Congressional Record, July 30, 2020 — Senate
Summary
Page S4638 of the Senate section of the Congressional Record for July 30, 2020, in interleaved columns, carrying resolution and bill text. A resolution on Mongolia recalls that on July 31, 2019 the United States and Mongolia declared a Strategic Partnership, and urges support to diversify its economy. Another resolution preamble gives recognition to the 19 historically Black 1890 land-grant institutions. Bill text would establish a National Landslide Hazards Reduction Program, and a committee notice sets a hearing during the session on Thursday, July 30, 2020, at 10 a.m.
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“Congressional Record, July 30, 2020 — Senate.”
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S4638 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE July 30, 2020
Whereas, on July 31, 2019, the United (6) urges private and public support to help stitutions under section 1673(d) of the Food,
States and Mongolia declared the bilateral diversify the economy of Mongolia through Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of
relationship a Strategic Partnership and increased cooperation and investments, as 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5926(d)); and
noted the shared desire— well as infrastructure and other vital Whereas appropriate recognition should be
(1) to intensify cooperation as strong de- projects; given to the significant contributions made
mocracies based on the rule of law through (7) urges the Department of State, the by the 19 historically Black 1890 land-grant
safeguarding and promoting democratic val- United States Agency for International De- educational institutions to the heritage, edu-
ues and human rights, including the free- velopment, and other relevant agencies to cational development, advancement, and ag-
doms of religion or belief, expression, includ- continue to support Mongolia’s democratic ricultural strength of the United States:
ing internet and media freedom, assembly, and economic development and efforts on Now, therefore, be it
and association, anticorruption and fiscal anticorruption; Resolved by the Senate (the House of Rep-
transparency, and youth and emerging lead- (8) reaffirms the importance of civil soci- resentatives concurring), That it is the sense
er development; ety to the continued democratic develop- of Congress that—
(2) to cooperate in promoting national se- ment of Mongolia; (1) the 130th anniversary of the 1890 Land-
curity and stability across the Indo-Pacific (9) encourages the Government of Mongolia Grant Educational Institutions should be ob-
region so that all countries, secure in their to build a regulatory system that supports served;
sovereignty, are able to pursue economic and encourages the growth and operation of (2) such a day should be observed with ap-
growth consistent with international law independent nongovernmental organizations propriate ceremonies and activities to recog-
and principles of fair competition; and continues to pursue policies of trans- nize the collective contributions that these
(3) to deepen national security and law-en- parency that uphold democratic values; and 19 historically Black Federal land-grant edu-
forcement ties through collaboration on bi- (10) encourages the Government of Mon- cational institutions have made to the
lateral and multilateral security, judicial, golia to continue legal reform, institutional United States;
and law-enforcement efforts in the region; capacity building, and to improve the inde- (3) the Second Morrill Act and the Smith-
(4) to strengthen cooperation in multilat- pendence of other democratic institutions. Lever Act have helped the United States de-
eral engagements such as peacekeeping, hu-
manitarian assistance, and disaster pre- f velop agricultural leaders; and
(4) the Department of Agriculture and the
paredness and relief operations; SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLU- National Institute of Food and Agriculture
(5) to expand trade and investment rela- TION 42—EXPRESSING THE should remain committed to supporting the
tions on a fair and reciprocal basis, support
SENSE OF CONGRESS THAT AU- goals of the Second Morrill Act and the
private sector-led growth, fully implement
GUST 30, 2020, BE OBSERVED AS Smith-Lever Act.
the United States-Mongolia Transparency
Agreement, promote women’s entrepreneur- THE 130TH ANNIVERSARY OF f
ship, and continue to explore support for in- THE 1890 LAND-GRANT EDU- AMENDMENTS SUBMITTED AND
frastructure under the new United States CATIONAL INSTITUTIONS PROPOSED
International Development Finance Corpora- Mr. BOOZMAN (for himself, Mr.
tion with the new tools provided under the SA 2499. Mr. MCCONNELL proposed an
BUILD Act of 2018 (22 U.S.C. 9601 et seq.);
JONES, Mr. TILLIS, Mr. MANCHIN, Mr. amendment to the bill S. 178, to condemn
(6) to strengthen border security, prevent PERDUE, Mr. WARNER, Mr. KAINE, Mr. gross human rights violations of ethnic
illegal transshipment and trafficking, ex- ROBERTS, Mr. BLUNT, Mr. PORTMAN, Mr. Turkic Muslims in Xinjiang, and calling for
pand cooperation on civil aviation safety and CARDIN, Mrs. LOEFFLER, Mr. VAN HOL- an end to arbitrary detention, torture, and
oversight, and efficiently facilitate legiti- LEN, and Mr. WICKER) submitted the harassment of these communities inside and
mate travel between Mongolia and the following concurrent resolution; which outside China.
United States; SA 2500. Mr. SULLIVAN (for Ms. CANT-
was referred to the Committee on Agri- WELL) proposed an amendment to the bill S.
(7) to increase cooperation in addressing
transnational threats such as terrorism,
culture, Nutrition, and Forestry: 529, to establish a national program to iden-
human trafficking, drug trafficking, the pro- S. CON. RES. 42 tify and reduce losses from landslide hazards,
liferation of weapons of mass destruction, Whereas the Act of August 30, 1890 (7 U.S.C. to establish a national 3D Elevation Pro-
cyberattacks, transnational organized crime, 321 et seq.), popularly known as the ‘‘Second gram, and for other purposes.
pandemics, and other emerging nontradi- Morrill Act’’, led to the creation of 19 his- SA 2501. Mr. SULLIVAN (for Mr. WICKER)
tional security threats; torically Black Federal land-grant edu- proposed an amendment to the bill S. 914, to
(8) to continue to develop an environment cational institutions; reauthorize the Integrated Coastal and
in which civil society, social media, and a Whereas the 19 historically Black 1890 Ocean Observation System Act of 2009, to
free and independent media can flourish; and land-grant educational institutions are iden- clarify the authority of the Administrator of
(9) to maintain high-level official dia- tified as Lincoln University, Alcorn State the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Ad-
logues, encourage bilateral exchanges at all University, the University of Arkansas at ministration with respect to post-storm as-
levels of government, and further develop Pine Bluff, Alabama A&M University, Prai- sessments, and to require the establishment
people-to-people exchanges to deepen en- rie View A&M University, Southern Univer- of a National Water Center, and for other
gagement on issues of mutual interest and sity, Virginia State University, Kentucky purposes.
concern: Now, therefore, be it State University, the University of Maryland SA 2502. Mr. SULLIVAN proposed an
Resolved, That the Senate— Eastern Shore, Florida A&M University, amendment to the bill S. 850, to extend the
(1) recognizes the importance of the rela- Delaware State University, North Carolina authorization of appropriations to the De-
tionship between the United States and Mon- A&T State University, Fort Valley State partment of Veterans Affairs for purposes of
golia and remains committed to advancing University, South Carolina State University, awarding grants to veterans service organi-
this Strategic Partnership in the future; Langston University, Tennessee State Uni- zations for the transportation of highly rural
(2) emphasizes the importance of free and versity, Tuskegee University, Central State veterans.
fair elections in Mongolia; University, and West Virginia State Univer- f
(3) applauds the continued engagement of sity;
Mongolia in the Organization for Security Whereas the Act of May 8, 1914 (7 U.S.C.
TEXT OF AMENDMENTS
and Cooperation in Europe, the Community 341), popularly known as the ‘‘Smith-Lever SA 2499. Mr. MCCONNELL proposed
of Democracies, congressional-parliamentary Act’’, provided for the establishment of the an amendment to the bill S. 178, to
partnerships, including continued high-level Cooperative Extension Service within the condemn gross human rights violations
parliamentary exchange, and other institu- Department of Agriculture for the dissemi- of ethnic Turkic Muslims in Xinjiang,
tions that promote democratic values, which nation, through Federal land-grant edu-
reinforces the commitment of the people and and calling for an end to arbitrary de-
cational institutions, of information per-
the Government of Mongolia to those values taining to agriculture and home economics; tention, torture, and harassment of
and standards; Whereas, since the 125th Anniversary of these communities inside and outside
(4) encourages the United States Govern- the 19 historically Black 1890 land-grant edu- China; as follows:
ment to help Mongolia use its benefits under cational institutions in 2015, Congress passed In lieu of the matter proposed to be in-
the Generalized System of Preferences pro- the 2018 Farm Bill which included new Fed- serted, insert the following:
gram and other relevant programs to in- eral investments, such as— SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
crease trade between the United States and (1) the program providing scholarships for This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Coronavirus
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Mongolia; students at 1890 land-grant educational insti- Relief Fair Unemployment Compensation
(5) urges the United States International tutions under section 1446 of the National Act of 2020’’.
