In this task, you are given text for US Congressional and California state bills, your task is to generate a summary for this bill.

Example Input: SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``9/11 Can You Hear Me Now Act''.

SEC. 2. FINDINGS.

    The Congress finds the following:
            (1) After two terrorist attacks it is time to fix the 
        communications system for the New York City Fire Department.
            (2) During its response to the 1993 bombing of the World 
        Trade Center in New York City, the New York City Fire 
        Department's radios did not work in the twin towers of the 
        World Trade Center. The resulting lack of communication 
        complicated operations but did not result in the death of any 
        firefighter.
            (3) Eight years later, on September 11, 2001, the World 
        Trade Center was attacked again and the fire department's radio 
        system failed again.
            (4) Soon before the collapse of Tower One of the World 
        Trade Center, fire department officials tried in vain to radio 
        firefighters to evacuate the building.
            (5) The firefighters' radio system failed the firefighters 
        in Tower One and as a result many were not able to receive this 
        warning. The failure of the radio system was largely 
        responsible for the death of many of the 343 firefighters who 
        died in the collapse of the World Trade Center twin towers.
            (6) Since September 11, 2001, the fire department has taken 
        steps to improve the communications system that failed them. 
        However, many tall buildings in New York City have not 
        installed repeaters that are needed to boost signals, and the 
        signals are often lost in high-rise buildings and underground.
            (7) In August 2003, New York City experienced a blackout. 
        During the blackout the fire department's radio system was 
        again found not to work reliably during emergency situations or 
        in high buildings.
            (8) The dispatch system currently used by the New York City 
        Fire Department was acquired in the early 1970s and hampers the 
        ability of the department to fully communicate with its 
        firefighters and provide appropriate detailed information about 
        the buildings and locations to which they respond.
            (9) Since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, 
        executive branch officials have repeatedly warned that future 
        terror attacks are not a matter of if, but when. The Secretary 
        of Homeland Security has identified New York City as one of the 
        main terrorist targets.
            (10) With New York City remaining a top terrorist target, 
        such communications system should be a national priority.
            (11) A new state-of-the-art communications system and 
        upgrades to the critical information dispatch system for the 
        New York City Fire Department should be--
                    (A) seamless from the receipt of a 911 call to the 
                dispatch of the firefighter; and
                    (B) interoperable with other public safety offices 
                within the City of New York.

SEC. 3. REQUIREMENT TO PROCURE COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM FOR NEW YORK CITY 
              FIRE DEPARTMENT.

    (a) In General.--The Secretary of Homeland Security shall, by not 
later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, procure 
development and provision of a communications system for the New York 
City Fire Department, including appropriate radios for the entire 
department and upgrades to the critical information dispatch system of 
the department.
    (b) Requirements.--
            (1) Radios.--Radios procured pursuant to this section must 
        be capable of operating in all locations, and under all 
        conditions, in which firefighters can reasonably be expected to 
        work in responding to an emergency in New York City.
            (2) Supplemental communication device.--Any communications 
        system procured pursuant to this section must include provision 
        to each firefighter of a supplemental radio communication 
        device that--
                    (A) allows the firefighter to transmit audio and 
                radio emergency notification warning signals to other 
                firefighters whenever the firefighter is in distress 
                and in immediate need of assistance; and
                    (B) has the capability to operate automatically in 
                a passive mode by transmitting audio and radio messages 
                that will relay the firefighter's identification and 
                location if the firefighter--
                            (i) becomes incapacitated and motionless; 
                        and
                            (ii) is unable to physically transmit a 
                        call for help.
            (3) Dispatch system.--Upgrades to the critical information 
        dispatch system procured pursuant to this section must--
                    (A) allow the fire department to communicate with 
                firefighters in all locations, and under all 
                conditions, in which firefighters can reasonably be 
                expected to work in responding to an emergency in New 
                York City, including all high-rise buildings and 
                subways;
                    (B) provide useful, detailed data concerning all 
                likely terrorist target locations in the City of New 
                York; and
                    (C) be capable of providing to responding 
                firefighters, instantaneously, details about particular 
                buildings and other locations to assist them in making 
                decisions about how to mitigate a terrorist attack and 
                save lives and property.
    (c) Testing.--Radios, any dispatch system upgrades, and 
supplemental communication devices procured pursuant to this section 
must have been tested to ensure they will operate in all locations and 
under all conditions in which firefighters can reasonably be expected 
to work in responding to an emergency in New York City.
    (d) Coordination.--In carrying out this section the Secretary shall 
coordinate with the City of New York to ensure that the communications 
system procured under this section is--
            (1) compatible with the plans of the City of New York to 
        upgrade its 911 system; and
            (2) interoperable with other public safety communications 
        systems.
    (e) Progress Report.--The Secretary shall submit to the Congress a 
report on progress made in carrying out this section, on--
            (1) February 26, 2008; and
            (2) September 11, 2008.
Example Output: 9/11 Can You Hear Me Now Act - Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to procure development and provision of a communications system for the New York City Fire Department, including appropriate radios and upgrades to the Department's critical information dispatch system that allow communication in all locations and under all conditions in which firefighters can reasonably be expected to work, including all high-rise buildings and subways.

