National Sea Grant College Program Amendments Act of 2017

Bill: 115-s-129
Sponsor: full_name: Sen. Wicker, Roger F. [R-MS]
Introduced: 2017-01-12
Policy area: Public Lands and Natural Resources
Subjects: Advisory bodies

Agricultural research

Aquaculture

Aquatic ecology

Congressional committees

Congressional officers and employees

Congressional oversight

Department of Commerce

Education programs funding

Executive agency funding and structure

Food supply, safety, and labeling

Government employee pay, benefits, personnel management

Great Lakes

Higher education

Marine and coastal resources, fisheries

Research administration and funding

Science and engineering education

Seafood

Social work, volunteer service, charitable organizations

Student aid and college costs
Latest action: action_date: 2017-09-19
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Water, Power and Oceans.

Summaries:
action_date: 2017-01-12
action_desc: Introduced in Senate
text: <p><b>National Sea Grant College Program Amendments Act of 2017</b></p> <p> This bill amends the National Sea Grant College Program Act to reauthorize through FY2022 the National Sea Grant College Program.</p> <p>The bill requires the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to award Dean John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowships. Currently, NOAA has discretion in awarding such fellowships. Those fellowships support the placement of graduate students in fields related to ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes resources in positions with the executive and legislative branches.</p> <p>NOAA must establish priorities for the use of donations given for the National Sea Grant Program. </p> <p>An agency may appoint a recipient of a Dean John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship to a federal position within two years after such recipient successfully completes a fellowship.</p> <p>The bill authorizes through FY2022 grants for university research on: (1) the biology, prevention, and control of aquatic nonnative species; (2) oyster diseases, oyster restoration, and oyster-related human health risks; (3) the biology, prevention, and forecasting of harmful algal blooms; and (4) sustainable aquaculture techniques and technologies. The bill also authorizes through FY2022 grants for: (1) fishery extension activities conducted by sea grant colleges or sea grant institutes to enhance existing core program funding; and (2) priority issues identified in the National Sea Grant Program's strategic plan.</p>

action_date: 2017-03-30
action_desc: Reported to Senate without amendment
text: <p>(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.)</p> <p><b>National Sea Grant College Program Amendments Act of 2017</b></p> <p>(Sec. 3) This bill amends the National Sea Grant College Program Act to reauthorize through FY2022 the National Sea Grant College Program.</p> <p>The bill requires the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to award Dean John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowships. Currently, NOAA has discretion in awarding such fellowships. Those fellowships support the placement of graduate students in fields related to ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes resources in positions with the executive and legislative branches.</p> <p>(Sec. 4) NOAA must establish priorities for the use of donations given for the National Sea Grant Program.</p> <p>(Sec. 5) The bill repeals the requirement that NOAA and the National Science Foundation (NSF) jointly report to Congress on the coordination of activities between NOAA's Coastal Ocean and National Sea Grant Program and the NSF.</p> <p>(Sec. 6) The National Sea Grant Advisory Board must report to Congress regarding the state of the National Sea Grant Program every three years, rather than biennially.</p> <p>(Sec. 7) The National Sea Grant Program must consist of financial assistance for research, education, extension, training, technology transfer, public service, and certain other activities.</p> <p>(Sec. 8) An agency may appoint a recipient of a Dean John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship to a federal position within two years after such recipient successfully completes a fellowship.</p> <p>(Sec. 9) The bill authorizes through FY2022 grants for university research on: (1) the biology, prevention, and control of aquatic nonnative species; (2) oyster diseases, oyster restoration, and oyster-related human health risks; (3) the biology, prevention, and forecasting of harmful algal blooms; and (4) sustainable aquaculture techniques and technologies. The bill also authorizes through FY2022 grants for: (1) fishery extension activities conducted by sea grant colleges or sea grant institutes to enhance existing core program funding; and (2) priority issues identified in the National Sea Grant Program's strategic plan.</p>

action_date: 2017-09-14
action_desc: Passed Senate amended
text: <p><b>National Sea Grant College Program Amendments Act of 2017</b></p> <p>(Sec. 3) This bill requires the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to award Dean John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowships. Currently, NOAA has discretion in awarding such fellowships. Those fellowships support the placement of graduate students in fields related to ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes resources in positions within the executive and legislative branches.</p> <p>(Sec. 4) NOAA must establish priorities for the use of donations given for the National Sea Grant Program.</p> <p>(Sec. 5) The National Sea Grant Advisory Board must report to Congress regarding the state of the National Sea Grant Program every four years, rather than biennially.</p> <p>(Sec. 6) The National Sea Grant Program must consist of financial assistance for research, education, extension, training, technology transfer, public service, and certain other activities.</p> <p>(Sec.7)NOAA must notify Congress in writing at least 30 days before designating an institution, or an association or alliance of two or more such institutions, as a sea grant college or sea grant institute.NOAA may not make such a designation if, before the end of the 30-day period, Congress enacts a joint resolution disapproving the designation. </p> <p>(Sec. 8) An agency may appoint a recipient of a Dean John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship to a federal position within two years after such recipient successfully completes a fellowship.</p> <p>(Sec. 9) The bill reauthorizes through FY2022 the National Sea Grant College Program and authorizes through FY2022 grants for university research on: (1) the biology, prevention, and control of aquatic nonnative species; (2) oyster diseases, oyster restoration, and oyster-related human health risks; (3) the biology, prevention, and forecasting of harmful algal blooms; and (4) sustainable aquaculture techniques and technologies. The bill also authorizes through FY2022 grants for: (1) fishery research and extension activities conducted by sea grant colleges or sea grant institutes to enhance existing core program funding; and (2) priority issues identified in the National Sea Grant Program's strategic plan.</p>

