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News and Updates Archive

2013

 

May 2013

 

Representative Israel Hurricane Season Preparedness Event

On May 6, Representative Steve Israel (D NY-3) hosted a hurricane season preparedness event for the emergency management and first-responder community in western Long Island, New York. Representative Israel invited officials from the NOAA National Weather Service, Weather Forecast Office in New York City to participate.

 

Representative Palazzo Visits Buoy Center

On May 2, Representative Steven Palazzo (R MS-4) visited NOAA’s National Weather Service, National Data Buoy Center in Stennis, Mississippi. During the visit Representative Palazzo was briefed on the Center’s mission, programs, and activities.

Representative Polis Visits Boulder Facilities

On May 2, Representative Jared Polis (D CO-2) visited NOAA’s David Skaggs Research Center in Boulder, Colorado, where he attended a brown bag discussion hosted by the Boulder Labs Diversity Council.

Representative Polis speaking to NOAA Employees.

 

Hawaii Delegation Meeting on Coastal Zone Management

On May 1, Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI), Senator Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Representative Colleen Hanabusa (D HI-1), and Representative Tulsi Gabbard (D HI-2) joined officials from NOAA’s National Ocean Service in Honolulu, Hawaii for a meeting planned by the Hawaii State office of Planning on the Hawaii Coastal Zone Management Program. The meeting provided an opportunity for congressional representatives and federal, state, and local partners and stakeholders to ask questions about the program.

Senator Coats Staff Tour of WFO

On May 1, staff for Senator Dan Coats (R-IN) toured NOAA’s National Weather Service, Weather Forecast Office (WFO) in Sterling, Virginia. During the tour, the staff were provided a briefing on the WFO’s mission, programs, and activities.

 

FY 2014 Budget Briefings for Congress

A number of Members of the Senate and House and congressional staff have been briefed by NOAA leadership on the FY 2014 NOAA Budget Request (and/or the Line Office/Program FY 2014 request). Below are the briefings recently noting date, Member or staff, briefer(s), and OLIA Lead(s):

May 9

• Senator Bill Nelson (D-FL); Dr. Kathryn Sullivan; OLIA Lead - Amanda Hallberg Greenwell
• Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI); Eric Schwaab, Dr. Robert Detrick; OLIA Lead – Craig Woolcott
• Staff for Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR); RADM Mike Devany, RDML David Score; OLIA Lead – Tim Bagley
• Staff for Senator Tom Udall (D-NM); Dr. Robert Detrick; OLIA Lead – Mackenzie Tepel
• Staff for Senator Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ); Dr. Robert Detrick; OLIA Lead – Mackenzie Tepel
• Staff for the Senate Committee on Appropriations; Janelle Smith, Louisa Koch, Lisa Iwahara, Jamie Krauk; OLIA Lead – Mackenzie Tepel, Craig Woolcott
• Representative Kathy Castor (D FL-14); RADM Mike Devany, RDML David Score; OLIA Lead – Tim Bagley
• Representative Mike Honda (D-CA-17); Craig McLean; OLIA Lead – Mackenzie Tepel
• Representative Rush Holt (D-NJ-12) ; Craig McLean; OLIA Lead – Mackenzie Tepel
• Staff for Representative Lamar Smith (R TX-21) and the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology; Dr. Sullivan; OLIA Lead - Amanda Hallberg Greenwell

May 8

• Staff for Representative Bobby Scott (D VA-3); RADM Mike Devany, RDML David Score; OLIA Lead – Tim Bagley
• Representative Joe Courtney (D CT-2) RADM Mike Devany, RDML David Score; OLIA Lead – Tim Bagley

May 7

• Representative Donna Edwards (D-MD-4); Dr. Sullivan; OLIA Lead - Amanda Hallberg Greenwell

May 2

• All interested House staff (hosted by the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology); Dr. Sullivan; OLIA Lead – Sierra Jones, Amanda Hallberg Greenwell

May 1

• Staff for Senator Harry Reid (D-NV); Dr. Sullivan; OLIA Lead - Amanda Hallberg Greenwell

 

April 2013

 

 

April 30

• Staff for Senator Harry Reid (D-NV); Dr. Sullivan; OLIA Lead - Amanda Hallberg Greenwell
• Staff for the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology; Dr. Russell Callender, Chris Cartwright, Glenn Boledovich, Rebecca Schreibe; OLIA Lead – Mike Jarvis