Directs that any communications system procured include provision to each firefighter of a supplemental radio communication device that: (1) allows the firefighter to transmit emergency notification warning signals to other firefighters; and (2) has the capability to operate automatically by transmitting messages that will relay an incapacitated firefighter's identification and location.

Requires that upgrades procured: (1) provide useful, detailed data concerning all likely terrorist target locations in the city; and (2) be capable of providing to responding firefighters, instantaneously, details about particular buildings and other locations to assist in making decisions about how to mitigate a terrorist attack.

Requires that: (1) radios, any dispatch system upgrades, and supplemental communication devices procured be tested; and (2) the Secretary coordinate with the city to ensure that the communications system procured is compatible with city plans to upgrade its 911 system and interoperable with other public safety communications systems.

Example Input: SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Torture Victims Relief Act''.

SEC. 2. FINDINGS.

    Congress makes the following findings:
            (1) The American people abhor torture by any government or 
        person. The existence of torture creates a climate of fear and 
        international insecurity that affects all people.
            (2) Torture is the deliberate mental and physical damage 
        caused by governments to individuals to destroy individual 
        personality and terrorize society. The effects of torture are 
        long term. Those effects can last a lifetime for the survivors 
        and affect future generations.
            (3) By eliminating leadership of their opposition and 
        frightening the general public, repressive governments often 
        use torture as a weapon against democracy.
            (4) Torture survivors remain under physical and 
        psychological threats, especially in communities where the 
        perpetrators are not brought to justice. In many nations, even 
        those who treat torture survivors are threatened with 
        reprisals, including torture, for carrying out their ethical 
        duties to provide care. Both the survivors of torture and their 
        treatment providers should be accorded protection from further 
        repression.
            (5) A significant number of refugees and asylees entering 
        the United States have been victims of torture. Those claiming 
        asylum deserve prompt consideration of their applications for 
        political asylum to minimize their insecurity and sense of 
        danger. Many torture survivors now live in the United States. 
        They should be provided with the rehabilitation services which 
        would enable them to become productive members of our 
        communities.
            (6) The development of a treatment movement for torture 
        survivors has created new opportunities for action by the 
        United States and other nations to oppose state-sponsored and 
        other acts of torture.
            (7) There is a need for a comprehensive strategy to protect 
        and support torture victims and their treatment providers, 
        together with overall efforts to eliminate torture.
            (8) By acting to heal the survivors of torture and protect 
        their families, the United States can help to heal the effects 
        of torture and prevent its use around the world.
            (9) The United States became a party to the Convention 
        Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman, or Degrading 
        Treatment or Punishment on November 20, 1994, but has not 
        implemented Article 3 of the Convention.

SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS.

    As used in this Act:
            (1) In general.--Except as otherwise provided, the terms 
        used in this Act have the meanings given those terms in section 
        101(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 
        1101(a)).
            (2) Torture.--The term ``torture'' has the meaning given 
        the term in section 2340(1) of title 18, United States Code, 
        and includes the use of rape and other forms of sexual violence 
        by a person acting under the color of law upon another person 
        under his custody or physical control.

SEC. 4. PROHIBITION ON INVOLUNTARY RETURN OF PERSONS FEARING SUBJECTION 
              TO TORTURE.