tv_txt: II 115th CONGRESS 1st Session S. 129 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES January 12, 2017 Mr. Wicker (for himself, Mr. Schatz , Ms. Cantwell , and Mr. Sullivan ) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation A BILL To reauthorize and amend the National Sea Grant College Program Act, and for other purposes.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the National Sea Grant College Program Amendments Act of 2017 . 2. References to the National Sea Grant College Program Act Except as otherwise expressly provided, wherever in this Act an amendment or repeal is expressed in terms of an amendment to, or repeal of, a section or other provision, the reference shall be considered to be made to a section or other provision of the National Sea Grant College Program Act ( 33 U.S.C. 1121 et seq.). 3. Modification of Dean John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship (a) In general Section 208(b) ( 33 U.S.C. 1127(b) ) is amended by striking may and inserting shall . (b) Placements in Congress Such section is further amended— (1) in the first sentence, by striking The Secretary and inserting the following: (1) In general The Secretary ; and (2) in paragraph (1), as designated by paragraph (1), in the second sentence, by striking A fellowship and inserting the following: (2) Placement priorities (A) In general In each year in which the Secretary awards a legislative fellowship under this subsection, when considering the placement of fellows, the Secretary shall prioritize placement of fellows in the following: (i) Positions in offices of, or with Members on, committees of Congress that have jurisdiction over the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. (ii) Positions in offices of Members of Congress that have a demonstrated interest in ocean, coastal, or Great Lakes resources. (B) Equitable distribution In placing fellows in offices described in subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall ensure that placements are equitably distributed among the political parties. (3) Duration A fellowship . (c) Effective date The amendments made by subsection (b) shall apply with respect to the first calendar year beginning after the date of the enactment of this Act. (d) Sense of Congress concerning Federal hiring of former fellows It is the sense of Congress that in recognition of the competitive nature of the fellowship under section 208(b) of the National Sea Grant College Program Act ( 33 U.S.C. 1127(b) ), and of the exceptional qualifications of fellowship awardees, the Secretary of Commerce, acting through the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere, should encourage participating Federal agencies to consider opportunities for fellowship awardees at the conclusion of their fellowships for workforce positions appropriate for their education and experience. 4. Modification of authority of Secretary of Commerce to accept donations for National Sea Grant College Program (a) In general Section 204(c)(4)(E) ( 33 U.S.C. 1123(c)(4)(E) ) is amended to read as follows: (E) accept donations of money and, notwithstanding section 1342 of title 31, United States Code, of voluntary and uncompensated services; . (b) Priorities The Secretary of Commerce, acting through the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere, shall establish priorities for the use of donations accepted under section 204(c)(4)(E) of the National Sea Grant College Program Act ( 33 U.S.C. 1123(c)(4)(E) ), and shall consider among those priorities the possibility of expanding the Dean John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship's placement of additional fellows in relevant legislative offices under section 208(b) of that Act ( 33 U.S.C. 1127(b) ), in accordance with the recommendations under subsection (c) of this section. (c) Report Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Director of the National Sea Grant College Program, in consultation with the National Sea Grant Advisory Board and the Sea Grant Association, shall— (1) develop recommendations for the optimal use of any donations accepted under section 204(c)(4)(E) of the National Sea Grant College Program Act ( 33 U.S.C. 1123(c)(4)(E) ); and (2) submit to Congress a report on the recommendations developed under paragraph (1). (d) Construction Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit or otherwise affect any other amounts available for marine policy fellowships under section 208(b) of the National Sea Grant College Program Act ( 33 U.S.C. 1127(b) ), including amounts— (1) accepted under section 204(c)(4)(F) of that Act ( 33 U.S.C. 1123(c)(4)(F) ); or (2) appropriated pursuant to the authorization of appropriations under section 212 of that Act ( 33 U.S.C. 1131 ). 5. Repeal of requirement for report on coordination of oceans and coastal research activities Section 9 of the National Sea Grant College Program Act Amendments of 2002 ( 33 U.S.C. 857–20 ) is repealed. 6. Reduction in frequency required for National Sea Grant Advisory Board report Section 209(b)(2) ( 33 U.S.C. 1128(b)(2) ) is amended— (1) in the heading, by striking Biennial and inserting Periodic ; and (2) in the first sentence, by striking The Board shall report to the Congress every two years and inserting Not less frequently than once every 3 years, the Board shall submit to Congress a report . 7. Modification of elements of National Sea Grant College Program Section 204(b) ( 33 U.S.C. 1123(b) ) is amended, in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by inserting for research, education, extension, training, technology transfer, and public service after financial assistance . 8. Direct hire authority; Dean John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship (a) In general During fiscal year 2017 and any fiscal year thereafter, the head of any Federal agency may appoint, without regard to the provisions of subchapter I of chapter 33 of title 5, United States Code, other than sections 3303 and 3328 of that title, a qualified candidate described in subsection (b) directly to a position with the Federal agency for which the candidate meets Office of Personnel Management qualification standards. (b) Dean John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship Subsection (a) applies with respect to a former recipient of a Dean John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship under section 208(b) of the National Sea Grant College Program Act ( 33 U.S.C. 1127(b) ) who— (1) earned a graduate or post-graduate degree in a field related to ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes resources or policy from an accredited institution of higher education; and (2) successfully fulfilled the requirements of the fellowship within the executive or legislative branch of the United States Government. (c) Limitation The direct hire authority under this section shall be exercised with respect to a specific qualified candidate not later than 2 years after the date that the candidate completed the fellowship described in subsection (b). 9. Authorization of appropriations for National Sea Grant College Program (a) In general Section 212(a) ( 33 U.S.C. 1131(a) ) is amended— (1) by amending paragraph (1) to read as follows: (1) In general There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out this title— (A) $75,600,000 for fiscal year 2017; (B) $79,380,000 for fiscal year 2018; (C) $83,350,000 for fiscal year 2019; (D) $87,520,000 for fiscal year 2020; (E) $91,900,000 for fiscal year 2021; and (F) $96,500,000 for fiscal year 2022. ; and (2) by amending paragraph (2) to read as follows: (2) Priority activities for fiscal years 2017 through 2022 In addition to the amounts authorized to be appropriated under paragraph (1), there are authorized to be appropriated $6,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2017 through 2022 for competitive grants for the following: (A) University research on the biology, prevention, and control of aquatic nonnative species. (B) University research on oyster diseases, oyster restoration, and oyster-related human health risks. (C) University research on the biology, prevention, and forecasting of harmful algal blooms. (D) University research, education, training, and extension services and activities focused on coastal resilience and United States working waterfronts and other regional or national priority issues identified in the strategic plan under section 204(c)(1). (E) University research on sustainable aquaculture techniques and technologies. (F) Fishery extension activities conducted by sea grant colleges or sea grant institutes to enhance, and not supplant, existing core program funding. . (b) Modification of limitations on amounts for administration Paragraph (1) of section 212(b) ( 33 U.S.C. 1131(b) ) is amended to read as follows: (1) Administration (A) In general There may not be used for administration of programs under this title in a fiscal year more than 5.5 percent of the lesser of— (i) the amount authorized to be appropriated under this title for the fiscal year; or (ii) the amount appropriated under this title for the fiscal year. (B) Critical staffing requirements (i) In general The Director shall use the authority under subchapter VI of chapter 33 of title 5, United States Code, to meet any critical staffing requirement while carrying out the activities authorized under this title. (ii) Exception from cap For purposes of subparagraph (A), any costs incurred as a result of an exercise of authority as described in clause (i) shall not be considered an amount used for administration of programs under this title in a fiscal year. . (c) Allocation of funding (1) In general Section 204(d)(3) ( 33 U.S.C. 1123(d)(3) ) is amended— (A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking With respect to sea grant colleges and sea grant institutes and inserting With respect to sea grant colleges, sea grant institutes, sea grant programs, and sea grant projects ; and (B) in subparagraph (B), in the matter preceding clause (i), by striking funding among sea grant colleges and sea grant institutes and inserting funding among sea grant colleges, sea grant institutes, sea grant programs, and sea grant projects . (2) Repeal of requirements concerning distribution of excess amounts Section 212 ( 33 U.S.C. 1131 ) is amended— (A) by striking subsection (c); and (B) by redesignating subsections (d) and (e) as subsections (c) and (d), respectively. 10. Technical corrections The National Sea Grant College Program Act ( 33 U.S.C. 1121 et seq.) is amended— (1) in section 204(d)(3)(B) ( 33 U.S.C. 1123(d)(3)(B) ), by moving clause (vi) 2 ems to the right; and (2) in section 209(b)(2) ( 33 U.S.C. 1128(b)(2) ), as amended by section 6, in the third sentence, by striking The Secretary shall and inserting the following: (3) Availability of resources of Department of Commerce The Secretary shall .

