summary
Introduced
04/21/2015
04/21/2015
In Committee
05/07/2015
05/07/2015
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/03/2017
01/03/2017
Introduced Session
114th Congress
Bill Summary
National Sea Grant College Program Amendments Act of 2015 This bill amends the National Sea Grant College Program Act to reauthorize through FY2021 the National Sea Grant College Program. The bill requires the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to award Dean John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowships. Currently, NOAA may give fellowships. Those fellowships support graduate students in fields related to ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes resources in positions with the executive and legislative branches. NOAA must give priority placement of those fellows placed in the legislative branch in: (1) offices or committees of Congress that have jurisdiction over NOAA; and (2) offices of Members of Congress that have a demonstrated interest in ocean, coastal, or Great Lakes resources. NOAA must attempt to ensure that placements are equitably distributed among political parties. NOAA must establish priorities for the use of donations given for the National Sea Grant College Program. The bill authorizes through FY2020 grants for university research on: (1) the biology, prevention, and control of aquatic nonnative species; (2) oyster diseases, oyster restoration, and oyster-related human health risks; (3) the biology, prevention, and forecasting of harmful algal blooms; and (4) sustainable aquaculture techniques and technologies. The bill also authorizes through FY2020 grants for: (1) fishery extension activities conducted by sea grant colleges or sea grant institutes to enhance existing core program funding, and (2) priority issues identified in the National Sea Grant College Program's strategic plan.
AI Summary
This bill reauthorizes the National Sea Grant College Program through fiscal year 2021 and amends its provisions to strengthen research, education, and policy engagement related to ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes resources. Key changes include requiring the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to award Dean John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowships, which support graduate students in policy roles within the executive and legislative branches, with specific priorities for placements in congressional offices relevant to NOAA's jurisdiction or with demonstrated interest in marine resources, and an aim for equitable distribution among political parties. The bill also mandates that NOAA establish priorities for the use of donations to the program, potentially expanding these fellowships. Furthermore, it authorizes grants through fiscal year 2020 for university research on critical issues such as invasive species, oyster health and restoration, harmful algal blooms, and sustainable aquaculture, as well as for fishery extension activities and other priority areas identified in the program's strategic plan. The bill also adjusts reporting requirements for the National Sea Grant Advisory Board and makes technical corrections to the program's authorizing act.
Committee Categories
Agriculture and Natural Resources
Sponsors (12)
Brenda Lawrence (D)*,
Madeleine Bordallo (D),
John Conyers (D),
Alcee Hastings (D),
Dan Kildee (D),
Sander Levin (D),
Eleanor Holmes Norton (D),
Jared Polis (D),
Mike Quigley (D),
Charles Rangel (D),
Mike Thompson (D),
Marc Veasey (D),
Last Action
Referred to the Subcommittee on Water, Power and Oceans. (on 05/07/2015)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
Loading...