    (a) Prohibition.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the 
United States shall not expel, remove, extradite, or otherwise return 
involuntarily an individual to a country if there is substantial 
evidence that a reasonable person in the circumstances of that 
individual would fear subjection to torture in that country.
    (b) Definition.--For purposes of this section, the term ``to return 
involuntarily'', in the case of an individual, means--
            (1) to return the individual without the individual's 
        consent, whether or not the return is induced by physical force 
        and whether or not the person is physically present in the 
        United States; or
            (2) to take an action by which it is reasonably foreseeable 
        that the individual will be returned, whether or not the return 
        is induced by physical force and whether or not the person is 
        physically present in the United States.

SEC. 5. IMMIGRATION PROCEDURES FOR TORTURE VICTIMS.

    (a) Covered Aliens.--An alien described in this section is any 
alien who presents a claim of having been subjected to torture, or whom 
there is reason to believe has been subjected to torture.
    (b) Consideration of the Effects of Torture.--In considering an 
application by an alien described in subsection (a) for refugee status 
under section 207 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, asylum under 
section 208 of that Act, or withholding of removal under section 
241(b)(3) of that Act, the appropriate officials shall take into 
account--
            (1) the manner in which the effects of torture might affect 
        the applicant's responses in the application and in the 
        interview process or other immigration proceedings, as the case 
        may be;
            (2) the difficulties torture victims often have in 
        recounting their suffering under torture; and
            (3) the fear victims have of returning to their country of 
        nationality where, even if torture is no longer practiced or 
        the incidence of torture is reduced, their torturers may have 
        gone unpunished and may remain in positions of authority.
    (c) Expedited Processing of Refugee Admissions.--For purposes of 
section 207(c) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 
1157(c)), refugees who have been subjected to torture shall be 
considered to be refugees of special humanitarian concern to the United 
States and shall be accorded priority for resettlement at least as high 
as that accorded any other group of refugees.
    (d) Processing for Asylum and Withholding of Removal.--Section 
235(b)(1)(A) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 
1225(b)(1)(A)) is amended by adding at the end the following new 
clause:
                            ``(iv) Special procedures for aliens who 
                        are the victims of torture.--
                                    ``(I) Expedited procedures.--With 
                                the consent of the alien, an asylum 
                                officer or immigration judge shall 
                                expedite the scheduling of an asylum 
                                interview or a removal proceeding for 
                                any alien who presents a claim of 
                                having been subjected to torture, 
                                unless the evidence indicates that a 
                                delay in making a determination 
                                regarding the granting of asylum under 
                                section 208 of the Immigration and 
                                Nationality Act or the withholding of 
                                removal under section 241(b)(3) of that 
                                Act with respect to the alien would not 
                                aggravate the physical or psychological 
                                effects of torture upon the alien.
                                    ``(II) Delay of proceedings.--With 
                                the consent of the alien, an asylum 
                                officer or immigration judge shall 
                                postpone an asylum interview or a 
                                removal proceeding for any alien who 
                                presents a claim of having been 
                                subjected to torture, if the evidence 
                                indicates that, as a result of the 
                                alien's mental or physical symptoms 
                                resulting from torture, including the 
                                alien's inability to recall or relate 
                                the events of the torture, the alien 
                                will require more time to recover or be 
                                treated before being required to 
                                testify.
    (e) Parole in Lieu of Detention.--The finding that an alien is a 
person described in subsection (a) shall be a strong presumptive basis 
for a grant of parole, under section 212(d)(5) of the Immigration and 
Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1182(d)(5)), in lieu of detention.
    (f) Exemption From Expedited Removal.--Section 235(b)(1)(F) of the 
Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1225(b)(1)(F)) is amended by 
inserting before the period at the end the following: ``, or to an 
alien described in section 5(a) of the Torture Victims Relief Act''.
    (g) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that the 
Attorney General should allocate resources sufficient to maintain in 
the Resource Information Center of the Immigration and Naturalization 
Service current information relating to the use of torture in foreign 
countries.

SEC. 6. SPECIALIZED TRAINING FOR CONSULAR, IMMIGRATION, AND ASYLUM 
              PERSONNEL.

    (a) In General.--The Attorney General shall provide training for 
immigration inspectors and examiners, immigration officers, asylum 
officers, immigration judges, and all other relevant officials of the 
Department of Justice, and the Secretary of State shall provide 
training for consular officers, with respect to--
            (1) the identification of torture;
            (2) the identification of the surrounding circumstances in 
        which torture is most often practiced;
            (3) the long-term effects of torture upon a victim;
            (4) the identification of the physical, cognitive, and 
        emotional effects of torture, and the manner in which these 
        effects can affect the interview or hearing process; and
            (5) the manner of interviewing victims of torture so as not 
        to retraumatize them, eliciting the necessary information to 
        document the torture experience, and understanding the 
        difficulties victims often have in recounting their torture 
        experience.
    (b) Gender-Related Considerations.--In conducting training under 
subsection (a) (4) or (5), gender-specific training shall be provided 
on the subject of interacting with women and men who are victims of 
torture by rape or any other form of sexual violence.