tv_txt: II Calendar No. 26 115th CONGRESS 1st Session S. 129 [Report No. 115–15] IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES January 12, 2017 Mr. Wicker (for himself, Mr. Schatz , Ms. Cantwell , Mr. Sullivan , Ms. Murkowski , and Mr. Nelson ) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation March 30, 2017 Reported by Mr. Thune , without amendment A BILL To reauthorize and amend the National Sea Grant College Program Act, and for other purposes.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the National Sea Grant College Program Amendments Act of 2017 . 2. References to the National Sea Grant College Program Act Except as otherwise expressly provided, wherever in this Act an amendment or repeal is expressed in terms of an amendment to, or repeal of, a section or other provision, the reference shall be considered to be made to a section or other provision of the National Sea Grant College Program Act ( 33 U.S.C. 1121 et seq.). 3. Modification of Dean John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship (a) In general Section 208(b) ( 33 U.S.C. 1127(b) ) is amended by striking may and inserting shall . (b) Placements in Congress Such section is further amended— (1) in the first sentence, by striking The Secretary and inserting the following: (1) In general The Secretary ; and (2) in paragraph (1), as designated by paragraph (1), in the second sentence, by striking A fellowship and inserting the following: (2) Placement priorities (A) In general In each year in which the Secretary awards a legislative fellowship under this subsection, when considering the placement of fellows, the Secretary shall prioritize placement of fellows in the following: (i) Positions in offices of, or with Members on, committees of Congress that have jurisdiction over the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. (ii) Positions in offices of Members of Congress that have a demonstrated interest in ocean, coastal, or Great Lakes resources. (B) Equitable distribution In placing fellows in offices described in subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall ensure that placements are equitably distributed among the political parties. (3) Duration A fellowship . (c) Effective date The amendments made by subsection (b) shall apply with respect to the first calendar year beginning after the date of the enactment of this Act. (d) Sense of Congress concerning Federal hiring of former fellows It is the sense of Congress that in recognition of the competitive nature of the fellowship under section 208(b) of the National Sea Grant College Program Act ( 33 U.S.C. 1127(b) ), and of the exceptional qualifications of fellowship awardees, the Secretary of Commerce, acting through the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere, should encourage participating Federal agencies to consider opportunities for fellowship awardees at the conclusion of their fellowships for workforce positions appropriate for their education and experience. 4. Modification of authority of Secretary of Commerce to accept donations for National Sea Grant College Program (a) In general Section 204(c)(4)(E) ( 33 U.S.C. 1123(c)(4)(E) ) is amended to read as follows: (E) accept donations of money and, notwithstanding section 1342 of title 31, United States Code, of voluntary and uncompensated services; . (b) Priorities The Secretary of Commerce, acting through the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere, shall establish priorities for the use of donations accepted under section 204(c)(4)(E) of the National Sea Grant College Program Act ( 33 U.S.C. 1123(c)(4)(E) ), and shall consider among those priorities the possibility of expanding the Dean John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship's placement of additional fellows in relevant legislative offices under section 208(b) of that Act ( 33 U.S.C. 1127(b) ), in accordance with the recommendations under subsection (c) of this section. (c) Report Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Director of the National Sea Grant College Program, in consultation with the National Sea Grant Advisory Board and the Sea Grant Association, shall— (1) develop recommendations for the optimal use of any donations accepted under section 204(c)(4)(E) of the National Sea Grant College Program Act ( 33 U.S.C. 1123(c)(4)(E) ); and (2) submit to Congress a report on the recommendations developed under paragraph (1). (d) Construction Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit or otherwise affect any other amounts available for marine policy fellowships under section 208(b) of the National Sea Grant College Program Act ( 33 U.S.C. 1127(b) ), including amounts— (1) accepted under section 204(c)(4)(F) of that Act ( 33 U.S.C. 1123(c)(4)(F) ); or (2) appropriated pursuant to the authorization of appropriations under section 212 of that Act ( 33 U.S.C. 1131 ). 5. Repeal of requirement for report on coordination of oceans and coastal research activities Section 9 of the National Sea Grant College Program Act Amendments of 2002 ( 33 U.S.C. 857–20 ) is repealed. 6. Reduction in frequency required for National Sea Grant Advisory Board report Section 209(b)(2) ( 33 U.S.C. 1128(b)(2) ) is amended— (1) in the heading, by striking Biennial and inserting Periodic ; and (2) in the first sentence, by striking The Board shall report to the Congress every two years and inserting Not less frequently than once every 3 years, the Board shall submit to Congress a report . 