Development Finance Corporation to expand Agricultural Research, Extension, and SEC. 2. EXTENSION OF THE FEDERAL PANDEMIC
activities in Mongolia to support economic Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 322a); UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION
development, diversification of the economy and PROGRAM.
of Mongolia, and women-owned small- and (2) the recognition of at least 3 Centers of (a) EXTENSION.—Section 2104(e)(2) of the
medium-sized enterprises; Excellence at 1890 land-grant educational in- Relief for Workers Affected by Coronavirus
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July 30, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S4639
Act (contained in subtitle A of title II of di- (A) PANDEMIC UNEMPLOYMENT ASSIST- (b) TABLE OF CONTENTS.—The table of con-
vision A of the CARES Act (Public Law 116– ANCE.—Section 2102(d) of the Relief for Work- tents for this Act is as follows:
136)) is amended by striking ‘‘July 31, 2020’’ ers Affected by Coronavirus Act (contained Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
and inserting ‘‘December 31, 2020’’. in subtitle A of title II of division A of the
(b) IMPROVEMENTS TO ACCURACY OF PAY- TITLE I—REAUTHORIZATION OF INTE-
CARES Act (Public Law 116–136)) is amended
MENTS.— GRATED COASTAL AND OCEAN OBSER-
by inserting ‘‘with respect to the individual’’
(1) IN GENERAL.—Section 2104(b) of the Re- VATION SYSTEM ACT OF 2009
after ‘‘section 2104’’ in each of paragraphs
lief for Workers Affected by Coronavirus Act (1)(A)(ii) and (2). Sec. 101. Purposes.
(contained in subtitle A of title II of division (B) PANDEMIC EMERGENCY UNEMPLOYMENT Sec. 102. Definitions.
A of the CARES Act (Public Law 116–136)) is COMPENSATION.—Section 2107 of the Relief for
Sec. 103. Integrated Coastal and Ocean Ob-
amended— Workers Affected by Coronavirus Act (con- servation System.
(A) in paragraph (1)(B), by striking ‘‘of tained in subtitle A of title II of division A Sec. 104. Financing and agreements.
$600’’ and inserting ‘‘equal to the amount of the CARES Act (Public Law 116–136)) is Sec. 105. Reports to Congress.
specified in paragraph (3)’’; and amended— Sec. 106. Public-private use policy.
(B) by adding at the end the following new Sec. 107. Repeal of independent cost esti-
(i) in subsection (a)(4)(A)(ii), by inserting
paragraph: mate.
‘‘with respect to the individual’’ after ‘‘sec-
‘‘(3) AMOUNT OF FEDERAL PANDEMIC UNEM- Sec. 108. Authorization of appropriations.
tion 2104’’; and
PLOYMENT COMPENSATION.— Sec. 109. Reports and research plans.
(ii) in subsection (b)(2), by inserting ‘‘with
‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—The amount specified in Sec. 110. Strategic research plan.
respect to the individual’’ after ‘‘section
this paragraph is the following amount with Sec. 111. Stakeholder input on monitoring.
2104’’.
respect to an individual: (c) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendments Sec. 112. Research activities.
‘‘(i) For weeks of unemployment beginning made by this section shall take effect as if TITLE II—NAMED STORM EVENT MODEL
after the date on which an agreement is en- included in the enactment of the Relief for AND POST-STORM ASSESSMENTS
tered into under this section and ending on Workers Affected by Coronavirus Act (con- Sec. 201. Named Storm Event Model and
or before July 31, 2020, $600. tained in subtitle A of title II of division A post-storm assessments.
‘‘(ii) For weeks of unemployment begin- of the CARES Act (Public Law 116–136)).
ning after the last week under clause (i) and TITLE III—WATER PREDICTION AND
(d) EMERGENCY DESIGNATION.—
ending before December 31, 2020, an amount FORECASTING
(1) IN GENERAL.—The amounts provided by
equal to one of the following, as determined this section and the amendments made by Sec. 301. Water prediction and forecasting.
by the State for all individuals: this section are designated as an emergency TITLE I—REAUTHORIZATION OF INTE-
‘‘(I) $200. requirement pursuant to section 4(g) of the GRATED COASTAL AND OCEAN OBSER-
‘‘(II) An amount (not to exceed $500) equal Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010 (2 VATION SYSTEM ACT OF 2009
to— U.S.C. 933(g)). SEC. 101. PURPOSES.
‘‘(aa) two-thirds of the individual’s average (2) DESIGNATION IN SENATE.—In the Senate,
weekly wages; minus Section 12302 of the Integrated Coastal and
this section and the amendments made by Ocean Observation System Act of 2009 (33
‘‘(bb) the individual’s base amount (deter- this section are designated as an emergency
mined prior to any reductions or offsets). U.S.C. 3601) is amended to read as follows:
requirement pursuant to section 4112(a) of H. ‘‘SEC. 12302. PURPOSES.
‘‘(B) BASE AMOUNT.—For purposes of this Con. Res. 71 (115th Congress), the concurrent
paragraph, the term ‘base amount’ means, ‘‘The purposes of this subtitle are—
resolution on the budget for fiscal year 2018.
