To authorize the Comptroller General of the United States to assess a study on the alternatives for the disposition of Plum Island Animal Disease Center, and for other purposes.

Bill: 114-hr-1887
Sponsor: full_name: Rep. Zeldin, Lee M. [R-NY-1]
Introduced: 2015-04-16
Policy area: Public Lands and Natural Resources
Subjects: Congressional oversight

Government buildings, facilities, and property

Government studies and investigations

Land transfers

New York State

Research administration and funding

Veterinary medicine and animal diseases
Latest action: action_date: 2016-05-26
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.

Summaries:
action_date: 2015-04-16
action_desc: Introduced in House
text: <p>This bill amends the Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing Appropriations Act, 2009 and the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2012 to repeal provisions providing for the sale of federal property and assets supporting the Department of Homeland Security's Plum Island Animal Disease Center in New York. </p>

action_date: 2016-05-16
action_desc: Passed House amended
text: <p>(Sec. 2) This bill requires the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to assess the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS's) study of the options for the disposition of Plum Island, New York. (In 2005, DHS announced that the operations of the Plum Island Animal Disease Center will move from Plum Island, New York, to a new federal facility in Manhattan, Kansas.) </p> <p>The GAO must determine whether DHS's methodologies adequately support its findings with respect to: </p> <ul> <li>the possible alternative uses for Plum Island, including the transfer to another federal agency, a state or local government, a nonprofit organization, or a combination of the entities for the purpose of education, research, or conservation; </li> <li> the issues and implications of the alternative uses; and </li> <li> the cost for the transition, cleanup, and hazard mitigation by a recipient of the property. </li> </ul> <p>If the DHS methodologies do not adequately support its findings related to an issue, the GAO must report to Congress on the issue.</p> <p>(Sec. 3) The bill suspends until at least 180 days after the GAO submits its reports to Congress the requirement under current law for the General Services Administration to sell the property and assets which support Plum Island operations. </p>

tv_txt: I 114th CONGRESS 1st Session H. R. 1887 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES April 16, 2015 Mr. Zeldin introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Homeland Security A BILL To amend certain appropriation Acts to repeal the requirement directing the Administrator of General Services to sell Federal property and assets that support the operations of the Plum Island Animal Disease Center in Plum Island, New York, and for other purposes.

1. Findings Congress finds the following: (1) The Federal Government has owned Plum Island since 1899. (2) Since 1954, the Animal Disease Center on Plum Island has conducted first-rate scientific research on a variety of infectious animal-borne diseases, including foot-and-mouth disease, resulting, most recently, in the development of a new cell line that rapidly and reliably detects this highly debilitating disease of livestock. (3) The safety record of the Center is unparalleled, with no accidental releases reaching the mainland in the history of the Center. (4) $23,200,000 in Federal funds have been spent on upgrades to, and the maintenance of, the Plum Island Animal Disease Center since January 2012, and significant investments in the Center in the next five years are likely. (5) In addition to the Animal Disease Center, Plum Island contains cultural, historical, ecological, and natural resources of regional and national significance. (6) Plum Island is situated where the Long Island Sound and Peconic Bay meet, each being estuaries that are part of the National Estuary Program, reflecting each natural system's nationally significant environmental and economic values to the region. (7) The Federal Government has invested hundreds of millions of Federal funds over the last two decades to make long-term improvements with respect to the conservation and management needs of Long Island Sound and Peconic Bay. (8) Due to cleanup costs from past Center activities and the zoning proposed by the town of Southold, New York, prohibiting residental or commercial development, the Federal Government will receive very little to no compensation from the sale of Plum Island. 2. Repeal of requirement to sell certain Federal property in Plum Island, New York (a) Repeal in Public Law 110–329 Section 540 of title V of division D of the Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing Appropriations Act, 2009 ( Public Law 110–329 ; 122 Stat. 3688) is repealed. (b) Repeal in Public Law 112–74 Section 538 of title V of division D of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2012 ( Public Law 112–74 ; 125 Stat. 976) is repealed.

tv_txt: I 114th CONGRESS 2d Session H. R. 1887 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AN ACT To authorize the Comptroller General of the United States to assess a study on the alternatives for the disposition of Plum Island Animal Disease Center, and for other purposes.

