bill which deals with High Performance Computing and the IT2 initiative of the Administration. And it is my

belief that we should look at this entire issue holistically and to advance legislation for consideration on the House Floor which deals

with all of this issue in one package. From a strategic standpoint,

as with the NGI bill, which we did in the last Congress, I think

it is important that we wrap all of this up in one bill because we

have scattered success in the Senate with authorization bills. And

some of them will be enacted into law and some of them will drop

into the black hole over in the Senate, never to be seen again. And

I don’t think that that is the way we should be dealing with High

Performance Computing or the IT2 initiative. And I think the way

we can get the authorizations for all of the agencies that deal with

this subject, which includes NOAA, NASA, NIST, Department of

Energy, NSF, Department of Defense, and the National Institutes

of Health is with one comprehensive package and then have the

whole fell swoop be passed and hopefully land on the President’s

desk so that we don’t do this in piecemeal manner because I think

that that would be a very serious error on the part of the Congress.
39

So I am looking forward to working with the gentleman and the

minority as we can advance this package bill.

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Chairman, reclaiming my time quickly, if I

can ask just a few questions?

Chairman SENSENBRENNER. Surely.

Mr. COSTELLO. From a timetable standpoint, since the Appropriations Committee will be marking up and reporting their bills

by mid-summer, where does that leave us? What kind of message

are we sending?

Chairman SENSENBRENNER. It is my hope that we will have the

legislation ready for introduction within a few weeks time and definitely before the Memorial Day break, which is two days long this

year. And it is my intention to put this legislation on a fast track.

Mr. COSTELLO. So it is your intention to get the legislation

through the Committee over to the appropriators before they mark

up?

Chairman SENSENBRENNER. I would hope so. But that is depending upon how quickly the appropriators move. And, as you know,

we are in the period of time, you know, where the good intentions

about quick movement are frequently stated by them before the

wheel starts falling off.

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Chairman, I would yield to Mr. Doyle the balance of my time.

Mr. DOYLE. Thank you, Mr. Costello. Mr. Chairman, I just want

to voice my strong support for Mr. Costello’s amendment. High Performance Computing is probably one of the most important and

faster growing areas under the jurisdiction of this Committee. High

performance super computers and computer scientists at the top of

their profession are conducting important work at centers, such as

the Pittsburgh Super Computer Center, Universities of Illinois and

San Diego and many other schools.

And I just want to close, Mr. Chairman, I look forward to working with you on this legislation.

Chairman SENSENBRENNER. Okay.

Mr. KUYENDALL. Would the gentleman yield?

Chairman SENSENBRENNER. If we would like to get this bill reported out, can we put the statements in the record? Will the gentleman withdraw his amendment?

Mr. COSTELLO. I do, Mr. Chairman.

Chairman SENSENBRENNER. Okay, the amendment is withdrawn.

We have an amendment by Mr. Kuykendall. For what purpose does

the gentleman from California arise?

Mr. KUYKENDALL. I have an amendment at the table.

Chairman SENSENBRENNER. Okay, the clerk will report the

amendment. Without objection, the amendment is considered as

read. The gentleman from California is recognized for 5 minutes.

Without objection, his statement will appear in the record. He

yields back the balance of his time. Is there further discussion on

the Kuykendall amendment? [Laughter.]

[The information follows:]

AMENDMENT TO H.R. 1553 OFFERED BY MR. KUYKENDALL

Page 14, after line 2, insert the following new section:
40

SEC. 8. INTERNET AVAILABILITY OF INFORMATION.

The Administrator shall make available through the Internet home page of the

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration the abstracts relating to all research grants and awards made with funds authorized by this Act. Nothing in this

section shall be construed to require or permit the release of any information prohibited by law or regulation from being released to the public.

OPENING STATEMENT OF HON. STEVEN T. KUYKENDALL

Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment to H.R. 1553, the National Weather Service

authorization bill. Like the other three amendments I have offered this morning,

this amendment would require the National Weather Service to post abstract information of its grant awards on its internet site. By giving public access to information about how tax dollars are spent, we are acting as responsible stewards of taxpayer resources. We also stimulate additional public and private sector research by

informing the research community of efforts already underway. I urge my colleagues

to adopt this good government, good fiscal measure and yield back the balance of

my time.

Mr. KUYKENDALL. I would urge an aye vote.

Chairman SENSENBRENNER. All those in favor will signify by saying aye.

Opposed, no.

The ayes have it. And the amendment is agreed to.

That completes the number of amendments on the roster. Are

there further amendments?

Mr. WU. Mr. Chairman, I have report language at the desk.

Chairman SENSENBRENNER. I will get to the report language in

just a second. There are no further amendments. Report language?

The gentleman from Oregon, Mr. Wu, has report language at the

desk. Without objection, the report language is read. The gentleman from Oregon is recognized for 5 minutes. Without objection,

his statement will appear in the record.

[The information follows:]

REPORT LANGUAGE OFFERED BY MR. WU OF OREGON

The Committee notes the unique geography of the Astoria/Warrenton Airport at

the Port of Astoria, Oregon, and the challenges it represents for the National

Weather Service. It is the Committee’s hope that the Director of the National

Weather Service should work with airport officials to ensure that the newly installed Automated Surface Observing System (ASOS), in conjunction with pilot and

ground observations, allows the National Weather Service to effectively carry out its

mission in the region. Moreover, the Director shall ensure that a local representative is trained in making reports for the NWS in the event of an ASOS failure. If

these additional pilot and ground observations fail to address the special needs of

this airport, further solutions should be investigated and implemented.

Mr. WU. Thank you.

Chairman SENSENBRENNER. And will he yield back the balance

of his time like Mr. Kuykendall did?

Mr. WU. Yes, Mr. Chairman.

Chairman SENSENBRENNER. The gentleman knows that when

you got the votes, you vote.

All those in favor of the report language will signify by saying

aye.

Opposed, no.

The ayes appear to have it. The ayes have it. And Mr. Wu is a

winner.
41

Further report language? Hearing none, the Chair now recognizes the gentleman from Illinois, Mr. Costello, for a motion to report.

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Chairman, I move that the Committee favorably report H.R. 1553, as amended, to the House with the recommendation that the bill as amended do pass. Furthermore, I

move that the staff be instructed to prepare the legislative report

and make necessary technical and conforming amendments and

that the Chairman take all necessary steps to bring the bill before

the House for consideration.

Chairman SENSENBRENNER. Okay. You have heard the motion. Is

there discussion? Hearing none, the Chair notes the presence of a

reporting quorum.

Those in favor of reporting the bill favorably will say aye.

Opposed, no.

The ayes appear to have it. The ayes have it. The bill is reported.

Without objection, the bill will be reported in the form of a single

amendment in the nature of a substitute reflecting amendments

adopted today. Without objection, pursuant to Rule 22, the Chair

is authorized to make motions in the House to go to conference

with the Senate on the bill. Members will have two subsequent calendar days in which to submit supplemental, minority, or additional views on the measure.

Does the gentleman from Tennessee wish to make—I will recognize you at the beginning of the next meeting. And the Committee

is adjourned. Thank you all. It shows that when we get down to

business, we can accomplish a lot.

[Whereupon, at 12:04 p.m., the Committee was adjourned.]

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