with respect to an individual, an amount ‘‘(1) to establish and sustain a national in-
equal to— SA 2500. Mr. SULLIVAN (for Ms. tegrated System of ocean, coastal, and Great
‘‘(i) for weeks of unemployment under the Lakes observing systems, comprised of Fed-
CANTWELL) proposed an amendment to
pandemic unemployment assistance program eral and non-Federal components coordi-
the bill S. 529, to establish a national nated at the national level by the Council
under section 2102, the amount determined
under subsection (d)(1)(A)(i) or (d)(2) of such program to identify and reduce losses and at the regional level by a network of re-
section 2102, as applicable; or from landslide hazards, to establish a gional coastal observing systems, and that
‘‘(ii) for all other weeks of unemployment, national 3D Elevation Program, and for includes in situ, remote, and other coastal
the amount determined under paragraph other purposes; as follows: and ocean observation and modeling capa-
(1)(A) of this subsection. Beginning on page 42, strike line 21 and all bilities, technologies, data management sys-
‘‘(C) AVERAGE WEEKLY WAGES.— that follows through page 43, line 5, and in- tems, communication systems, and product
‘‘(i) IN GENERAL.—Subject to clause (ii), for sert the following: development systems, and is designed to ad-
purposes of this paragraph, the term ‘aver- (h) FUNDING.—For each of fiscal years 2021 dress regional and national needs for ocean
age weekly wages’ means, with respect to an and 2024— and coastal information, to gather specific
individual, the following: (1) there is authorized out of funds appro- data on key ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes
‘‘(I) If the State computes the individual priated to the United States Geological Sur- variables, and to ensure timely and sus-
weekly unemployment compensation benefit vey, $25,000,000 to carry out this section; tained dissemination and availability of
amount based on an individual’s average (2) there is authorized out of funds appro- these data—
weekly wages in a base period, an amount priated to the National Science Foundation, ‘‘(A) to the public;
equal to the individual’s average weekly $11,000,000 to carry out this section; and ‘‘(B) to support national defense, search
wages used in such computation. (3) there is authorized out of funds appro- and rescue operations, marine commerce,
‘‘(II) If the State computes the individual priated to the National Oceanic and Atmos- navigation safety, weather, climate, and ma-
weekly unemployment compensation benefit pheric Administration, $1,000,000 to carry out rine forecasting, energy siting and produc-
amount based on high quarter wages or a for- this section. tion, economic development, ecosystem-
mula using wages across some but not all On page 51, strike lines 7 through 9 and in- based marine, coastal, and Great Lakes re-
quarters in a base period, an amount equal sert the following: source management, public safety, and pub-
to 1⁄13 of such high quarter wages or average (e) FUNDING.—For each of the fiscal years lic outreach and education;
wages of the applicable quarters used in the 2021 through 2024, there is authorized out of ‘‘(C) to promote greater public awareness
computation for the individual. funds appropriated to the Secretary and stewardship of the Nation’s ocean, coast-
‘‘(III) If the State uses computations other $20,000,000 to carry out this section. al, and Great Lakes resources and the gen-
than the computations under subclause (I) or eral public welfare;
(II) for the individual weekly unemployment SA 2501. Mr. SULLIVAN (for Mr. ‘‘(D) to provide easy access to ocean, coast-
compensation benefit amount, or for com- WICKER) proposed an amendment to the al, and Great Lakes data and promote data
putations of the weekly benefit amount bill S. 914, to reauthorize the Inte- sharing between Federal and non-Federal
under the pandemic unemployment assist- grated Coastal and Ocean Observation sources and promote public data sharing;
ance program under section 2102, as de- System Act of 2009, to clarify the au- ‘‘(E) to enable advances in scientific under-
scribed in subsection (d)(1)(A)(i) or (d)(2) of thority of the Administrator of the Na- standing to support the sustainable use, con-
such section 2102, for which subclause (I) or tional Oceanic and Atmospheric Ad- servation, management, and understanding
(II) do not apply, an amount equal to 1⁄52 of ministration with respect to post- of healthy ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes
the sum of all base period wages. resources to ensure the Nation can respond
‘‘(ii) SPECIAL RULE.—If more than one of
storm assessments, and to require the to opportunities to enhance food, economic,
the methods of computation under sub- establishment of a National Water Cen- and national security; and
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clauses (I), (II), and (III) of clause (i) are ap- ter, and for other purposes; as follows: ‘‘(F) to monitor and model changes in the
plicable to a State, then such term shall Strike all after the enacting clause and in- oceans and Great Lakes, including with re-
mean the amount determined under the ap- sert the following: spect to chemistry, harmful algal blooms,
plicable subclause of clause (i) that results SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS. hypoxia, water levels, and other phenomena;
in the highest amount of average weekly (a) SHORT TITLE.—This Act may be cited as ‘‘(2) to improve the Nation’s capability to
wages.’’. the ‘‘Coordinated Ocean Observations and measure, track, observe, understand, and
(2) CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.— Research Act of 2020’’. predict events related directly and indirectly
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S4640 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE July 30, 2020
to weather and climate, natural climate var- dures across regions and programs to make ‘‘(v) develop contract requirements for
iability, and interactions between the oce- recommendations for data collection stand- each regional coastal observing system—
anic and atmospheric environments, includ- ards across the System to meet national ‘‘(I) to establish eligibility for integration
ing the Great Lakes; ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes observation, into the System;
‘‘(3) to sustain, upgrade, and modernize the applied research, and weather forecasting ‘‘(II) to ensure compliance with all applica-
Nation’s ocean and Great Lakes observing needs; ble standards and protocols established by
infrastructure to detect changes and ensure ‘‘(D) a product development system to the Council; and
delivery of reliable and timely information; transform observations into products in a ‘‘(III) to ensure that regional observations
and format that may be readily used and under- are integrated into the System on a sus-
‘‘(4) to authorize activities— stood; and tained basis;
‘‘(A) to promote basic and applied research ‘‘(E) a research and development program ‘‘(vi) identify gaps in observation coverage
to develop, test, and deploy innovations and conducted under the guidance of the Council, or needs for capital improvements of both
improvements in coastal and ocean observa- consisting of— Federal assets and non-Federal assets;
tion technologies, including advanced ob- ‘‘(i) basic and applied research and tech- ‘‘(vii) subject to the availability of appro-
serving technologies such as unmanned mar- nology development— priations, establish through 1 or more Fed-
itime systems needed to address critical data ‘‘(I) to improve understanding of coastal eral agencies participating in the Inter-
gaps, modeling systems, other scientific and and ocean systems and their relationships to agency Ocean Observation Committee, in
technological capabilities to improve the un- human activities; and consultation with the System advisory com-
derstanding of weather and climate, ocean- ‘‘(II) to ensure improvement of operational mittee established under subsection (d), a
atmosphere dynamics, global climate assets and products, including related infra- competitive matching grant or other pro-
change, and the physical, chemical, and bio- structure, observing technologies such as un- grams—
logical dynamics of the ocean, coastal, and manned maritime systems, and information ‘‘(I) to promote intramural and extramural
Great Lakes environments; and and data processing and management tech- research and development of new, innova-
‘‘(B) to conserve healthy and restore de- nologies; tive, and emerging observation technologies
graded coastal ecosystems.’’. ‘‘(ii) an advanced observing technology de- including testing and field trials; and
SEC. 102. DEFINITIONS. velopment program to fill gaps in tech- ‘‘(II) to facilitate the migration of new, in-
nology; novative, and emerging scientific and tech-
Section 12303 of the Integrated Coastal and
‘‘(iii) large scale computing resources and nological advances from research and devel-
Ocean Observation System Act of 2009 (33
research to advance modeling of ocean, opment to operational deployment;
U.S.C. 3602) is amended—
coastal, and Great Lakes processes; ‘‘(viii) periodically—
(1) in paragraph (2), by striking ‘‘section
‘‘(iv) models to improve regional weather ‘‘(I) review the System Plan; and
7902’’ and inserting ‘‘section 8932’’;
forecasting capabilities and regional weather ‘‘(II) submit to the Council such rec-
(2) in paragraph (5), by striking ‘‘inte- ommendations as the Interagency Ocean Ob-
grated into the System and are managed forecasting products; and
‘‘(v) reviews of data collection procedures servation Committee may have for improve-
through States, regional organizations, uni- ments to the System Plan;
versities, nongovernmental organizations, or across regions and programs to make rec-
ommendations for data collection standards ‘‘(ix) ensure collaboration among Federal
the private sector’’ and inserting ‘‘managed agencies participating in the Interagency
through States, regional organizations, uni- across the System to meet national ocean,
Ocean Observation Committee; and
versities, nongovernmental organizations, or coastal, and Great Lakes observation, ap-
‘‘(x) perform such additional duties as the
the private sector and integrated into the plied research, and weather forecasting
Council may delegate.
System by a regional coastal observing sys- needs.’’.
‘‘(3) LEAD FEDERAL AGENCY.—
tem, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric (2) AVAILABILITY OF DATA.—Section
‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—The National Oceanic
Administration, or the agencies partici- 12304(b)(3) of such Act (33 U.S.C. 3603(b)(3)) is
and Atmospheric Administration shall func-
pating in the Interagency Ocean Observation amended by inserting ‘‘for research and for
tion as the lead Federal agency for the im-
Committee’’; use in the development of products to ad-
plementation and administration of the Sys-
(3) by amending paragraph (6) to read as dress societal needs’’ before the period at the tem.
follows: end. ‘‘(B) CONSULTATION REQUIRED.—In carrying
‘‘(6) REGIONAL COASTAL OBSERVING SYS- (b) POLICY OVERSIGHT, ADMINISTRATION, out this paragraph, the Administrator shall
TEM.—The term ‘regional coastal observing AND REGIONAL COORDINATION.—Section consult with the Council, the Interagency
system’ means an organizational body that 12304(c) of the Integrated Coastal and Ocean Ocean Observation Committee, other Federal
is certified or established by contract or Observation System Act of 2009 (33 U.S.C. agencies that maintain portions of the Sys-
memorandum by the lead Federal agency 3603(c)) is amended by striking paragraphs tem, and the regional coastal observing sys-
designated in section 12304(c)(3) and coordi- (2), (3), and (4), and inserting the following: tems.