1. Findings Congress finds the following: (1) The Federal Government has owned Plum Island, New York, since 1899. (2) Since 1954, the Plum Island Animal Disease Center has conducted unrivaled scientific research on a variety of infectious animal-borne diseases, including foot-and-mouth disease, resulting, most recently, in the development of a new cell line that rapidly and reliably detects this highly debilitating disease of livestock. (3) Over 62 years, the Center has had a strong, proven record of safety. (4) $23,200,000 in Federal dollars have been spent on upgrades to, and the maintenance of, the Center since January 2012. (5) In addition to the Center, Plum Island contains cultural, historical, ecological, and natural resources of regional and national significance. (6) Plum Island is situated where the Long Island Sound and Peconic Bay meet, both of which are estuaries that are part of the National Estuary Program and are environmentally and economically significant to the region. (7) The Federal Government has invested hundreds of millions of Federal dollars over the last two decades to make long-term improvements with respect to the conservation and management needs of Long Island Sound and Peconic Bay. (8) The Department of Homeland Security has undertaken a study to consider alternatives for the final disposition of Plum Island, including an analysis of— (A) conservation of the island’s resources; (B) any remediation responsibilities; (C) the need for any legislative changes; (D) cost; and (E) any revenues from the alternatives. 2. Report required on study by Department of Homeland Security on clean up and alternative uses of Plum Island (a) Assessment by Comptroller General (1) Assessment required The Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct an assessment of the study by the Department of Homeland Security on the options for the disposition of Plum Island referred to in section 1(8). Such assessment shall include a determination of whether the methodologies used by the Department in conducting such study adequately support the Department’s findings with respect to the following: (A) The possible alternative uses for Plum Island, including the transfer of ownership to another Federal agency, a State or local government, a nonprofit organization, or a combination thereof for the purpose of education, research, or conservation. (B) The possible issues and implications, if any, of pursuing such alternative uses for Plum Island. (C) The potential cost to be incurred for expenses related to the transition, cleanup, and hazard mitigation of Plum Island by a recipient of such property. (2) Report required Not later than 180 days after the date on which the Department of Homeland Security completes the study referred to in section 1(8), the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to Congress a report containing the following: (A) The results of the assessment described under paragraph (1). (B) A description of the Secretary of Homeland Security’s coordination with the Administrator of General Services, the Secretary of the Interior, and the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency in conducting the Department of Homeland Security study referred to in section 1(8). (b) Study by Comptroller General (1) Study required If the Comptroller General of the United States determines that the methodologies referred to in subsection (a)(1) do not adequately support the Department of Homeland Security’s findings related to an issue described in subparagraphs (A) through (C) of such subsection, the Comptroller General shall conduct a study on any such issue. (2) Report required If the Comptroller General of the United States conducts a study under paragraph (1), not later than 1 year after the date on which the Department of Homeland Security completes the study referred to in section 1(8), the Comptroller General shall submit to Congress a report containing the results of the study conducted under paragraph (1). 3. Suspension of action No action may be taken to carry out section 538 of title V of division D of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2012 ( Public Law 112–74 ; 125 Stat. 976) until at least 180 days after the reports required by subsection (a)(2) of section 2 and, if applicable, subsection (b)(2) of such section have been submitted to Congress.

Passed the House of Representatives May 16, 2016. Karen L. Haas, Clerk.

tv_txt: IB Union Calendar No. 441 114th CONGRESS 2d Session H. R. 1887 [Report No. 114–568] IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES April 16, 2015 Mr. Zeldin introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Homeland Security May 16, 2016 Additional sponsors: Mr. Courtney , Ms. Esty , Ms. DeLauro , Mr. Himes , Mr. Israel , Miss Rice of New York , Mr. King of New York , Mr. Donovan , Mr. Gibson , Mr. Larson of Connecticut , Mr. Serrano , Mr. Blumenauer , Mr. Meeks , Ms. Meng , Mr. Hanna , Mr. Beyer , Mr. Kind , Mr. Engel , Mr. Crowley , Mr. Higgins , Mr. Fitzpatrick , Mr. McGovern , Mr. Langevin , and Mr. Ted Lieu of California May 16 2016 Reported with an amendment, committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union, and ordered to be printed Strike out all after the enacting clause and insert the part printed in italic For text of introduced bill, see copy of bill as introduced on April 16, 2015 A BILL To amend certain appropriation Acts to repeal the requirement directing the Administrator of General Services to sell Federal property and assets that support the operations of the Plum Island Animal Disease Center in Plum Island, New York, and for other purposes.