SEC. 7. DOMESTIC TREATMENT CENTERS.

    (a) Amendment of the Immigration and Nationality Act.--Section 412 
of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1522) is amended by 
adding at the end the following new subsection:
    ``(b) Assistance for Treatment of Torture Victims.--The Secretary 
may provide grants to programs in the United States to cover the cost 
of the following services:
            ``(1) Services for the rehabilitation of victims of 
        torture, including treatment of the physical and psychological 
        effects of torture.
            ``(2) Social and legal services for victims of torture.
            ``(3) Research and training for health care providers 
        outside of treatment centers, or programs for the purpose of 
        enabling such providers to provide the services described in 
        paragraph (1).''.
    (b) Funding.--
            (1) Authorization of appropriations.--Of the amounts 
        authorized to be appropriated for the Department of Health and 
        Human Services for fiscal years 1999, 2000, and 2001, but not 
        from funds made available to the Office of Refugee 
        Resettlement, there are authorized to be appropriated to carry 
        out section 412(g) of that Act (relating to assistance for 
        domestic centers and programs for the treatment of victims of 
        torture), as added by subsection (a), the following amounts for 
        the following fiscal years:
                    (A) For fiscal year 1999, $5,000,000.
                    (B) For fiscal year 2000, $7,500,000.
                    (C) For fiscal year 2001, $9,000,000.
            (2) Availability of funds.--Amounts appropriated pursuant 
        to this subsection shall remain available until expended.
    (c) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a) shall 
take effect on October 1, 1998.

SEC. 8. FOREIGN TREATMENT CENTERS.

    (a) Amendments of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961.--Part I of 
the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2151 et seq.) is amended 
by adding at the end of chapter 1 the following new section:

``SEC. 129. ASSISTANCE FOR VICTIMS OF TORTURE.

    ``(a) In General.--The President is authorized to provide 
assistance for the rehabilitation of victims of torture.
    ``(b) Eligibility for Grants.--Such assistance shall be provided in 
the form of grants to treatment centers and programs in foreign 
countries that are carrying out projects or activities specifically 
designed to treat victims of torture for the physical and psychological 
effects of the torture.
    ``(c) Use of Funds.--Such assistance shall be available--
            ``(1) for direct services to victims of torture; and
            ``(2) to provide research and training to health care 
        providers outside of treatment centers or programs described in 
        subsection (b), for the purpose of enabling such providers to 
        provide the services described in paragraph (1).''.
    (b) Funding.--
            (1) Authorization of appropriations.--Of the amounts 
        authorized to be appropriated for fiscal years 1999, 2000, and 
        2001 pursuant to chapter 1 of part I of the Foreign Assistance 
        Act of 1961, there are authorized to be appropriated to the 
        President $5,000,000 for fiscal year 1999, $7,500,000 for 
        fiscal year 2000, and $9,000,000 for fiscal year 2001 to carry 
        out section 129 of the Foreign Assistance Act, as added by 
        subsection (a).
            (2) Availability of funds.--Amounts appropriated pursuant 
        to this subsection shall remain available until expended.
    (c) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a) shall 
take effect on October 1, 1998.

SEC. 9. MULTILATERAL ASSISTANCE.