nates State, Federal, local, tribal, and pri- ‘‘(2) INTERAGENCY OCEAN OBSERVATION COM- ‘‘(C) REQUIREMENTS.—In carrying out this
vate interests at a regional level with the re- MITTEE.— paragraph, the Administrator shall—
sponsibility of engaging the private and pub- ‘‘(A) ESTABLISHMENT.—The Council shall ‘‘(i) establish and operate an Integrated
lic sectors in designing, operating, and im- establish or designate a committee, which Ocean Observing System Program Office
proving regional coastal observing systems shall be known as the ‘Interagency Ocean within the National Oceanic and Atmos-
in order to ensure the provision of data and Observation Committee’. pheric Administration that—
information that meet the needs of user ‘‘(B) DUTIES.—The Interagency Ocean Ob- ‘‘(I) utilizes, to the extent necessary, per-
groups from the respective regions.’’; and servation Committee shall— sonnel from Federal agencies participating
(4) in paragraph (7), by striking ‘‘National ‘‘(i) prepare annual and long-term plans for in the Interagency Ocean Observation Com-
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’’ consideration and approval by the Council mittee; and
and inserting ‘‘Administrator’’. for the integrated design, operation, mainte- ‘‘(II) oversees daily operations and coordi-
SEC. 103. INTEGRATED COASTAL AND OCEAN OB- nance, enhancement, and expansion of the nation of the System;
SERVATION SYSTEM. System to meet the objectives of this sub- ‘‘(ii) implement policies, protocols, and
(a) SYSTEM ELEMENTS.— title and the System Plan; standards approved by the Council and dele-
(1) IN GENERAL.—Section 12304(b) of the In- ‘‘(ii) develop and transmit to Congress, gated by the Interagency Ocean Observation
tegrated Coastal and Ocean Observation Sys- along with the budget submitted by the Committee;
tem Act of 2009 (33 U.S.C. 3603(b)) is amended President to Congress pursuant to section ‘‘(iii) promulgate program guidelines—
by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the 1105(a) of title 31, United States Code, an an- ‘‘(I) to certify and integrate regional asso-
following: nual coordinated, comprehensive budget— ciations into the System; and
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—In order to fulfill the ‘‘(I) to operate all elements of the System ‘‘(II) to provide regional coastal and ocean
purposes of this subtitle, the System shall be identified in subsection (b); and observation data that meet the needs of user
national in scope and consist of— ‘‘(II) to ensure continuity of data streams groups from the respective regions;
‘‘(A) Federal assets to fulfill national and from Federal and non-Federal assets; ‘‘(iv) have the authority to enter into and
international observation missions and pri- ‘‘(iii) establish requirements for observa- oversee contracts, leases, grants, or coopera-
orities; tion data variables to be gathered by both tive agreements with non-Federal assets, in-
‘‘(B) non-Federal assets, including a net- Federal and non-Federal assets and identify, cluding regional coastal observing systems,
work of regional coastal observing systems in consultation with regional coastal observ- to support the purposes of this subtitle on
identified under subsection (c)(4), to fulfill ing systems, priorities for System observa- such terms as the Administrator deems ap-
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regional and national observation missions tions; propriate;
and priorities; ‘‘(iv) establish and define protocols and ‘‘(v) implement and maintain a merit-
‘‘(C) observing, modeling, data manage- standards for System data processing, man- based, competitive funding process to sup-
ment, and communication systems for the agement, collection, configuration stand- port non-Federal assets, including the devel-
timely integration and dissemination of data ards, formats, and communication for new opment and maintenance of a national net-
and information products from the System, and existing assets throughout the System work of regional coastal observing systems,
including reviews of data collection proce- network; and develop and implement a process for the
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July 30, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S4641
periodic review and evaluation of the re- ‘‘(I) gaps in observation coverage needs for ‘‘(v) integrated, multi-State monitoring to
gional associations; capital improvements of Federal assets and assess sources, movement, and fate of sedi-
‘‘(vi) provide opportunities for competitive non-Federal assets of the System; and ments in coastal regions;
contracts and grants for demonstration ‘‘(II) other recommendations to assist in ‘‘(vi) a multi-region marine sound moni-
projects to design, develop, integrate, de- the development of the annual and long-term toring system to be—
ploy, maintain, and support components of plans prepared pursuant to paragraph ‘‘(I) planned in consultation with the Inter-
the System; (2)(B)(i) and transmits such information to agency Ocean Observation Committee, the
‘‘(vii) establish and maintain efficient and the Interagency Ocean Observation Com- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Adminis-
effective administrative procedures for the mittee through the Program Office estab- tration, the Department of the Navy, and
timely allocation of funds among contrac- lished under paragraph (3)(C)(i); academic research institutions; and
tors, grantees, and non-Federal assets, in- ‘‘(v) develops and operates under a stra- ‘‘(II) developed, installed, and operated in
cluding regional coastal observing systems; tegic plan that will ensure the efficient and coordination with the National Oceanic and
‘‘(viii) develop and implement a process for effective administration of programs and as- Atmospheric Administration, the Depart-
the periodic review and evaluation of the re- sets to support daily data observations for ment of the Navy, and academic research in-
gional coastal observing systems; integration into the System, pursuant to the stitutions; and
‘‘(ix) formulate an annual process by which standards approved by the Council; ‘‘(E) any other purpose identified by the
gaps in observation coverage or needs for ‘‘(vi) works cooperatively with govern- Administrator or the Council.’’;
capital improvements of Federal assets and mental and nongovernmental entities at all (D) in paragraph (3)(B), by inserting ‘‘The
levels to identify and provide information Administrator may stagger the terms of the
non-Federal assets of the System are—
products of the System for multiple users System advisory committee members.’’ be-
‘‘(I) identified by the regional associations
within the service area of the regional coast- fore ‘‘Members’’; and
described in the System Plan, the Adminis-
al observing system; and (E) in paragraph (4)—
trator, or other members of the System; and
‘‘(vii) complies with all financial oversight (i) in subparagraph (A), by striking ‘‘and
‘‘(II) submitted to the Interagency Ocean
requirements established by the Adminis- the Interagency Ocean Observing Com-
Observation Committee;
trator, including requirements relating to mittee’’; and
‘‘(x) develop and be responsible for a data
audits. (ii) in subparagraph (C), by striking ‘‘Ob-
management and communication system, in ‘‘(B) PARTICIPATION.—For the purposes of
accordance with standards and protocols es- serving’’ and inserting ‘‘Observation’’.
this subtitle, employees of Federal agencies (d) CIVIL LIABILITY.—Section 12304(e) of the
tablished by the Interagency Ocean Observa- are permitted to be members of the gov-
tion Committee, by which all data collected Integrated Coastal and Ocean Observation
erning body for the regional coastal observ- System Act of 2009 (33 U.S.C. 3603(e)) is
by the System regarding ocean and coastal ing systems and may participate in the func-
waters of the United States including the amended—
tions of the regional coastal observing sys- (1) by striking ‘‘information coordination
Great Lakes, are processed, stored, inte- tems.’’.
grated, and made available to all end-user entity’’ each place it appears and inserting
(c) SYSTEM ADVISORY COMMITTEE.—Section
communities; ‘‘coastal observing system’’; and
12304(d) of the Integrated Coastal and Ocean
‘‘(xi) not less frequently than once each (2) by striking ‘‘contract, lease, grant, or
Observation System Act of 2009 (33 U.S.C.
year, submit to the Interagency Ocean Ob- cooperative agreement under subsection
3603(d)) is amended—
servation Committee a report on the accom- (c)(3)(D)’’ and inserting ‘‘a memorandum of
(1) in paragraph (1), by striking ‘‘or the
plishments, operational needs, and perform- agreement of certification under subsection
Interagency Ocean Observing Committee.’’
ance of the System to contribute to the an- and inserting ‘‘or the Council under this sub- (c)(3)(C)(iii)’’.
nual and long-term plans prepared pursuant (e) CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.—The Inte-
title’’; and
to paragraph (2)(B)(i); grated Coastal and Ocean Observation Sys-
(2) in paragraph (2)—
‘‘(xii) develop and periodically update a tem Act of 2009 (33 U.S.C. 3601 et seq.) is
(A) in subparagraph (A), by inserting ‘‘,
plan to efficiently integrate into the System amended by striking ‘‘regional information
data sharing,’’ after ‘‘data management’’;
new, innovative, or emerging technologies (B) in subparagraph (C), by striking ‘‘and’’ coordination entities’’ each place it appears
that have been demonstrated to be useful to at the end; and inserting ‘‘regional coastal observing
the System and which will fulfill the pur- (C) by striking subparagraph (D) and in- systems’’.