7. Modification of elements of National Sea Grant College Program Section 204(b) ( 33 U.S.C. 1123(b) ) is amended, in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by inserting for research, education, extension, training, technology transfer, and public service after financial assistance . 8. Direct hire authority; Dean John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship (a) In general During fiscal year 2017 and any fiscal year thereafter, the head of any Federal agency may appoint, without regard to the provisions of subchapter I of chapter 33 of title 5, United States Code, other than sections 3303 and 3328 of that title, a qualified candidate described in subsection (b) directly to a position with the Federal agency for which the candidate meets Office of Personnel Management qualification standards. (b) Dean John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship Subsection (a) applies with respect to a former recipient of a Dean John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship under section 208(b) of the National Sea Grant College Program Act ( 33 U.S.C. 1127(b) ) who— (1) earned a graduate or post-graduate degree in a field related to ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes resources or policy from an accredited institution of higher education; and (2) successfully fulfilled the requirements of the fellowship within the executive or legislative branch of the United States Government. (c) Limitation The direct hire authority under this section shall be exercised with respect to a specific qualified candidate not later than 2 years after the date that the candidate completed the fellowship described in subsection (b). 9. Authorization of appropriations for National Sea Grant College Program (a) In general Section 212(a) ( 33 U.S.C. 1131(a) ) is amended— (1) by amending paragraph (1) to read as follows: (1) In general There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out this title— (A) $75,600,000 for fiscal year 2017; (B) $79,380,000 for fiscal year 2018; (C) $83,350,000 for fiscal year 2019; (D) $87,520,000 for fiscal year 2020; (E) $91,900,000 for fiscal year 2021; and (F) $96,500,000 for fiscal year 2022. ; and (2) by amending paragraph (2) to read as follows: (2) Priority activities for fiscal years 2017 through 2022 In addition to the amounts authorized to be appropriated under paragraph (1), there are authorized to be appropriated $6,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2017 through 2022 for competitive grants for the following: (A) University research on the biology, prevention, and control of aquatic nonnative species. (B) University research on oyster diseases, oyster restoration, and oyster-related human health risks. (C) University research on the biology, prevention, and forecasting of harmful algal blooms. (D) University research, education, training, and extension services and activities focused on coastal resilience and United States working waterfronts and other regional or national priority issues identified in the strategic plan under section 204(c)(1). (E) University research on sustainable aquaculture techniques and technologies. (F) Fishery extension activities conducted by sea grant colleges or sea grant institutes to enhance, and not supplant, existing core program funding. . (b) Modification of limitations on amounts for administration Paragraph (1) of section 212(b) ( 33 U.S.C. 1131(b) ) is amended to read as follows: (1) Administration (A) In general There may not be used for administration of programs under this title in a fiscal year more than 5.5 percent of the lesser of— (i) the amount authorized to be appropriated under this title for the fiscal year; or (ii) the amount appropriated under this title for the fiscal year. (B) Critical staffing requirements (i) In general The Director shall use the authority under subchapter VI of chapter 33 of title 5, United States Code, to meet any critical staffing requirement while carrying out the activities authorized under this title. (ii) Exception from cap For purposes of subparagraph (A), any costs incurred as a result of an exercise of authority as described in clause (i) shall not be considered an amount used for administration of programs under this title in a fiscal year. . (c) Allocation of funding (1) In general Section 204(d)(3) ( 33 U.S.C. 1123(d)(3) ) is amended— (A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking With respect to sea grant colleges and sea grant institutes and inserting With respect to sea grant colleges, sea grant institutes, sea grant programs, and sea grant projects ; and (B) in subparagraph (B), in the matter preceding clause (i), by striking funding among sea grant colleges and sea grant institutes and inserting funding among sea grant colleges, sea grant institutes, sea grant programs, and sea grant projects . (2) Repeal of requirements concerning distribution of excess amounts Section 212 ( 33 U.S.C. 1131 ) is amended— (A) by striking subsection (c); and (B) by redesignating subsections (d) and (e) as subsections (c) and (d), respectively. 10. Technical corrections The National Sea Grant College Program Act ( 33 U.S.C. 1121 et seq.) is amended— (1) in section 204(d)(3)(B) ( 33 U.S.C. 1123(d)(3)(B) ), by moving clause (vi) 2 ems to the right; and (2) in section 209(b)(2) ( 33 U.S.C. 1128(b)(2) ), as amended by section 6, in the third sentence, by striking The Secretary shall and inserting the following: (3) Availability of resources of Department of Commerce The Secretary shall .