    (a) Funding.--Of the amounts authorized to be appropriated for 
fiscal years 1999, 2000, and 2001 pursuant to chapter 1 of part I of 
the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, there are authorized to be 
appropriated to the United Nations Voluntary Fund for Victims of 
Torture (in this section referred to as the ``Fund'') the following 
amounts for the following fiscal years:
            (1) Fiscal year 1999.--For fiscal year 1999, $3,000,000.
            (2) Fiscal year 2000.--For fiscal year 2000, $3,000,000.
            (3) Fiscal year 2001.--For fiscal year 2001, $3,000,000.
    (b) Availability of Funds.--Amounts appropriated pursuant to 
subsection (a) shall remain available until expended.
    (c) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that the 
President, acting through the United States Permanent Representative to 
the United Nations, should--
            (1) request the Fund--
                    (A) to find new ways to support and protect 
                treatment centers and programs that are carrying out 
                rehabilitative services for victims of torture; and
                    (B) to encourage the development of new such 
                centers and programs;
            (2) use the voice and vote of the United States to support 
        the work of the Special Rapporteur on Torture and the Committee 
        Against Torture established under the Convention Against 
        Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or 
        Punishment; and
            (3) use the voice and vote of the United States to 
        establish a country rapporteur or similar procedural mechanism 
        to investigate human rights violations in a country if either 
        the Special Rapporteur or the Committee Against Torture 
        indicates that a systematic practice of torture is prevalent in 
        that country.
Example Output: Torture Victims Relief Act - Prohibits the United States from expelling, removing, extraditing, or otherwise involuntarily returning an individual to a country if there is substantial evidence that a reasonable person in the circumstances of that individual would fear subjection to torture in that country. 
(Sec. 5) Covers within this Act any alien presenting a claim of having been tortured, or whom there is reason to believe has been tortured. 
Sets forth provisions regarding:  (1) consideration by appropriate officials of the effects of torture; (2) expedited processing of refugee admissions and for asylum and withholding of removal; (3) granting parole in lieu of detention for such an individual under the Immigration and Nationality Act; and (4) exemption of such an individual from expedited removal pursuant to such Act. 
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Attorney General should allocate sufficient resources to maintain in the Immigration and Naturalization Service's Resource Information Center current information relating to the use of torture in foreign countries. 
(Sec. 6) Directs the Attorney General to provide training for immigration inspectors and examiners, immigration officers, asylum officers, immigration judges, and other relevant Department of Justice officials, and directs the Secretary of State to provide training for consular officers, regarding the identification of torture, the surrounding circumstances most often practiced, the long-term effects upon a victim, the identification of the physical, cognitive, and emotional effects of torture, and the appropriate manner of interviewing torture victims. 
(Sec. 7) Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide grants to programs in the United States to cover the cost of specified services for torture victims.  Authorizes the appropriation of funds for assistance for domestic centers and programs for the treatment of torture victims. 
(Sec. 8) Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize the President to provide grants to treatment centers and programs in foreign countries which are specifically carrying out projects or activities to treat victims of torture.  Authorizes appropriations. 
(Sec. 9) Authorizes appropriations to the United Nations Voluntary Fund for Victims of Torture for FY 1999 through 2001.

Example Input: SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Ocean and Coastal Observation System 
Act of 2005''.

SEC. 2. FINDINGS AND PURPOSES.

    (a) Findings.--Congress finds the following:
            (1) Coastal and ocean observations provide vital 
        information for protecting human lives and property from marine 
        hazards, enhancing national and homeland security, predicting 
        weather and global climate change, improving ocean health, and 
        providing for the protection, sustainable use, and enjoyment of 
        the resources of the Nation's coasts, oceans, and Great Lakes.
            (2) The continuing and potentially devastating threat posed 
        by tsunamis, hurricanes, storm surges, and other marine hazards 
        requires immediate implementation of strengthened observation 
        and communications systems to provide timely detection, 
        assessment, and warnings to the millions of people living in 
        coastal regions of the United States and throughout the world.
            (3) The 95,000-mile coastline of the United States, 
        including the Great Lakes, is vital to the Nation's prosperity, 
        contributing over $117,000,000,000 to the national economy in 
        2000, supporting jobs for more than 200,000,000 Americans, 
        handling $700,000,000,000 in waterborne commerce, and 
        supporting commercial and sport fisheries valued at more than 
        $50,000,000,000 annually.
            (4) Safeguarding homeland security, conducting search and 
        rescue operations, responding to natural and manmade coastal 
        hazards (such as oil spills and harmful algal blooms), and 
        managing fisheries and other coastal activities each require 
        improved monitoring of the Nation's waters and coastline, 
        including the ability to track vessels and to provide rapid 
        response teams with real-time environmental conditions 
        necessary for their work.
            (5) While knowledge of the coastal and ocean environment 
        and processes is far from complete, advances in sensing 
        technologies and scientific understanding have made possible 
        long-term and continuous observation from shore, space, and in 
        situ of coastal and ocean characteristics and conditions.
            (6) Many elements of a coastal and ocean observing system 
        are in place, but require national investment, consolidation, 
        completion, and integration at Federal, regional, State, and 
        local levels.
            (7) The Commission on Ocean Policy recommends a national 
        commitment to a sustained and integrated coastal and ocean 
        observing system and to coordinated research programs in order 
        to assist the Nation and the world in understanding the oceans 
        and the global climate system, enhancing homeland security, 
        improving weather and climate forecasts, strengthening 
        management of coastal and ocean resources, improving the safety 
        and efficiency of maritime operations, and mitigating marine 
        hazards.
            (8) In 2003, the United States led more than 50 nations in 
        affirming the vital importance of timely, quality, long-term 
        global observations as a basis for sound decisionmaking, 
        recognizing the contribution of observation systems to meet 
        national, regional, and global needs, and calling for 
        strengthened cooperation and coordination in establishing a 
        Global Earth Observation System of Systems, of which an 
        integrated coastal and ocean observing system is an essential 
        part.
    (b) Purposes.--The purposes of this Act are to provide for--
            (1) the development and maintenance of an integrated 
        coastal and ocean observing system that provides data and 
        information to ensure national security and public safety, 
        support economic development, sustain and restore healthy 
        marine ecosystems and the resources they support, enable 
        advances in scientific understanding of the oceans, and 
        strengthen science education and communication;
            (2) implementation of research and development and 
        education programs to improve understanding of the oceans and 
        Great Lakes and to achieve the full national benefits of an 
        integrated coastal and ocean observing system;
            (3) implementation of a data and information management 
        system required by all components of an integrated coastal and 
        ocean observing system and related research to develop early 
        warning systems; and
            (4) establishment of a system of regional coastal and ocean 
        observing systems to address local needs for ocean information.

SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS.

    In this Act, the following definitions apply:
            (1) Committee.--The term ``Committee'' means the Committee 
        on Ocean Policy established under Executive Order 13366 (69 
        Fed. Reg. 76591).
            (2) Council.--The term ``Council'' means the National Ocean 
        Research Leadership Council established under section 7902(a) 
        of title 10, United States Code.
            (3) Observing system.--The term ``observing system'' means 
        the integrated coastal, ocean, and Great Lakes observing system 
        to be established by the Committee under section 4(a).
            (4) National oceanographic partnership program.--The term 
        ``National Oceanographic Partnership Program'' means the 
        program established under section 7901 of title 10, United 
        States Code.
            (5) Interagency program office.--The term ``interagency 
        program office'' means the office established under section 
        4(d).

SEC. 4. INTEGRATED COASTAL AND OCEAN OBSERVING SYSTEM.

    (a) Establishment.--The Committee, acting through the Council, 
shall establish and maintain an integrated system of coastal and ocean 
observations, data communication and management, analysis, modeling, 
research, and education designed to provide data and information for 
the timely detection and prediction of changes occurring in the coastal 
and ocean environment that impact the Nation's social, economic, and 
ecological systems. The observing system shall provide for long-term, 
continuous, and quality-controlled observations of the Nation's coasts, 
oceans, and Great Lakes for the following purposes:
            (1) Improving the health of the Nation's coasts, oceans, 
        and Great Lakes.
            (2) Protecting human lives and livelihoods from hazards 
        such as tsunamis, hurricanes, coastal erosion, and fluctuating 
        Great Lakes water levels.
            (3) Supporting national defense and homeland security 
        efforts.
            (4) Understanding the effects of human activities and 
        natural variability on the state of the coasts and oceans and 
        the Nation's socioeconomic well-being.
            (5) Measuring, explaining, and predicting environmental 
        changes.
            (6) Providing for the sustainable use, protection, and 
        enjoyment of coastal and ocean resources.
            (7) Providing a scientific basis for implementation and 
        refinement of ecosystem-based management.
            (8) Educating the public about the role and importance of 
        the oceans and Great Lakes in daily life.
            (9) Tracking and understanding climate change and the 
        ocean's and Great Lake's roles in it.
            (10) Supplying critical information to marine-related 
        businesses such as marine transportation, aquaculture, 
        fisheries, and offshore energy production.
            (11) Supporting research and development to ensure 
        continuous improvement to coastal and ocean observation 
        measurements and to enhance understanding of the Nation's 
        coastal and ocean resources.
    (b) System Elements.--In order to fulfill the purposes of this Act, 
the observing system shall consist of the following program elements:
            (1) A national program to fulfill national observation 
        priorities, including the Nation's ocean contribution to the 
        Global Earth Observation System of Systems and the Global Ocean 
        Observing System.
            (2) A network of regional associations to manage the 
        regional coastal and ocean observing and information programs 
        that collect, measure, and disseminate data and information 
        products to meet regional needs.
            (3) A data management and communication system for the 
        timely integration and dissemination of data and information 
        products from the national and regional systems.
            (4) A research and development program conducted under the 
        guidance of the Council.
            (5) An outreach, education, and training program that 
        augments existing programs (such as the National Sea Grant 
        College Program and the Centers for Ocean Sciences Education 
        Excellence program) to ensure the use of data and information 
        for improving public education and awareness of the Nation's 
        oceans and building the technical expertise required to operate 
        and improve the observing system.
    (c) Council Functions.--In carrying out responsibilities under this 
section, the Council shall--
            (1) serve as the oversight body for the design and 
        implementation of all aspects of the observing system;
            (2) adopt plans, budgets, and standards that are developed 
        and maintained by the interagency program office in 
        consultation with the regional associations;
            (3) coordinate the observing system with other earth 
        observing activities, including the Global Ocean Observing 
        System and the Global Earth Observing System of Systems;
            (4) coordinate and administer programs of research and 
        development and education to support improvements to and the 
        operation of an integrated ocean and coastal observing system 
        and to advance the understanding of the oceans;
            (5) establish pilot projects to develop technology and 
        methods for advancing the development of the observing system;