poses of this subtitle and the System Plan; serting the following: SEC. 104. FINANCING AND AGREEMENTS.
and ‘‘(D) additional priorities, including— Section 12305(a) of the Integrated Coastal
‘‘(xiii) work with users and regional asso- ‘‘(i) a national surface current mapping and Ocean Observation System Act of 2009
ciations to develop products to enable real- network designed to improve fine scale sea (33 U.S.C. 3604(a)) is amended to read as fol-
time data sharing for decision makers, in- surface mapping using high frequency radar lows:
cluding with respect to weather forecasting technology and other emerging technologies ‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of Com-
and modeling, search and rescue operations, to address national priorities, including merce may execute an agreement, on a reim-
corrosive seawater forecasts, water quality Coast Guard search and rescue operation bursable or nonreimbursable basis, with any
monitoring and communication, and harmful planning and harmful algal bloom fore- State or subdivision thereof, any Federal
algal bloom forecasting. casting and detection that— agency, any public or private organization,
‘‘(4) REGIONAL COASTAL OBSERVING SYS- ‘‘(I) is comprised of existing high frequency or any individual to carry out activities
TEMS.— radar and other sea surface current mapping under this subtitle.’’.
‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—A regional coastal ob- infrastructure operated by national pro- SEC. 105. REPORTS TO CONGRESS.
serving system described in the System Plan grams and regional coastal observing sys- Section 12307 of the Integrated Coastal and
as a regional association may not be cer- tems; Ocean Observation System Act of 2009 (33
tified or established under this subtitle un- ‘‘(II) incorporates new high frequency U.S.C. 3606) is amended to read as follows:
less it— radar assets or other fine scale sea surface ‘‘SEC. 12307. REPORT TO CONGRESS.
‘‘(i) has been or shall be certified or estab- mapping technology assets, and other assets ‘‘(a) REQUIREMENT.—Not later than March
lished by contract or agreement by the Ad- needed to fill gaps in coverage on United 30, 2022, and every 5 years thereafter, the Ad-
ministrator; States coastlines; and ministrator shall prepare, and the President
‘‘(ii) meets— ‘‘(III) follows a deployment plan that acting through the Council shall approve and
‘‘(I) the certification standards and compli- prioritizes closing gaps in high frequency transmit to Congress, a report on progress
ance procedure guidelines issued by the Ad- radar infrastructure in the United States, made in implementing this subtitle.
ministrator; and starting with areas demonstrating signifi- ‘‘(b) CONTENTS.—Each report required
‘‘(II) the information needs of user groups cant sea surface current data needs, espe- under subsection (a) shall include—
in the region while adhering to national cially in areas where additional data will im- ‘‘(1) a description of activities carried out
standards; prove Coast Guard search and rescue models; under this subtitle and the System Plan;
‘‘(iii) demonstrates an organizational ‘‘(ii) fleet acquisition for unmanned mari- ‘‘(2) an evaluation of the effectiveness of
structure, that under funding limitations is time systems for deployment and data inte- the System, including an evaluation of
capable of— gration to fulfill the purposes of this sub- progress made by the Council to achieve the
‘‘(I) gathering required System observation title; goals identified under the System Plan;
data; ‘‘(iii) an integrative survey program for ap- ‘‘(3) the identification of Federal and non-
‘‘(II) supporting and integrating all aspects plication of unmanned maritime systems to Federal assets as determined by the Council
of coastal and ocean observing and informa- the real-time or near real-time collection that have been integrated into the System,
dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with SENATE
tion programs within a region; and and transmission of sea floor, water column, including assets essential to the gathering of
‘‘(III) reflecting the needs of State, local, and sea surface data on biology, chemistry, required observation data variables nec-
and tribal governments, commercial inter- geology, physics, and hydrography; essary to meet the respective missions of
ests, and other users and beneficiaries of the ‘‘(iv) remote sensing and data assimilation Council agencies;
System and other requirements specified to develop new analytical methodologies to ‘‘(4) a review of procurements, planned or
under this subtitle and the System Plan; assimilate data from the System into hydro- initiated, by each department or agency rep-
‘‘(iv) identifies— dynamic models; resented on the Council to enhance, expand,
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S4642 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE July 30, 2020
or modernize the observation capabilities of 2009 (33 U.S.C. 3703(c)) is amended by add- gion of the National Oceanic and Atmos-
and data products provided by the System, ing at the end the following: pheric Administration not less frequently
including data management and communica- ‘‘(4) ECONOMIC VULNERABILITY REPORT.— than once during each 6-year reporting pe-
tion subsystems; ‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 2 years riod.
‘‘(5) a summary of the existing gaps in ob- after the date of the enactment of the Co- ‘‘(C) APPROPRIATE COMMITTEES OF CONGRESS
servation infrastructure and monitoring ordinated Ocean Observations and Research DEFINED.—In this paragraph and in para-
data collection, including— Act of 2020, and every 6 years thereafter, the graph (5), the term ‘appropriate committees
‘‘(A) priorities considered by the System Subcommittee shall transmit to the appro- of Congress’ means the Committee on Com-
advisory committee; priate committees of Congress a report merce, Science, and Transportation of the
‘‘(B) the national sea surface current map- that— Senate, the Committee on Science, Space,
ping network; ‘‘(i) is named the ‘Ocean Chemistry Coastal and Technology of the House of Representa-
‘‘(C) coastal buoys; Community Vulnerability Assessment’; tives, and the Committee on Natural Re-
‘‘(D) ocean chemistry monitoring; ‘‘(ii) identifies gaps in ocean acidification sources of the House of Representatives.
‘‘(E) marine sound monitoring; and monitoring by public, academic, and private ‘‘(5) MONITORING PRIORITIZATION PLAN.—Not
‘‘(F) unmanned maritime systems tech- assets in the network of regional coastal ob- later than 180 days after the date of the sub-
nology gaps; serving systems; mission of the initial report under paragraph
‘‘(6) an assessment regarding activities to ‘‘(iii) identifies geographic areas which (4)(A), the Subcommittee shall transmit to
integrate Federal and non-Federal assets, have gaps in ocean acidification research; the appropriate committees of Congress a re-
nationally and on the regional level, and dis- ‘‘(iv) identifies United States coastal com- port that develops a plan to deploy new sen-
cussion of the performance and effectiveness munities, including island communities, sors or other applicable observing tech-
of regional coastal observing systems to co- fishing communities, low-population rural nologies such as unmanned maritime sys-
ordinate regional observation operations; communities, tribal and subsistence commu- tems—
‘‘(7) a description of benefits of the pro- nities, and island communities, that may be ‘‘(A) based on such initial report;
gram to users of data products resulting impacted by ocean acidification; ‘‘(B) prioritized by—
from the System (including the general pub- ‘‘(v) identifies impacts of changing ocean ‘‘(i) the threat to coastal economies and
lic, industries, scientists, resource managers, carbonate chemistry on the communities de- ecosystems;
emergency responders, policy makers, and scribed in clause (iv), including impacts from ‘‘(ii) gaps in data; and
educators); changes in ocean and coastal marine re- ‘‘(iii) research needs; and
‘‘(8) recommendations, if any, concerning— sources that are not managed by the Federal ‘‘(C) that leverage existing platforms,
‘‘(A) modifications to the System; and Government; where possible.’’.
‘‘(B) funding levels for the System in sub- ‘‘(vi) identifies gaps in understanding of SEC. 110. STRATEGIC RESEARCH PLAN.
sequent fiscal years; and the impacts of ocean acidification on eco-
(a) CONTENTS.—Section 12405(b) of the Fed-
‘‘(9) the results of a periodic external inde- nomically or commercially important spe- eral Ocean Acidification Research And Moni-
pendent programmatic audit of the Sys- cies, particularly those which support United toring Act of 2009 (33 U.S.C. 3704(b)) is
tem.’’. States commercial, recreational, and tribal amended—
fisheries and aquaculture; (1) in paragraph (8), by striking ‘‘and’’ at
SEC. 106. PUBLIC-PRIVATE USE POLICY.