March 30, 2017 Reported without amendment

tv_txt: 115th CONGRESS 1st Session S. 129 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES AN ACT To reauthorize and amend the National Sea Grant College Program Act, and for other purposes.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the National Sea Grant College Program Amendments Act of 2017 . 2. References to the National Sea Grant College Program Act Except as otherwise expressly provided, wherever in this Act an amendment or repeal is expressed in terms of an amendment to, or repeal of, a section or other provision, the reference shall be considered to be made to a section or other provision of the National Sea Grant College Program Act ( 33 U.S.C. 1121 et seq.). 3. Modification of Dean John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship (a) In general Section 208(b) ( 33 U.S.C. 1127(b) ) is amended by striking may and inserting shall . (b) Placements in Congress Such section is further amended— (1) in the first sentence, by striking The Secretary and inserting the following: (1) In general The Secretary ; and (2) in paragraph (1), as designated by paragraph (1), in the second sentence, by striking A fellowship and inserting the following: (2) Placement priorities (A) In general In each year in which the Secretary awards a legislative fellowship under this subsection, when considering the placement of fellows, the Secretary shall prioritize placement of fellows in the following: (i) Positions in offices of, or with Members on, committees of Congress that have jurisdiction over the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. (ii) Positions in offices of Members of Congress that have a demonstrated interest in ocean, coastal, or Great Lakes resources. (B) Equitable distribution In placing fellows in offices described in subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall ensure that placements are equitably distributed among the political parties. (3) Duration A fellowship . (c) Effective date The amendments made by subsection (b) shall apply with respect to the first calendar year beginning after the date of the enactment of this Act. (d) Sense of Congress concerning Federal hiring of former fellows It is the sense of Congress that in recognition of the competitive nature of the fellowship under section 208(b) of the National Sea Grant College Program Act ( 33 U.S.C. 1127(b) ), and of the exceptional qualifications of fellowship awardees, the Secretary of Commerce, acting through the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere, should encourage participating Federal agencies to consider opportunities for fellowship awardees at the conclusion of their fellowships for workforce positions appropriate for their education and experience. 4. Modification of authority of Secretary of Commerce to accept donations for National Sea Grant College Program (a) In general Section 204(c)(4)(E) ( 33 U.S.C. 1123(c)(4)(E) ) is amended to read as follows: (E) accept donations of money and, notwithstanding section 1342 of title 31, United States Code, of voluntary and uncompensated services; . (b) Priorities The Secretary of Commerce, acting through the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere, shall establish priorities for the use of donations accepted under section 204(c)(4)(E) of the National Sea Grant College Program Act ( 33 U.S.C. 1123(c)(4)(E) ), and shall consider among those priorities the possibility of expanding the Dean John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship's placement of additional fellows in relevant legislative offices under section 208(b) of that Act ( 33 U.S.C. 1127(b) ), in accordance with the recommendations under subsection (c) of this section. (c) Report Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Director of the National Sea Grant College Program, in consultation with the National Sea Grant Advisory Board and the Sea Grant Association, shall— (1) develop recommendations for the optimal use of any donations accepted under section 204(c)(4)(E) of the National Sea Grant College Program Act ( 33 U.S.C. 1123(c)(4)(E) ); and (2) submit to Congress a report on the recommendations developed under paragraph (1). (d) Construction Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit or otherwise affect any other amounts available for marine policy fellowships under section 208(b) of the National Sea Grant College Program Act ( 33 U.S.C. 1127(b) ), including amounts— (1) accepted under section 204(c)(4)(F) of that Act ( 33 U.S.C. 1123(c)(4)(F) ); or (2) appropriated pursuant to the authorization of appropriations under section 212 of that Act ( 33 U.S.C. 1131 ). 5. Reduction in frequency required for National Sea Grant Advisory Board report Section 209(b)(2) ( 33 U.S.C. 1128(b)(2) ) is amended— (1) in the heading, by striking Biennial and inserting Periodic ; (2) by striking the first sentence and inserting the following: The Board shall report to Congress at least once every four years on the state of the national sea grant college program and shall notify Congress of any significant changes to the state of the program not later than two years after the submission of such a report. ; and (3) in the second sentence, by adding before the end period the following: and provide a summary of research conducted under the program . 6. Modification of elements of National Sea Grant College Program Section 204(b) ( 33 U.S.C. 1123(b) ) is amended, in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by inserting for research, education, extension, training, technology transfer, and public service after financial assistance . 