April 25

• Senator Jack Reed (D-RI); Eric Schwaab, RADM Devany; OLIA Lead – Tim Bagley
• Senator Mark Begich (D-AK) Dr. Sullivan, Eric Schwaab; OLIA Lead - Amanda Hallberg Greenwell
• Senator William Cowan (D-MA); Eric Schwaab; OLIA Lead - Monica Allen
• Representative Chaka Fattah (D PA-2); Dr. Sullivan; OLIA Lead - Amanda Hallberg Greenwell
• Representative Rob Wittman (R VA-1); Eric Schwaab; OLIA Lead - Monica Allen
• Representative Sam Farr (D CA-20); Dr. Sullivan, Holly Bamford; OLIA Lead – Craig Woolcott

April 23

• Senator Patty Murray (D-WA); Eric Schwaab; OLIA Lead – Christina Durham
• Delegate Gregorio Sablan (D NMI); Eric Schwaab; OLIA Lead – Craig Woolcott
• Staff for the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology; Dr. Uccellini, Laura Furgione; OLIA Lead – Matt Borgia
• Staff for the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure; Chris Cartwright, Glenn Boledovich OLIA Lead – Mike Jarvis

April 22

• Staff for the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation; Jason Donaldson; OLIA Lead – Mackenzie Tepel, CARD – Jamie Krauk
• Staff for the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation; Glenn Boledovich, Shawn Choy,Rebecca Schreiber; OLIA Lead – Mike Jarvis
• Staff for the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology; Mary Kicza; OLIA Lead – Matt Borgia

April 19

• Staff for the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation; John Sokich; OLIA Lead – Matt Borgia
• Staff for the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation; Paul Doremus; Dana Flowerlake; OLIA Lead – Rob Moller

April 18

• Representative John Fleming (R LA-4); Eric Schwaab; OLIA Lead – Rob Moller

April 17

• All interested Senate staff; Dr. Sullivan; OLIA Lead – Amanda Hallberg Greenwell
• Staff for the House Committee on Appropriations; All CFOs; NBO Lead

Representative Frelinghuysen School Tour With Hurricane Hunter Pilot

On April 30, Representative Rodney Frelinghuysen (R NJ-11) was joined by a Hurricane Hunter Pilot from NOAA’s Office of Marine and Aviation Operations, NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps for a series of visits to schools in the Morristown, New Jersey, area, where they spoke to over 800 students. The purpose of the visit was to emphasize the importance of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics and to educate the students on the work of NOAA and the valuable contributions our aircraft fleet and Corps pilots provide to the nation.

 

Senate Hearing on Drought

On April 25, the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources (Chair, Senator Ron Wyden, D-OR) held a hearing titled, “Exploring Drought and the Effect on Energy and Water Management Decisions.” The Director of NOAA's National Integrated Drought Information System, Dr. Roger Pulwarty, testified and a copy of the written testimony may be viewed on the Congressional Testimony page of the OLIA website.
OLIA Lead: Mackenzie Tepel

 

Senate Democratic Committee Roundtable on Oceans

On April 24, Senator Mark Begich (D-AK) and Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) co-hosted a roundtable briefing for Members of the Senate Democratic Steering and Outreach Committee that was held in the Capitol Building. During the meeting, Members of the Committee and congressional staff were briefed by officials from NOAA’s Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research and several other organizations on continuing changes to our oceans.  The discussion primarily centered on three phenomena: acidification, rising sea levels, and extreme weather. The roundtable highlighted the economic impacts facing local industries and communities and discussed infrastructure and other measures needed to monitor, mitigate, and adapt to these changing conditions. Additional Members who attended included:

• Senator/Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV)
• Senator Chris Coons (D-DE)
• Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD)
• Senator Jack Reed (D-OR)
• Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI)
• Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT)
• Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR)

 

Senate Hearing on FY 2014 Budget

On April 23, the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, Subcommittee on Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries, and Coast Guard (Chair, Senator Mark Begich (D-AK) held a hearing titled, “Oversight of the President’s Fiscal Year 2014 Budget Requests for Coast Guard and NOAA.” NOAA’s Acting Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere and NOAA Administrator, Dr. Kathryn Sullivan, testified and a copy of the written testimony may be viewed on the Congressional Testimony page of the OLIA website.

 

Representative Boustany Attends Hurricane Season Forum - Lafayette

On April 22, Representative Charles Boustany (R LA-3) attended a public forum in Lafayette, Louisiana on the 2013 Hurricane Season at which they discussed the needs and preparations for the public of south Louisiana to take in dealing with tropical cyclones threatening the state. Representative Boustany was joined by officials from NOAA’s National Weather Service, Weather Forecast Office and NOAA’s National Ocean Service for this forum, one of three currently scheduled.

 

Representative Benishek Attends Education Event

On April 20, Representative Dan Benishek (D MI-1) attended the Annual Great Lakes Marine Advanced Technology Education event in Alpena, Michigan. The Marine Advanced Technology Education (MATE) Center coordinates an international student underwater robotics (remotely operated vehicle or ROV) competition and a network of 20 regional ROV contests that take place across the United States and in Canada, Hong Kong, Scotland, and Japan.