‘‘(vii) identifies habitats that may be par- the end;
Section 12308 of the Integrated Coastal and
ticularly vulnerable to corrosive sea water,
Ocean Observation System Act of 2009 (33 (2) in paragraph (9), by striking the period
including areas experiencing multiple
U.S.C. 3607) is amended to read as follows: at the end and inserting ‘‘; and’’; and
stressors such as hypoxia, sedimentation,
‘‘SEC. 12308. PUBLIC-PRIVATE USE POLICY. (3) by adding at the end the following:
and harmful algal blooms;
‘‘The Council shall maintain a policy that ‘‘(10) make recommendations for research
‘‘(viii) identifies areas in which existing
defines processes for making decisions about to be conducted, including in the social
National Integrated Coastal and Ocean Ob-
the roles of the Federal Government, the sciences and economics, to address the key
servation System assets, including un-
States, regional coastal observing systems, knowledge gaps identified in the Ocean
manned maritime systems, may be leveraged
the academic community, and the private Chemistry Coastal Community Vulnerability
as platforms for the deployment of new sen-
sector in providing to end-user communities Assessment conducted under section
sors or other applicable observing tech-
environmental information, products, tech- 12404(c)(4).’’.
nologies;
nologies, and services related to the System. (b) PROGRAM ELEMENTS.—Section 12405(c)
‘‘(ix) is written in collaboration with Fed-
The Administrator shall ensure that the Na- of the Federal Ocean Acidification Research
eral agencies responsible for carrying out
tional Oceanic and Atmospheric Administra- And Monitoring Act of 2009 (33 U.S.C. 3704(c))
tion adheres to the decision making process this subtitle, including representatives of — is amended by adding at the end the fol-
developed by the Council regarding the roles ‘‘(I) the National Marine Fisheries Service lowing:
of the Federal Government, the States, the and the Office for Coastal Management of ‘‘(6) Research to understand the combined
regional coastal observing systems, the aca- the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Ad-
impact of changes in ocean chemistry and
demic community, and the private sector in ministration;
other stressors, including sediment delivery,
providing end-user communities environ- ‘‘(II) regional coastal observing systems es-
hypoxia, and harmful algal blooms, on each
mental information, data products, tech- tablished under section 12304(c)(4);
other and on living marine resources, includ-
nologies, and services related to the Sys- ‘‘(III) regional ocean acidification net-
ing aquaculture and coastal ecosystems.
tem.’’. works; and
‘‘(7) Applied research to identify adapta-
SEC. 107. REPEAL OF INDEPENDENT COST ESTI- ‘‘(IV) sea grant programs (as defined in sec-
tion strategies for species impacted by
MATE. tion 203 of the National Sea Grant College
changes in ocean chemistry including vege-
(a) IN GENERAL.—The Integrated Coastal Program Act (33 U.S.C. 1122)); and
tation-based systems, shell recycling, species
and Ocean Observation System Act of 2009 ‘‘(x) is written in consultation with ex-
and genetic diversity, applied technologies,
(33 U.S.C. 3601 et seq.) is amended by striking perts, including subsistence users, academia,
aquaculture methodologies, and manage-
section 12309 (33 U.S.C. 3608). and stakeholders familiar with the eco-
ment recommendations.’’.
(b) TABLE OF CONTENTS AMENDMENT.—The nomic, social, ecological, geographic, and re- (c) PARTICIPATION.—Section 12405(e) of the
table of contents in section 1(b) of the Omni- source concerns of coastal communities in Federal Ocean Acidification Research And
bus Public Land Management Act of 2009 the United States. Monitoring Act of 2009 (33 U.S.C. 3704(e)) is
(Public Law 111–11; 123 Stat. 991) is amended ‘‘(B) FORM OF REPORT.— amended in the first sentence by inserting ‘‘,
by striking the item related to section 12309. ‘‘(i) INITIAL REPORT.—The initial report re- tribal governments, and subsistence users’’
SEC. 108. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. quired under subparagraph (A) shall include after ‘‘groups’’.
Section 12311 of the Integrated Coastal and the information described in clauses (i) (d) REVISED STRATEGIC RESEARCH PLAN.—
Ocean Observation System Act of 2009 (33 through (viii) of that subparagraph on a na- Not later than one year after the date of the
U.S.C. 3610) is amended to read as follows: tional level. enactment of this Act, the Joint Sub-
‘‘SEC. 12311. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIA- ‘‘(ii) SUBSEQUENT REPORTS.—Each report committee on Ocean Science and Technology
TIONS. required under subparagraph (A) after the of the National Science and Technology
‘‘There are authorized to be appropriated initial report— Council shall submit to Congress a revised
to the Secretary of Commerce to support the ‘‘(I) may describe the information de- strategic research plan under section 12405 of
integrated oceans observations under this scribed in clauses (i) through (viii) of that the Federal Ocean Acidification Research
subtitle— subparagraph on a national level; or And Monitoring Act of 2009 (33 U.S.C. 3704)
‘‘(1) $48,000,000 for fiscal year 2021; ‘‘(II) may consist of separate reports for that includes the matters required by the
dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with SENATE
‘‘(2) $50,000,000 for fiscal year 2022; each region of the National Oceanic and At- amendments made by this section.
‘‘(3) $52,000,000 for fiscal year 2023; mospheric Administration. SEC. 111. STAKEHOLDER INPUT ON MONITORING.
‘‘(4) $54,000,000 for fiscal year 2024; and ‘‘(iii) REGIONAL REPORTS.—If the Sub- Section 12406(a) of the Federal Ocean
‘‘(5) $56,000,000 for fiscal year 2025.’’. committee opts to prepare a report required Acidification Research And Monitoring Act
SEC. 109. REPORTS AND RESEARCH PLANS. under subparagraph (A) as separate regional of 2009 (33 U.S.C. 3705(a)) is amended—
Section 12404(c) of the Federal Ocean reports under clause (ii)(II), the Sub- (1) in paragraph (2), by striking ‘‘and’’ at
Acidification Research And Monitoring Act committee shall submit a report for each re- the end;
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July 30, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S4643
(2) in paragraph (3), by striking the period subsection (c), the Administrator may de- (B) in paragraph (2)(B), by inserting after
at the end and inserting ‘‘; and’’; and ploy sensors to enhance the collection of ‘‘Elevation Certificate’’ the following: ‘‘, or
(3) by adding at the end the following: covered data in the areas in coastal States other data or information used to determine
‘‘(4) includes an ongoing mechanism that that the Administrator determines are at a property’s current risk of flood, as deter-
allows industry members, coastal stake- the highest risk of experiencing geophysical mined by the Administrator,’’;
holders, fishery management councils and events that would cause indeterminate (3) in subsection (c)(3)(A)(i), by striking
commissions, non-Federal resource man- losses. ‘‘the issuance of the rule establishing the
agers, community acidification networks, in- ‘‘(ii) RULE OF CONSTRUCTION.—If the Admin- COASTAL Formula’’ and inserting ‘‘publica-
digenous knowledge groups, and scientific istrator takes action under clause (i), that tion of the COASTAL Formula in the Fed-
experts to provide input on monitoring needs action may not be construed as indicating eral Register as required by subsection
that are necessary to support on the ground that a post-storm assessment will be devel- (b)(1)’’;
management, decision making, and adapta- oped for any coastal State in which that ac- (4) in subsection (d), by striking ‘‘section
tion related to ocean acidification and its tion is taken. 12312(b)(2)(C)’’ and inserting ‘‘section
impacts.’’. ‘‘(C) IDENTIFICATION OF INDETERMINATE 12312(b)(2)(E)’’;
SEC. 112. RESEARCH ACTIVITIES. LOSSES IN COASTAL STATES.—Not later than 30 (5) in subsection (h)—
Section 12407(a) of the Federal Ocean days after the first date on which sustained (A) by inserting ‘‘that issues a standard
Acidification Research And Monitoring Act winds of not less than 39 miles per hour are flood insurance policy under the national
of 2009 (33 U.S.C. 3706(a)) is amended to read measured in a coastal State during a named flood insurance program’’ after ‘‘company’’;
as follows: storm identified under subparagraph (A), the and
‘‘(a) RESEARCH ACTIVITIES.—The Director Secretary of Homeland Security shall notify (B) by striking ‘‘or the COASTAL For-
of the National Science Foundation shall the Administrator with respect to the exist- mula’’ and inserting ‘‘, the COASTAL For-
continue to carry out research activities on ence of any indeterminate losses in that mula, or any other loss allocation or post-
ocean acidification which shall support com- coastal State resulting from that named storm assessment arising under the laws or
petitive, merit-based, peer-reviewed pro- storm.’’; ordinances of any State’’;
posals for research, observation, and moni- (iii) in subparagraph (D), as so redesig- (6) in subsection (i), by striking ‘‘after the
toring of ocean acidification and its impacts, nated— date on which the Administrator issues the
including— (I) by striking ‘‘identification of a named rule establishing the COASTAL Formula
‘‘(1) impacts on marine organisms, includ- storm under subparagraph (A)’’ and inserting under subsection (b)’’ and inserting ‘‘60 days
ing species cultured for aquaculture, and ma- ‘‘confirmation of indeterminate losses iden- after publication of the COASTAL Formula
rine ecosystems; tified under subparagraph (C) with respect to in the Federal Register as required by sub-
‘‘(2) impacts on ocean, coastal, and estua- a named storm’’; and section (b)(1)’’; and
rine biogeochemistry; (II) by striking ‘‘assessment for such (7) by adding at the end the following:
named storm’’ and inserting ‘‘assessment for ‘‘(k) RULE OF CONSTRUCTION.—Nothing in
‘‘(3) the development of methodologies and
each coastal State that suffered such inde- this section shall be construed to create a
technologies to evaluate ocean acidification
terminate losses as a result of the named cause of action under this Act.’’.
