The legislation would, for the first time clarify and codify, the functions and responsibilities of NOAA, which was established in 1970 by an executive order issued by President Richard Nixon, but was never officially codified by Congress.

      H.R. 250 is identical to legislation sponsored by Ehlers and passed by the House in the 109^th Congress, H.R. 5450. Passage of an organic act for NOAA was a key recommendation in reports by the U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy and the Pew Oceans Commission.

      “NOAA reaches into the lives of nearly every citizen in this country, from the daily weather forecasts and critical storm warnings, to the safety of our seafood, to drought predictions that affect the way we grow our food,” said Ehlers, a member of the House Science and Technology Committee. “We in Congress need to provide NOAA and its employees clear direction and the tools they require to perform critical missions and functions that effect the everyday lives of all Americans.”

      H.R. 250 strengthens several areas at NOAA, including creating a Deputy Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Science and Education to coordinate science across the agency; emphasizing the vital role of the National Weather Service; and designating a position of Chief Operating Officer to manage the agency’s day-to-day operations.

      In addition, H.R.250 would enhance Congressional oversight of NOAA, particularly oversight of expensive satellite programs. The bill’s requirements are based on those imposed by Congress on the Pentagon and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. Under the bill, NOAA would have to provide a clear cost baseline for Congress at the outset of a program and will have to notify Congress when that baseline is being exceeded. A large cost overrun would trigger a mandatory program review.

      “This bill provides that direction, strengthens science at the agency, and improves Congressional oversight of NOAA,” said Ehlers, R-Grand Rapids. “Overall, it will make NOAA stronger and more capable of doing its job. I was encouraged that this bill passed the House with full bipartisan support in the last Congress and I expect this bill to be a pivotal peace of any ocean and Great Lakes legislation considered by the 110^th Congress.”