National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Authorization Act of 1998
Latest action (29 Jul 1998): Committee on Commerce. Ordered to be reported with amendments favorably.
What this bill does
S. 2360, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Authorization Act of 1998, would authorize federal funding levels for NOAA programs for fiscal years 1999 through 2001. It sets specific appropriation amounts for weather service operations and research, public warning and forecast systems, climate and air quality research, atmospheric research, satellite systems, ocean and coastal programs, undersea research, and general administrative and fleet support. The bill also creates a separate "Hydrographic Services Improvement Act of 1998" title establishing NOAA's authority to gather hydrographic data, set data standards, certify hydrographic products, and charge related fees, with a new Hydrographic Services Account for those fees. Additional provisions address NOAA Corps staffing levels, lift a freeze on new officer appointments, and require a revised NOAA fleet modernization plan.
The bill primarily affects NOAA and the Department of Commerce, which would receive statutory funding authorization and new administrative requirements. It also affects mariners and users of nautical charts and data, who would benefit from standardized hydrographic services, and private companies that might contract with NOAA to provide vessels, hydrographic data, or certified navigational products. NOAA Corps commissioned officers are affected by changes to staffing limits and hiring rules. Congress and relevant committees would receive several required reports, including on fleet modernization and hydrographic survey capacity.
The bill was introduced in the Senate on July 27, 1998, by Senator Olympia Snowe and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. On July 29, 1998, the committee ordered it reported favorably with amendments. According to the official summary, the bill did not receive a further vote before the end of the 105th Congress, meaning it did not become law.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
This bill was introduced on July 29, 1998, in a previous session of Congress, but it did not receive a vote.
Timeline
29 Jul 1998
Committee on Commerce. Ordered to be reported with amendments favorably.
Common questions
- What does S. 2360 do?
- S. 2360, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Authorization Act of 1998, would authorize federal funding levels for NOAA programs for fiscal years 1999 through 2001. It sets specific appropriation amounts for weather service operations and research, public warning and forecast systems, climate and air quality research, atmospheric research, satellite systems, ocean and coastal programs, undersea research, and general administrative and fleet support. The bill also creates a separate "Hydrographic Services Improvement Act of 1998" title establishing NOAA's authority to gather hydrographic data, set data standards, certify hydrographic products, and charge related fees, with a new Hydrographic Services Account for those fees. Additional provisions address NOAA Corps staffing levels, lift a freeze on new officer appointments, and require a revised NOAA fleet modernization plan. The bill primarily affects NOAA and the Department of Commerce, which would receive statutory funding authorization and new administrative requirements. It also affects mariners and users of nautical charts and data, who would benefit from standardized hydrographic services, and private companies that might contract with NOAA to provide vessels, hydrographic data, or certified navigational products. NOAA Corps commissioned officers are affected by changes to staffing limits and hiring rules. Congress and relevant committees would receive several required reports, including on fleet modernization and hydrographic survey capacity. The bill was introduced in the Senate on July 27, 1998, by Senator Olympia Snowe and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. On July 29, 1998, the committee ordered it reported favorably with amendments. According to the official summary, the bill did not receive a further vote before the end of the 105th Congress, meaning it did not become law.
- Has S. 2360 become law?
- Not yet. As of 29 Jul 1998, S. 2360 is ordered reported.
- Who sponsored S. 2360?
- S. 2360 was sponsored by Sen. Olympia Snowe [R-ME, 1995-2012] (Republican-ME), with 1 cosponsor.
- What's the latest action on S. 2360?
- Committee on Commerce. Ordered to be reported with amendments favorably. (29 Jul 1998).
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