and its impacts; and
‘‘(4) impacts of multiple stressors on eco- storm’’; TITLE III—WATER PREDICTION AND
systems exhibiting hypoxia, harmful algal (iv) in subparagraph (E), as so redesig- FORECASTING
nated— SEC. 301.
WATER PREDICTION AND FORE-
blooms, or sediment delivery, combined with
(I) by striking ‘‘an identification of a CASTING.
changes in ocean chemistry.’’.
named storm is made under subparagraph (a) NATIONAL WATER CENTER.—
TITLE II—NAMED STORM EVENT MODEL (A)’’ and inserting ‘‘any indeterminate losses (1) ESTABLISHMENT.—
AND POST-STORM ASSESSMENTS are identified under subparagraph (C)’’; and (A) IN GENERAL.—The Under Secretary of
SEC. 201. NAMED STORM EVENT MODEL AND (II) by striking ‘‘for such storm under sub- Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere shall
POST-STORM ASSESSMENTS. paragraph (B)’’ and inserting ‘‘under sub- establish a center—
(a) AMENDMENTS TO THE OMNIBUS PUBLIC paragraph (D) for any coastal State that suf- (i) to serve as the research and operational
LAND MANAGEMENT ACT OF 2009.—Section fered such indeterminate losses’’; and center of excellence for hydrologic analyses,
12312 of the Omnibus Public Land Manage- (v) by adding at the end the following: forecasting, and related decision support
ment Act of 2009 (33 U.S.C. 3611) is amended— ‘‘(F) SEPARATE POST-STORM ASSESSMENTS services within the National Oceanic and At-
(1) in subsection (a)— FOR A SINGLE NAMED STORM.— mospheric Administration and the National
(A) in paragraph (2), by striking the period ‘‘(i) IN GENERAL.—The Administrator may Weather Service; and
at the end and inserting the following: ‘‘, ex- conduct a separate post-storm assessment (ii) to facilitate collaboration across Fed-
cept that the term shall not apply with re- for each coastal State in which indetermi- eral and State departments and agencies,
spect to a State or territory that has an nate losses are identified under subparagraph academia, and the private sector on matters
operational wind and flood loss allocation (C). relating to water resources.
system.’’; ‘‘(ii) TIMELINE.—If the Administrator con- (B) DESIGNATION.—The center established
(B) in paragraph (6), by inserting ‘‘sus- ducts a separate post-storm assessment under subparagraph (A) shall be known as
tained’’ before ‘‘winds’’; and under clause (i), the Administrator shall the ‘‘National Water Center’’.
(C) in paragraph (7), by striking ‘‘that complete the assessment based on the dates (2) FUNCTIONS.—The functions of the Na-
threaten any portion of a coastal State’’ and of actions that the Administrator takes tional Water Center shall include the fol-
inserting ‘‘for which post-storm assessments under subparagraph (D).’’; and lowing:
are conducted’’; (3) in subsection (c)— (A) Improving understanding of water re-
(2) in subsection (b)— (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ‘‘540 days sources, stakeholder needs regarding water
(A) in paragraph (1)— after the date of the enactment of the Con- resources, and identifying science and serv-
(i) in subparagraph (A)— sumer Option for an Alternative System to ices gaps relating to water resources.
(I) by striking ‘‘540 days after the date of Allocate Losses Act of 2012’’ and inserting (B) Developing and implementing advanced
the enactment of the Consumer Option for ‘‘December 31, 2020’’; water resources modeling capabilities.
an Alternative System to Allocate Losses (B) in paragraph (2), by inserting ‘‘, in the (C) Facilitating the transition of hydro-
Act of 2012’’ and inserting ‘‘December 31, discretion of the Administrator,’’ after ‘‘of logic research into operations.
2020’’; and sensors as may’’; and (D) Delivering analyses, forecasts, and in-
(II) by striking ‘‘by regulation’’; (C) in paragraph (4)(B), by inserting ‘‘and undation information and guidance for all
(ii) in subparagraph (B), by striking expend’’ after ‘‘receive’’. hydrologic events in the United States, in-
‘‘every’’ and inserting ‘‘an’’; and (b) AMENDMENTS TO THE NATIONAL FLOOD cluding flash flooding, riverine flooding, and
(iii) by adding at the end the following: INSURANCE ACT OF 1968.—Section 1337 of the water resources outlooks.
‘‘(C) PUBLIC REVIEW.—The Administrator National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 (E) In coordination with warning coordina-
shall seek input and suggestions from the U.S.C. 4057) is amended— tion meteorologists, providing decision-sup-
public before the Named Storm Event Model, (1) in subsection (a)— port services to inform emergency manage-
or any modification to the Named Storm (A) in paragraph (3), by striking the period ment and water resources decisions.
Event Model, takes effect.’’; and at the end and inserting the following: ‘‘, ex- (b) NATIONAL INSTRUCTIONS.—
(B) in paragraph (2)— cept that the term shall not apply with re- (1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than one year
(i) by redesignating subparagraphs (B) and spect to a State or territory that has an after the date of the enactment of this Act,
(C) as subparagraphs (D) and (E), respec- operational wind and flood loss allocation the Under Secretary, acting through the Di-
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tively; system.’’; and rector of the National Weather Service, shall
(ii) by inserting after subparagraph (A) the (B) in paragraph (5), by inserting ‘‘sus- make public an operations and services pol-
following: tained’’ after ‘‘maximum’’; icy directive for the National Water Center.
‘‘(B) DATA COLLECTION.— (2) in subsection (b)— (2) CONTENTS.—The directive required by
‘‘(i) IN GENERAL.—Upon identification of a (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ‘‘establish paragraph (1) shall include national instruc-
named storm under subparagraph (A), and by rule’’ and inserting ‘‘publish for comment tions to perform the functions of the Na-
pursuant to the protocol established under in the Federal Register’’; and tional Water Center, including the following:
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S4644 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE July 30, 2020
(A) Operational staff responsibilities. (A) the transport of individuals described NATIONAL LANDSLIDE
(B) Guidelines for content, format, and in paragraph (1)(A); PREPAREDNESS ACT
provision of hydrologic and inundation prod- (B) the satisfaction of such individuals
ucts developed by the National Water Cen- with services described in section 111A(a) of Mr. SULLIVAN. Mr. President, I ask
ter. title 38, United States Code; and unanimous consent that the Senate
(C) Procedures for cooperation and coordi- (C) the program described in paragraph proceed to the immediate consider-
nation between the National Water Center, (1)(B). ation of Calendar No. 315, S. 529.
the National Weather Service National Cen- (3) DEFINITIONS.—In this subsection: The PRESIDING OFFICER. The
ters for Environmental Prediction, National (A) TELEHEALTH.— clerk will report the bill by title.