7. Designation of new national sea grant colleges and sea grant institutes Section 207(b) ( 33 U.S.C. 1126(b) ) is amended— (1) in the subsection heading, by striking existing designees and inserting Additional designations ; and (2) by striking Any institution and inserting the following: (1) Notification to Congress of designations (A) In general Not less than 30 days before designating an institution, or an association or alliance of two or more such institutions, as a sea grant college or sea grant institute under subsection (a), the Secretary shall notify Congress in writing of the proposed designation. The notification shall include an evaluation and justification for the designation. (B) Effect of joint resolution of disapproval The Secretary may not designate an institution, or an association or alliance of two or more such institutions, as a sea grant college or sea grant institute under subsection (a) if, before the end of the 30-day period described in subparagraph (A), a joint resolution disapproving the designation is enacted. (2) Existing designees Any institution . 8. Direct hire authority; Dean John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship (a) In general During fiscal year 2017 and any fiscal year thereafter, the head of any Federal agency may appoint, without regard to the provisions of subchapter I of chapter 33 of title 5, United States Code, other than sections 3303 and 3328 of that title, a qualified candidate described in subsection (b) directly to a position with the Federal agency for which the candidate meets Office of Personnel Management qualification standards. (b) Dean John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship Subsection (a) applies with respect to a former recipient of a Dean John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship under section 208(b) of the National Sea Grant College Program Act ( 33 U.S.C. 1127(b) ) who— (1) earned a graduate or post-graduate degree in a field related to ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes resources or policy from an accredited institution of higher education; and (2) successfully fulfilled the requirements of the fellowship within the executive or legislative branch of the United States Government. (c) Limitation The direct hire authority under this section shall be exercised with respect to a specific qualified candidate not later than 2 years after the date that the candidate completed the fellowship described in subsection (b). 9. Authorization of appropriations for National Sea Grant College Program (a) In general Section 212(a) ( 33 U.S.C. 1131(a) ) is amended— (1) by amending paragraph (1) to read as follows: (1) In general There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out this title— (A) $75,600,000 for fiscal year 2017; (B) $79,380,000 for fiscal year 2018; (C) $83,350,000 for fiscal year 2019; (D) $87,520,000 for fiscal year 2020; (E) $91,900,000 for fiscal year 2021; and (F) $96,500,000 for fiscal year 2022. ; and (2) by amending paragraph (2) to read as follows: (2) Priority activities for fiscal years 2017 through 2022 In addition to the amounts authorized to be appropriated under paragraph (1), there are authorized to be appropriated $6,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2017 through 2022 for competitive grants for the following: (A) University research on the biology, prevention, and control of aquatic nonnative species. (B) University research on oyster diseases, oyster restoration, and oyster-related human health risks. (C) University research on the biology, prevention, and forecasting of harmful algal blooms. (D) University research, education, training, and extension services and activities focused on coastal resilience and United States working waterfronts and other regional or national priority issues identified in the strategic plan under section 204(c)(1). (E) University research and extension on sustainable aquaculture techniques and technologies. (F) Fishery research and extension activities conducted by sea grant colleges or sea grant institutes to enhance, and not supplant, existing core program funding. . (b) Modification of limitations on amounts for administration Paragraph (1) of section 212(b) ( 33 U.S.C. 1131(b) ) is amended to read as follows: (1) Administration (A) In general There may not be used for administration of programs under this title in a fiscal year more than 5.5 percent of the lesser of— (i) the amount authorized to be appropriated under this title for the fiscal year; or (ii) the amount appropriated under this title for the fiscal year. (B) Critical staffing requirements (i) In general The Director shall use the authority under subchapter VI of chapter 33 of title 5, United States Code, and under section 210 of this title, to meet any critical staffing requirement while carrying out the activities authorized under this title. (ii) Exception from cap For purposes of subparagraph (A), any costs incurred as a result of an exercise of authority as described in clause (i) shall not be considered an amount used for administration of programs under this title in a fiscal year. . (c) Allocation of funding (1) In general Section 204(d)(3) ( 33 U.S.C. 1123(d)(3) ) is amended— (A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking With respect to sea grant colleges and sea grant institutes and inserting With respect to sea grant colleges, sea grant institutes, sea grant programs, and sea grant projects ; and (B) in subparagraph (B), in the matter preceding clause (i), by striking funding among sea grant colleges and sea grant institutes and inserting funding among sea grant colleges, sea grant institutes, sea grant programs, and sea grant projects . (2) Repeal of requirements concerning distribution of excess amounts Section 212 ( 33 U.S.C. 1131 ) is amended— (A) by striking subsection (c); and (B) by redesignating subsections (d) and (e) as subsections (c) and (d), respectively. 10. Technical corrections The National Sea Grant College Program Act ( 33 U.S.C. 1121 et seq.) is amended— (1) in section 204(d)(3)(B) ( 33 U.S.C. 1123(d)(3)(B) ), by moving clause (vi) 2 ems to the right; and (2) in section 209(b)(2) ( 33 U.S.C. 1128(b)(2) ), as amended by section 6, in the third sentence, by striking The Secretary shall and inserting the following: (3) Availability of resources of Department of Commerce The Secretary shall .