            (6) support the development of institutional mechanisms to 
        further the goals of the program and provide for the 
        capitalization of the required infrastructure;
            (7) provide, as appropriate, support for and representation 
        on United States delegations to international meetings on 
        coastal and ocean observing programs, including those under the 
        jurisdiction of the International Joint Commission involving 
        Canadian waters; and
            (8) in consultation with the Secretary of State, coordinate 
        relevant Federal activities with those of other nations.
    (d) Interagency Program Office.--
            (1) Establishment.--The Council shall establish an 
        interagency program office to be known as ``Oceanus''.
            (2) Responsibilities.--The interagency program office shall 
        be responsible for program planning and coordination of the 
        observing system.
            (3) Duties.--The interagency program office shall--
                    (A) prepare annual and long-term plans for 
                consideration by the Council for the design and 
                implementation of the observing system that promote 
                collaboration among Federal agencies and regional 
                associations in developing global and national 
                observing systems, including identification and 
                refinement of a core set of variables to be measured by 
                all systems;
                    (B) coordinate the development of agency priorities 
                and budgets for implementation of the observing system, 
                including budgets for the regional associations;
                    (C) establish and refine standards and protocols 
                for data management and communications, including 
                quality standards, in consultation with participating 
                Federal agencies and regional associations;
                    (D) develop a process for the certification of the 
                regional associations and their periodic review and 
                recertification; and
                    (E) establish an external technical committee to 
                provide biennial review of the observing system.
    (e) Lead Federal Agency.--The National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration shall be the lead Federal agency for implementation and 
operation of the observing system. Based on the plans prepared by the 
interagency program office and adopted by the Council, the 
Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 
shall--
            (1) coordinate implementation, operation, and improvement 
        of the observing system;
            (2) establish efficient and effective administrative 
        procedures for allocation of funds among Federal agencies and 
        regional associations in a timely manner and according to the 
        budget adopted by the Council;
            (3) implement and maintain appropriate elements of the 
        observing system;
            (4) provide for the migration of scientific and 
        technological advances from research and development to 
        operational deployment;
            (5) integrate and extend existing programs and pilot 
        projects into the operational observation system; and
            (6) certify regional associations that meet the 
        requirements of subsection (f).
    (f) Regional Associations of Coastal and Ocean Observing Systems.--
Regional associations shall be responsible for the development and 
operation of regional coastal and ocean observing systems to meet the 
information needs of user groups in the region while adhering to 
national standards. A regional association shall--
            (1) demonstrate an organizational structure capable of 
        supporting and integrating all aspects of coastal and ocean 
        observing and information programs within a region;
            (2) operate under a strategic operations and business plan 
        that details the operation and support of regional coastal and 
        ocean observing systems pursuant to the standards established 
        by the Council;
            (3) provide information products for multiple users in the 
        region;
            (4) work with governmental entities and programs at all 
        levels within the region to provide timely warnings and 
        outreach and education to protect the public; and
            (5) be certified by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
        Administration according to certification standards developed 
        by the interagency program office in conjunction with the 
        regional associations and approved by the Council.
    (g) Civil Liability.--For purposes of section 1346(b)(1) and 
chapter 171 of title 28, United States Code, the Act of March 9, 1920 
(46 U.S.C. App. 741 et seq., popularly known as the ``Suits in 
Admiralty Act''), and the Act of March 3, 1925 (46 U.S.C. App. 781 et 
seq., popularly known as the ``Public Vessels Act''), any regional 
coastal and ocean observing system that is a designated part of a 
certified regional association under this section shall, in carrying 
out the purposes of this Act, be deemed to be part of the National 
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and any employee of such 
system, while acting within the scope of his or her employment in 
carrying out such purposes, shall be deemed to be an employee of the 
Government.