Weather Service River Forecast Centers, and (i) IN GENERAL.—The term ‘‘telehealth’’ The legislative clerk read as follows:
National Weather Service Weather Forecast means the use of electronic information and
A bill (S. 529) to establish a national pro-
Offices. telecommunications technologies to support
(c) TOTAL WATER PREDICTION.—The Under gram to identify and reduce losses from land-
and promote long-distance clinical health
Secretary, acting through the Director of slide hazards, to establish a national 3D Ele-
care, patient and professional health-related
the Office of Water Prediction of the Na- vation Program, and for other purposes.
education, public health, and health admin-
tional Weather Service, shall— istration. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there
(1) initiate and lead research and develop- (ii) TECHNOLOGIES.—For purposes of clause objection to proceeding to the meas-
ment activities to develop operational water (i), telecommunications technologies include ure?
resource prediction and related decision sup- videoconferencing, the internet, streaming There being no objection, the Senate
port products; media, and terrestrial and wireless commu- proceeded to consider the bill, which
(2) collaborate with, and provide decision nications.
support regarding total water prediction to—
had been reported from the Committee
(B) VA VIDEO CONNECT.—The term ‘‘VA
(A) the relevant Federal agencies rep- Video Connect’’ means the program of the on Commerce, Science, and Transpor-
resented on the National Science and Tech- Department of Veterans Affairs to connect tation, with an amendment to strike
nology Council, Committee on Environment, veterans with their health care team from all after the enacting clause and insert
Natural Resources, and Sustainability and anywhere, using encryption to ensure a se- in lieu thereof the following:
the Subcommittee on Disaster Reduction; cure and private session. SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
(B) State water resource agencies; and (c) TECHNICAL CORRECTION.—Section This Act may be cited as the ‘‘National Land-
(C) State and local emergency manage- 111A(b) of title 38, United States Code, is slide Preparedness Act’’.
ment agencies; and amended by striking ‘‘veterans’ service orga- SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.
(3) in carrying out the responsibilities de- nizations’’ and inserting ‘‘veterans service In this Act:
scribed in paragraphs (1) and (2), collabo- organizations’’. (1) 3D.—The term ‘‘3D’’ means 3-dimensional.
ratively develop capabilities necessary for (2) 3D ELEVATION DATA.—
total water predictive capacity, including (A) IN GENERAL.—The term ‘‘3D elevation
f
observations, modeling, data management, data’’ means 3D, high-resolution data obtained
supercomputing, social science, and commu- using LiDAR, IfSAR, or other methods over the
nications. AUTHORITY FOR COMMITTEES TO United States (including territories).
(d) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.— MEET (B) INCLUSIONS.—The term ‘‘3D elevation
There are authorized to be appropriated to data’’ includes terrestrial and bathymetric ele-
carry out the activities under this section Mr. XXX. Mr. President, I have 5 re- vation data.
amounts as follows: quests for committees to meet during (3) 3D ELEVATION PROGRAM.—The term ‘‘3D
(1) $44,500,000 for fiscal year 2021. today’s session of the Senate. They Elevation Program’’ means the 3D Elevation
(2) $45,000,000 for fiscal year 2022. have the approval of the Majority and Program established under section 5(a).
(3) $45,500,000 for fiscal year 2023. Minority leaders. (4) IFSAR.—The term ‘‘IfSAR’’ means
(4) $46,000,000 for fiscal year 2024. interferometric synthetic aperture radar.
(e) DERIVATION OF FUNDS.—Amounts made Pursuant to rule XXVI, paragraph (5) INDIAN TRIBE.—The term ‘‘Indian tribe’’
available to carry out this section shall be 5(a), of the Standing Rules of the Sen- has the meaning given the term in section 4 of
derived from amounts appropriated or other- ate, the following committees are au- the Indian Self-Determination and Education
wise made available to the National Weather thorized to meet during today’s session Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304).
Service and the National Ocean Service. of the Senate: (6) LAHAR.—The term ‘‘lahar’’ means a large
COMMITTEE ON BANKING, HOUSING, AND URBAN
debris flow of mostly volcanic material that is—
SA 2502. Mr. SULLIVAN proposed an (A) often fast-moving; and
AFFAIRS
amendment to the bill S. 850, to extend (B) a hazard in watersheds downstream of
the authorization of appropriations to The Committee on Banking, Housing, volcanic peaks.
the Department of Veterans Affairs for and Urban Affairs is authorized to (7) LIDAR.—The term ‘‘LiDAR’’ means light
purposes of awarding grants to vet- meet during the session of the Senate detection and ranging.
on Thursday, July 30, 2020, at 2 p.m., to (8) SECRETARY.—The term ‘‘Secretary’’ means
erans service organizations for the
the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the
transportation of highly rural vet- conduct a hearing on nominations.
Director of the United States Geological Survey.
erans; as follows: COMMITTEE ON FINANCE (9) STATE.—The term ‘‘State’’ means—
Strike section 3 and insert the following: The Committee on Finance is author- (A) a State; and
SEC. 3. MAKING PERMANENT AUTHORITY FOR ized to meet during the session of the (B) the District of Columbia.
SECRETARY OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (10) STATE OFFICE.—The term ‘‘State office’’
TO TRANSPORT INDIVIDUALS TO Senate on Thursday, July 30, 2020, at means any unit of State government that han-
AND FROM FACILITIES OF DEPART- 9:30 a.m., to conduct a hearing. dles the identification, mapping, assessment,
MENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN RELATIONS and research of landslide hazards or responding
(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 111A(a) of title 38, to landslide events, including—
United States Code, is amended— The Committee on Foreign Relations (A) a State geological survey office;
(1) by striking paragraph (2); and is authorized to meet during the ses- (B) a State department of emergency response;
(2) in paragraph (1), by striking ‘‘(1)’’. sion of the Senate on Thursday, July and
(b) REPORT REQUIRED.— 30, 2020, at 8:30 a.m., to conduct a hear- (C) a State department of transportation.
(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than five years ing. (11) TERRITORY.—The term ‘‘territory’’
after the date of the enactment of this Act, means—
the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall sub- COMMITTEE ON THE JUDICIARY
(A) the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico;
mit to Congress a report on cost savings, The Committee on the Judiciary is (B) Guam;
performance, and satisfaction of individuals, authorized to meet during the session (C) American Samoa;
with respect to— of the Senate on Thursday, July 30, (D) the Commonwealth of the Northern Mar-
(A) the transport by the Secretary of indi- iana Islands;
2020, at 10 a.m., to conduct a hearing on
viduals under subsection (a) of section 111A (E) the Federated States of Micronesia;
of title 38, United States Code; and nominations. (F) the Republic of the Marshall Islands;
(B) the program the establishment of SUBCOMMITTEE ON SECURITY (G) the Republic of Palau; and
dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with SENATE
which was facilitated under subsection (b) of The Subcommittee on Security of the (H) the United States Virgin Islands.
such section. SEC. 3. NATIONAL LANDSLIDE HAZARDS REDUC-
Committee on Commerce, Science, and TION PROGRAM.
(2) ELEMENTS.—The report required by
paragraph (1) shall include an assessment of Transportation is authorized to meet (a) ESTABLISHMENT.—The Secretary shall es-
the effect of emerging health care modali- during the session of the Senate on tablish a program, to be known as the ‘‘National
ties, including telehealth and VA Video Con- Thursday, July 30, 2020, at 10 a.m., to Landslide Hazards Reduction Program’’ (re-
nect, on— conduct a hearing. ferred to in this section as the ‘‘program’’)—
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