To establish a coordinated national ocean exploration program within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Bill: 109-hr-3835
Sponsor: Rep. Saxton, Jim [R-NJ-3]
Introduced: 2005-09-20 in the House
Policy area: Public Lands and Natural Resources
Subjects: Agriculture and Food
Aquaculture
Archaeology
Arts, Culture, Religion
Authorization
Commerce
Communication in science
Communication satellites
Department of Commerce
Economics and Public Finance
Education
Executive reorganization
Federal advisory bodies
Federal aid to research
Federal officials
Gifts
Government Operations and Politics
Government paperwork
Government publicity
Great Lakes
Higher education
Historic sites
History
Information networks
Marine and coastal resources, fisheries
Marine ecology
Marine safety
Marine transportation
Navigation
Ocean
Ocean floor
Ocean mining
Oceanographic research
Oceanography
Product development
Public-private partnerships
Remote sensing
Reprogramming of appropriated funds
Research and development
Research centers
Research grants
Robots
Science, Technology, Communications
Scientific education
Technological innovations
Technology transfer
Transportation and Public Works

Summary:
action_date: 2005-09-20
text: 
National Ocean Exploration Program Act - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to establish within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) a coordinated national ocean exploration program that promotes collaboration with existing NOAA programs, including those authorized under this Act. Directs the NOAA Administrator to: (1) conduct interdisciplinary exploration voyages or other scientific activities to survey, inventory, observe, and assess little-known areas of the marine environment; (2) give priority to deep ocean regions, focusing on marine systems holding potential for important scientific discoveries; and (3) promote development of improved oceanographic research, communication, navigation, and data collection systems. 
 
Requires NOAA to convene an ocean exploration technology and infrastructure task force to develop and implement a strategy to: (1) facilitate the transfer of new exploration technology to the program; (2) improve the availability of communications infrastructure (including satellite) to the program; (3) develop a data management information processing system for information obtained under the program; and (4) conduct public education and outreach activities that improve the public understanding of ocean science, resources, and processes.
 
Authorizes NOAA, the National Science Foundation, and other federal agencies to participate in interagency financing in carrying out program activities.
 
NOAA Undersea Research Program Act of 2005 - Directs the Administrator of NOAA to establish and maintain an undersea research program conducted through a national headquarters, a network of regional undersea research centers, and a national technology institute.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2006-07-27
text: Subcommittee Hearings Held.
action_date: 2006-05-04
text: Subcommittee Hearings Held.
action_date: 2005-09-26
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics.
action_date: 2005-09-26
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Research.
action_date: 2005-09-26
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Environment, Technology, and Standards.
action_date: 2005-09-23
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Fisheries and Oceans.
action_date: 2005-09-20
text: Referred to the Committee on Science, and in addition to the Committee on Resources, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
action_date: 2005-09-20
text: Referred to the Committee on Science, and in addition to the Committee on Resources, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
action_date: 2005-09-20
text: Referred to the Committee on Science, and in addition to the Committee on Resources, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
action_date: 2005-09-20
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2005-09-20
text: Introduced in House