1. Findings Congress finds the following: (1) The Federal Government has owned Plum Island, New York, since 1899. (2) Since 1954, the Plum Island Animal Disease Center has conducted unrivaled scientific research on a variety of infectious animal-borne diseases, including foot-and-mouth disease, resulting, most recently, in the development of a new cell line that rapidly and reliably detects this highly debilitating disease of livestock. (3) Over 62 years, the Center has had a strong, proven record of safety. (4) $23,200,000 in Federal dollars have been spent on upgrades to, and the maintenance of, the Center since January 2012. (5) In addition to the Center, Plum Island contains cultural, historical, ecological, and natural resources of regional and national significance. (6) Plum Island is situated where the Long Island Sound and Peconic Bay meet, both of which are estuaries that are part of the National Estuary Program and are environmentally and economically significant to the region. (7) The Federal Government has invested hundreds of millions of Federal dollars over the last two decades to make long-term improvements with respect to the conservation and management needs of Long Island Sound and Peconic Bay. (8) The Department of Homeland Security has undertaken a study to consider alternatives for the final disposition of Plum Island, including an analysis of— (A) conservation of the island’s resources; (B) any remediation responsibilities; (C) the need for any legislative changes; (D) cost; and (E) any revenues from the alternatives. 2. Report required on study by Department of Homeland Security on clean up and alternative uses of Plum Island (a) Assessment by Comptroller General (1) Assessment required The Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct an assessment of the study by the Department of Homeland Security on the options for the disposition of Plum Island referred to in section 1(8). Such assessment shall include a determination of whether the methodologies used by the Department in conducting such study adequately support the Department’s findings with respect to the following: (A) The possible alternative uses for Plum Island, including the transfer of ownership to another Federal agency, a State or local government, a nonprofit organization, or a combination thereof for the purpose of education, research, or conservation. (B) The possible issues and implications, if any, of pursuing such alternative uses for Plum Island. (C) The potential cost to be incurred for expenses related to the transition, cleanup, and hazard mitigation of Plum Island by a recipient of such property. (2) Report required Not later than 180 days after the date on which the Department of Homeland Security completes the study referred to in section 1(8), the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to Congress a report containing the following: (A) The results of the assessment described under paragraph (1). (B) A description of the Secretary of Homeland Security’s coordination with the Administrator of General Services, the Secretary of the Interior, and the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency in conducting the Department of Homeland Security study referred to in section 1(8). (b) Study by Comptroller General (1) Study required If the Comptroller General of the United States determines that the methodologies referred to in subsection (a)(1) do not adequately support the Department of Homeland Security’s findings related to an issue described in subparagraphs (A) through (C) of such subsection, the Comptroller General shall conduct a study on any such issue. (2) Report required If the Comptroller General of the United States conducts a study under paragraph (1), not later than one year after the date on which the Department of Homeland Security completes the study referred to in section 1(8), the Comptroller General shall submit to Congress a report containing the results of the study conducted under paragraph (1). 3. Suspension of action No action may be taken to carry out section 538 of title V of division D of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2012 ( Public Law 112–74 ; 125 Stat. 976) until at least 180 days after the reports required by subsection (a)(2) of section 2 and, if applicable, subsection (b)(2) of such section have been submitted to Congress.

May 16, 2016 Reported with an amendment, committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union, and ordered to be printed

tv_txt: II 114th CONGRESS 2d Session H. R. 1887 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES May 17, 2016 Received AN ACT To authorize the Comptroller General of the United States to assess a study on the alternatives for the disposition of Plum Island Animal Disease Center, and for other purposes.

1. Findings Congress finds the following: (1) The Federal Government has owned Plum Island, New York, since 1899. (2) Since 1954, the Plum Island Animal Disease Center has conducted unrivaled scientific research on a variety of infectious animal-borne diseases, including foot-and-mouth disease, resulting, most recently, in the development of a new cell line that rapidly and reliably detects this highly debilitating disease of livestock. (3) Over 62 years, the Center has had a strong, proven record of safety. (4) $23,200,000 in Federal dollars have been spent on upgrades to, and the maintenance of, the Center since January 2012. (5) In addition to the Center, Plum Island contains cultural, historical, ecological, and natural resources of regional and national significance. (6) Plum Island is situated where the Long Island Sound and Peconic Bay meet, both of which are estuaries that are part of the National Estuary Program and are environmentally and economically significant to the region. (7) The Federal Government has invested hundreds of millions of Federal dollars over the last two decades to make long-term improvements with respect to the conservation and management needs of Long Island Sound and Peconic Bay. (8) The Department of Homeland Security has undertaken a study to consider alternatives for the final disposition of Plum Island, including an analysis of— (A) conservation of the island’s resources; (B) any remediation responsibilities; (C) the need for any legislative changes; (D) cost; and (E) any revenues from the alternatives. 2. Report required on study by Department of Homeland Security on clean up and alternative uses of Plum Island (a) Assessment by Comptroller General (1) Assessment required The Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct an assessment of the study by the Department of Homeland Security on the options for the disposition of Plum Island referred to in section 1(8). Such assessment shall include a determination of whether the methodologies used by the Department in conducting such study adequately support the Department’s findings with respect to the following: (A) The possible alternative uses for Plum Island, including the transfer of ownership to another Federal agency, a State or local government, a nonprofit organization, or a combination thereof for the purpose of education, research, or conservation. (B) The possible issues and implications, if any, of pursuing such alternative uses for Plum Island. (C) The potential cost to be incurred for expenses related to the transition, cleanup, and hazard mitigation of Plum Island by a recipient of such property. (2) Report required Not later than 180 days after the date on which the Department of Homeland Security completes the study referred to in section 1(8), the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to Congress a report containing the following: (A) The results of the assessment described under paragraph (1). (B) A description of the Secretary of Homeland Security’s coordination with the Administrator of General Services, the Secretary of the Interior, and the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency in conducting the Department of Homeland Security study referred to in section 1(8). (b) Study by Comptroller General (1) Study required If the Comptroller General of the United States determines that the methodologies referred to in subsection (a)(1) do not adequately support the Department of Homeland Security’s findings related to an issue described in subparagraphs (A) through (C) of such subsection, the Comptroller General shall conduct a study on any such issue. (2) Report required If the Comptroller General of the United States conducts a study under paragraph (1), not later than 1 year after the date on which the Department of Homeland Security completes the study referred to in section 1(8), the Comptroller General shall submit to Congress a report containing the results of the study conducted under paragraph (1). 3. Suspension of action No action may be taken to carry out section 538 of title V of division D of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2012 ( Public Law 112–74 ; 125 Stat. 976) until at least 180 days after the reports required by subsection (a)(2) of section 2 and, if applicable, subsection (b)(2) of such section have been submitted to Congress.