Passed the Senate September 14, 2017. Secretary

tv_txt: IC 115th CONGRESS 1st Session S. 129 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES September 18, 2017 Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources AN ACT To reauthorize and amend the National Sea Grant College Program Act, and for other purposes.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the National Sea Grant College Program Amendments Act of 2017 . 2. References to the National Sea Grant College Program Act Except as otherwise expressly provided, wherever in this Act an amendment or repeal is expressed in terms of an amendment to, or repeal of, a section or other provision, the reference shall be considered to be made to a section or other provision of the National Sea Grant College Program Act ( 33 U.S.C. 1121 et seq.). 3. Modification of Dean John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship (a) In general Section 208(b) ( 33 U.S.C. 1127(b) ) is amended by striking may and inserting shall . (b) Placements in Congress Such section is further amended— (1) in the first sentence, by striking The Secretary and inserting the following: (1) In general The Secretary ; and (2) in paragraph (1), as designated by paragraph (1), in the second sentence, by striking A fellowship and inserting the following: (2) Placement priorities (A) In general In each year in which the Secretary awards a legislative fellowship under this subsection, when considering the placement of fellows, the Secretary shall prioritize placement of fellows in the following: (i) Positions in offices of, or with Members on, committees of Congress that have jurisdiction over the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. (ii) Positions in offices of Members of Congress that have a demonstrated interest in ocean, coastal, or Great Lakes resources. (B) Equitable distribution In placing fellows in offices described in subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall ensure that placements are equitably distributed among the political parties. (3) Duration A fellowship . (c) Effective date The amendments made by subsection (b) shall apply with respect to the first calendar year beginning after the date of the enactment of this Act. (d) Sense of Congress concerning Federal hiring of former fellows It is the sense of Congress that in recognition of the competitive nature of the fellowship under section 208(b) of the National Sea Grant College Program Act ( 33 U.S.C. 1127(b) ), and of the exceptional qualifications of fellowship awardees, the Secretary of Commerce, acting through the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere, should encourage participating Federal agencies to consider opportunities for fellowship awardees at the conclusion of their fellowships for workforce positions appropriate for their education and experience. 4. Modification of authority of Secretary of Commerce to accept donations for National Sea Grant College Program (a) In general Section 204(c)(4)(E) ( 33 U.S.C. 1123(c)(4)(E) ) is amended to read as follows: (E) accept donations of money and, notwithstanding section 1342 of title 31, United States Code, of voluntary and uncompensated services; . (b) Priorities The Secretary of Commerce, acting through the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere, shall establish priorities for the use of donations accepted under section 204(c)(4)(E) of the National Sea Grant College Program Act ( 33 U.S.C. 1123(c)(4)(E) ), and shall consider among those priorities the possibility of expanding the Dean John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship's placement of additional fellows in relevant legislative offices under section 208(b) of that Act ( 33 U.S.C. 1127(b) ), in accordance with the recommendations under subsection (c) of this section. (c) Report Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Director of the National Sea Grant College Program, in consultation with the National Sea Grant Advisory Board and the Sea Grant Association, shall— (1) develop recommendations for the optimal use of any donations accepted under section 204(c)(4)(E) of the National Sea Grant College Program Act ( 33 U.S.C. 1123(c)(4)(E) ); and (2) submit to Congress a report on the recommendations developed under paragraph (1). (d) Construction Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit or otherwise affect any other amounts available for marine policy fellowships under section 208(b) of the National Sea Grant College Program Act ( 33 U.S.C. 1127(b) ), including amounts— (1) accepted under section 204(c)(4)(F) of that Act ( 33 U.S.C. 1123(c)(4)(F) ); or (2) appropriated pursuant to the authorization of appropriations under section 212 of that Act ( 33 U.S.C. 1131 ). 5. Reduction in frequency required for National Sea Grant Advisory Board report Section 209(b)(2) ( 33 U.S.C. 1128(b)(2) ) is amended— (1) in the heading, by striking Biennial and inserting Periodic ; (2) by striking the first sentence and inserting the following: The Board shall report to Congress at least once every four years on the state of the national sea grant college program and shall notify Congress of any significant changes to the state of the program not later than two years after the submission of such a report. ; and (3) in the second sentence, by adding before the end period the following: and provide a summary of research conducted under the program . 6. Modification of elements of National Sea Grant College Program Section 204(b) ( 33 U.S.C. 1123(b) ) is amended, in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by inserting for research, education, extension, training, technology transfer, and public service after financial assistance . 