summary
Introduced
03/27/2019
03/27/2019
In Committee
04/03/2019
04/03/2019
Crossed Over
10/01/2020
10/01/2020
Passed
12/08/2020
12/08/2020
Dead
Signed/Enacted/Adopted
12/18/2020
12/18/2020
Introduced Session
116th Congress
Bill Summary
National Sea Grant College Program Amendments Act of 2020 This bill reauthorizes through FY2024 and revises the National Sea Grant College Program, through which the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) supports university-based programs that focus on studying, conserving, and effectively using U.S. coastal resources. Among other things, the bill requires NOAA to award Dean John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowships. Currently, NOAA has discretion in awarding such fellowships. The fellowships support the placement of graduate students in fields related to ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes resources in positions with the executive and legislative branches. The bill reauthorizes through FY2024 grants for (1) university research on the biology, prevention, and control of aquatic nonnative species; (2) university research on oyster diseases, oyster restoration, and oyster-related human health risks; (3) university research on the biology, prevention, and forecasting of harmful algal blooms; and (4) fishery extension activities conducted by sea grant colleges or sea grant institutes to enhance existing core program funding. The bill authorizes grants for (1) priority issues identified in the National Sea Grant Program's strategic plan, and (2) university research on sustainable aquaculture techniques and technologies.
AI Summary
This bill reauthorizes and amends the National Sea Grant College Program Act through fiscal year 2024. Key provisions include:
- Requiring the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to award Dean John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowships, which support the placement of graduate students in ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes resources fields in positions with the executive and legislative branches.
- Reauthorizing grants for university research on aquatic non-native species, oyster diseases and restoration, and harmful algal blooms, as well as grants for fishery extension activities and university research on sustainable aquaculture.
- Authorizing additional grants for priority issues identified in the National Sea Grant Program's strategic plan and university research on coastal resilience, working waterfronts, and other regional/national priority issues.
- Modifying restrictions on the use of funds for program administration and allowing NOAA to use direct hire authority to appoint former Knauss Fellows to federal positions.
- Revising reporting requirements for the National Sea Grant Advisory Board.
Committee Categories
Transportation and Infrastructure
Sponsors (6)
Roger Wicker (R)*,
Maria Cantwell (D),
Amy Klobuchar (D),
Lisa Murkowski (R),
Brian Schatz (D),
Dan Sullivan (R),
Last Action
Became Public Law No: 116-221. (TXT | PDF) (on 12/18/2020)
Official Document
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