SEC. 5. RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT AND EDUCATION.

     The Council shall establish programs for research and development 
and education for the coastal and ocean observing system, including 
projects under the National Oceanographic Partnership Program, and 
consisting of the following:
            (1) Basic research to advance knowledge of coastal and 
        ocean systems and ensure continued improvement of operational 
        products, including related infrastructure and observing 
        technology.
            (2) Focused research projects to improve understanding of 
        the relationship between the coasts and oceans and human 
        activities.
            (3) Large scale computing resources and research to advance 
        modeling of ocean and coastal processes.
            (4) A coordinated effort to build public education and 
        awareness of the coastal and ocean environment and functions 
        that integrates ongoing activities (such as the National Sea 
        Grant College Program and the Centers for Ocean Sciences 
        Education Excellence program).

SEC. 6. INTERAGENCY FINANCING.

    The departments and agencies represented on the Council are 
authorized to participate in interagency financing and to share, 
transfer, receive, obligate, and expend funds appropriated to any 
member of the Council for the purposes of carrying out any 
administrative or programmatic project or activity under this Act or 
under the National Oceanographic Partnership Program, including support 
for the interagency program office, a common infrastructure, and system 
integration for a coastal and ocean observing system. Funds may be 
transferred among such departments and agencies through an appropriate 
instrument that specifies the goods, services, or space being acquired 
from another Council member and the costs of the same.

SEC. 7. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

    There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary of 
Commerce for the implementation of an integrated coastal and ocean 
observing system under section 4, and the research and development 
program under section 5, including financial assistance to the 
interagency program office, the regional associations for the 
implementation of regional coastal and ocean observing systems, and the 
departments and agencies represented on the Council, such sums as may 
be necessary for each of fiscal years 2006 through 2010. At least 50 
percent of the sums appropriated for the implementation of the 
integrated coastal and ocean observing system under section 4 shall be 
allocated to the regional associations for the implementation of the 
regional coastal and ocean observing systems. Sums appropriated 
pursuant to this section shall remain available until expended.

SEC. 8. REPORTING REQUIREMENT.

    Not later than March 31, 2010, the President, acting through the 
Council, shall transmit to Congress a report on the programs 
established under sections 4 and 5. The report shall include a 
description of activities carried out under the programs, an evaluation 
of the effectiveness of the programs, and recommendations concerning 
reauthorization of the programs and funding levels for the programs in 
succeeding fiscal years.
Example Output:
Ocean and Coastal Observation System Act of 2005 - Directs the Committee on Ocean Policy, acting through the National Ocean Research Leadership Council, to establish and maintain an integrated system of coastal and ocean observations, data communication and management, analysis, modeling, research, and education designed to provide data and information for the timely detection and prediction of changes occurring in the coastal and ocean environment that impact the Nation's social, economic, and ecological systems.

Requires the Council to establish an interagency program office (Oceanus) responsible for program planning and coordination of the system. Requires the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to be the lead Federal agency for system implementation and operation.

Makes regional associations responsible for the development and operation of regional coastal and ocean observing systems to meet the information needs of user groups in the region while adhering to national standards. Deems certified regional systems to be part of NOAA when carrying out this Act, and employees of such systems acting within the scope of their employment to be Federal Government employees, for purposes of civil liability under specified laws.

Directs the Council to establish programs for research, development, and education for the system.

Authorizes departments and agencies represented on the Council to participate in interagency financing and to share funds appropriated to any Council member.