7. Designation of new national sea grant colleges and sea grant institutes Section 207(b) ( 33 U.S.C. 1126(b) ) is amended— (1) in the subsection heading, by striking existing designees and inserting Additional designations ; and (2) by striking Any institution and inserting the following: (1) Notification to Congress of designations (A) In general Not less than 30 days before designating an institution, or an association or alliance of two or more such institutions, as a sea grant college or sea grant institute under subsection (a), the Secretary shall notify Congress in writing of the proposed designation. The notification shall include an evaluation and justification for the designation. (B) Effect of joint resolution of disapproval The Secretary may not designate an institution, or an association or alliance of two or more such institutions, as a sea grant college or sea grant institute under subsection (a) if, before the end of the 30-day period described in subparagraph (A), a joint resolution disapproving the designation is enacted. (2) Existing designees Any institution . 8. Direct hire authority; Dean John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship (a) In general During fiscal year 2017 and any fiscal year thereafter, the head of any Federal agency may appoint, without regard to the provisions of subchapter I of chapter 33 of title 5, United States Code, other than sections 3303 and 3328 of that title, a qualified candidate described in subsection (b) directly to a position with the Federal agency for which the candidate meets Office of Personnel Management qualification standards. (b) Dean John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship Subsection (a) applies with respect to a former recipient of a Dean John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship under section 208(b) of the National Sea Grant College Program Act ( 33 U.S.C. 1127(b) ) who— (1) earned a graduate or post-graduate degree in a field related to ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes resources or policy from an accredited institution of higher education; and (2) successfully fulfilled the requirements of the fellowship within the executive or legislative branch of the United States Government. (c) Limitation The direct hire authority under this section shall be exercised with respect to a specific qualified candidate not later than 2 years after the date that the candidate completed the fellowship described in subsection (b). 9. Authorization of appropriations for National Sea Grant College Program (a) In general Section 212(a) ( 33 U.S.C. 1131(a) ) is amended— (1) by amending paragraph (1) to read as follows: (1) In general There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out this title— (A) $75,600,000 for fiscal year 2017; (B) $79,380,000 for fiscal year 2018; (C) $83,350,000 for fiscal year 2019; (D) $87,520,000 for fiscal year 2020; (E) $91,900,000 for fiscal year 2021; and (F) $96,500,000 for fiscal year 2022. ; and (2) by amending paragraph (2) to read as follows: (2) Priority activities for fiscal years 2017 through 2022 In addition to the amounts authorized to be appropriated under paragraph (1), there are authorized to be appropriated $6,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2017 through 2022 for competitive grants for the following: (A) University research on the biology, prevention, and control of aquatic nonnative species. (B) University research on oyster diseases, oyster restoration, and oyster-related human health risks. (C) University research on the biology, prevention, and forecasting of harmful algal blooms. (D) University research, education, training, and extension services and activities focused on coastal resilience and United States working waterfronts and other regional or national priority issues identified in the strategic plan under section 204(c)(1). (E) University research and extension on sustainable aquaculture techniques and technologies. (F) Fishery research and extension activities conducted by sea grant colleges or sea grant institutes to enhance, and not supplant, existing core program funding. . (b) Modification of limitations on amounts for administration Paragraph (1) of section 212(b) ( 33 U.S.C. 1131(b) ) is amended to read as follows: (1) Administration (A) In general There may not be used for administration of programs under this title in a fiscal year more than 5.5 percent of the lesser of— (i) the amount authorized to be appropriated under this title for the fiscal year; or (ii) the amount appropriated under this title for the fiscal year. (B) Critical staffing requirements (i) In general The Director shall use the authority under subchapter VI of chapter 33 of title 5, United States Code, and under section 210 of this title, to meet any critical staffing requirement while carrying out the activities authorized under this title. (ii) Exception from cap For purposes of subparagraph (A), any costs incurred as a result of an exercise of authority as described in clause (i) shall not be considered an amount used for administration of programs under this title in a fiscal year. . (c) Allocation of funding (1) In general Section 204(d)(3) ( 33 U.S.C. 1123(d)(3) ) is amended— (A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking With respect to sea grant colleges and sea grant institutes and inserting With respect to sea grant colleges, sea grant institutes, sea grant programs, and sea grant projects ; and (B) in subparagraph (B), in the matter preceding clause (i), by striking funding among sea grant colleges and sea grant institutes and inserting funding among sea grant colleges, sea grant institutes, sea grant programs, and sea grant projects . (2) Repeal of requirements concerning distribution of excess amounts Section 212 ( 33 U.S.C. 1131 ) is amended— (A) by striking subsection (c); and (B) by redesignating subsections (d) and (e) as subsections (c) and (d), respectively. 10. Technical corrections The National Sea Grant College Program Act ( 33 U.S.C. 1121 et seq.) is amended— (1) in section 204(d)(3)(B) ( 33 U.S.C. 1123(d)(3)(B) ), by moving clause (vi) 2 ems to the right; and (2) in section 209(b)(2) ( 33 U.S.C. 1128(b)(2) ), as amended by section 6, in the third sentence, by striking The Secretary shall and inserting the following: (3) Availability of resources of Department of Commerce The Secretary shall .

Passed the Senate September 14, 2017. Julie E. Adams, Secretary