Passed the House of Representatives May 16, 2016. Karen L. Haas, Clerk

tv_txt: IIB 114th CONGRESS 2d Session H. R. 1887 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES May 17, 2016 Received May 26, 2016 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs AN ACT To authorize the Comptroller General of the United States to assess a study on the alternatives for the disposition of Plum Island Animal Disease Center, and for other purposes.

1. Findings Congress finds the following: (1) The Federal Government has owned Plum Island, New York, since 1899. (2) Since 1954, the Plum Island Animal Disease Center has conducted unrivaled scientific research on a variety of infectious animal-borne diseases, including foot-and-mouth disease, resulting, most recently, in the development of a new cell line that rapidly and reliably detects this highly debilitating disease of livestock. (3) Over 62 years, the Center has had a strong, proven record of safety. (4) $23,200,000 in Federal dollars have been spent on upgrades to, and the maintenance of, the Center since January 2012. (5) In addition to the Center, Plum Island contains cultural, historical, ecological, and natural resources of regional and national significance. (6) Plum Island is situated where the Long Island Sound and Peconic Bay meet, both of which are estuaries that are part of the National Estuary Program and are environmentally and economically significant to the region. (7) The Federal Government has invested hundreds of millions of Federal dollars over the last two decades to make long-term improvements with respect to the conservation and management needs of Long Island Sound and Peconic Bay. (8) The Department of Homeland Security has undertaken a study to consider alternatives for the final disposition of Plum Island, including an analysis of— (A) conservation of the island’s resources; (B) any remediation responsibilities; (C) the need for any legislative changes; (D) cost; and (E) any revenues from the alternatives. 2. Report required on study by Department of Homeland Security on clean up and alternative uses of Plum Island (a) Assessment by Comptroller General (1) Assessment required The Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct an assessment of the study by the Department of Homeland Security on the options for the disposition of Plum Island referred to in section 1(8). Such assessment shall include a determination of whether the methodologies used by the Department in conducting such study adequately support the Department’s findings with respect to the following: (A) The possible alternative uses for Plum Island, including the transfer of ownership to another Federal agency, a State or local government, a nonprofit organization, or a combination thereof for the purpose of education, research, or conservation. (B) The possible issues and implications, if any, of pursuing such alternative uses for Plum Island. (C) The potential cost to be incurred for expenses related to the transition, cleanup, and hazard mitigation of Plum Island by a recipient of such property. (2) Report required Not later than 180 days after the date on which the Department of Homeland Security completes the study referred to in section 1(8), the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to Congress a report containing the following: (A) The results of the assessment described under paragraph (1). (B) A description of the Secretary of Homeland Security’s coordination with the Administrator of General Services, the Secretary of the Interior, and the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency in conducting the Department of Homeland Security study referred to in section 1(8). (b) Study by Comptroller General (1) Study required If the Comptroller General of the United States determines that the methodologies referred to in subsection (a)(1) do not adequately support the Department of Homeland Security’s findings related to an issue described in subparagraphs (A) through (C) of such subsection, the Comptroller General shall conduct a study on any such issue. (2) Report required If the Comptroller General of the United States conducts a study under paragraph (1), not later than 1 year after the date on which the Department of Homeland Security completes the study referred to in section 1(8), the Comptroller General shall submit to Congress a report containing the results of the study conducted under paragraph (1). 3. Suspension of action No action may be taken to carry out section 538 of title V of division D of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2012 ( Public Law 112–74 ; 125 Stat. 976) until at least 180 days after the reports required by subsection (a)(2) of section 2 and, if applicable, subsection (b)(2) of such section have been submitted to Congress.

Passed the House of Representatives May 16, 2016. Karen L. Haas, Clerk.