 

House Hearing on FY 2014 Budget

On April 18, the House Committee on Natural Resources, Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife, Oceans, and Insular Affairs (Chair, Representative John Fleming, R LA-4) held an oversight hearing titled, “Spending for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Council on Environmental Quality, the Office of Insular Affairs, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the President’s Fiscal Year 2014 Budget Request for these Agencies.” NOAA’s Acting Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere and NOAA Administrator, Dr. Kathryn Sullivan, testified and a copy of the written testimony may be viewed on the Congressional Testimony page of the OLIA website.

 

Representative McNerney Hosts Roundtable

On April 2, Representative Jerry McNerney (D CA-11) hosted a roundtable discussion at a marina in Stockton, California, at which officials from NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service and other federal and state agencies discussed efforts to efforts to mitigate water hyacinth in the Delta.

 

March 2013

 

Representative Fattah Visits NOAA Center

On March 27, Representative Chaka Fattah (D PA-2) visited the NOAA Center for Weather Climate Prediction in College Park, Maryland, where he toured the building and was briefed on the Center’s various missions, programs, and activities.



Representative Coble Staff Visit WFO

On March 27, staff for Representative Howard Coble (R NC-6) visited the NOAA National Weather Service (NWS), Weather Forecast Office (WFO) in Raleigh, North Carolina. WFO officials provided a tour of the facility and briefing on Weather-Ready Nation, NWS partnerships with emergency managers and key customers in the state, and recent enhancements to services.



Senator Burr Visits WFO

On March 26, Senator Richard Burr (R-NC) visited the NOAA National Weather Service (NWS), Weather Forecast Office (WFO) in Raleigh, North Carolina. WFO officials provided a tour of the facility and briefing on Weather-Ready Nation, NWS partnerships with emergency managers and key customers in the state, and recent enhancements to services.



Senator Rockefeller Promotes NOAA Facility

On March 26, Senator Jay Rockefeller (D-WV) attended a media event in Fairmont, West Virginia, at which he publicized the importance of NOAA’s supercomputing and satellite backup facility to NOAA’s weather prediction enterprise. Senator Rockefeller was joined by the Assistant Administrator of NOAA’s National Weather Service, Dr. Louis Uccellini; NOAA’s Chief Information Officer, Joseph Klimavicz; and staff from the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

From left to right: Joe Klimavicz, Senator Rockefeller, Dr. Uccellini, and CAPT Mark Moran





House Committee Staff Tour NOAA Center

On March 25, staff for the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology joined the Assistant Administrator of NOAA’s National Weather Service, Dr. Louis Uccellini, and other officials for a tour of the NOAA Center for Weather Climate Prediction in College Park, Maryland. They toured many sections of the building and were briefed on the Center’s various missions, programs, and activities.



Representative Vela Visits WFO

On March 25, Representative Filemon Vela (D TX-34) visited and toured NOAA’s National Weather Service (NWS), Weather Forecast Office (WFO) in Brownsville, Texas, where he was briefed on Weather-Ready Nation, NWS partnerships, and recent enhancements to services provided in his district.



House Hearing on Interjurisdictional Fisheries

On March 19, the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, Subcommittee on Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries and Coast Guard (Chair, Senator Mark Begich, D-AK) held hearing on Interjurisdictional fisheries. The Assistant Administrator of NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service (performing the functions and duties of the Assistant Secretary of Conservation and Management), Eric Schwaab, testified and a copy the written testimony may be viewed on the Congressional Testimony page of the OLIA website.

 

Senator Reed Tours Fish Lab

On March 15, Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) visited NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service, Narragansett Fisheries Lab in Narragansett, Rhode Island. During the tour he was briefed on the Lab’s scientific mission, programs, and activities, and had a chance to discuss some of the labs infrastructure issues.

 

House Hearing on Magnuson-Stevens

On March 13, the House Committee on Natural Resources (Chair, Representative Doc Hastings, R WA-4) held a hearing on the reauthorization of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. The Deputy Assistant Administrator for Regulatory Programs of NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service (performing the functions and duties of the Assistant Administrator), Sam Rauch, testified and a copy the written testimony may be viewed on the Congressional Testimony page of the OLIA website.

 

Senator Cochran and Representative Palazzo Staff Visit Lab and Pisces

On March 11, staff for Senator Thad Cochran (R-MS) and Representative Steven Palazzo (R MS-4) visited NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service, Pascagoula Lab in Pascagoula, Mississippi, where took a tour of the lab and were briefed on the Lab’s mission, programs, and activities.

In addition, the staff was joined by members of the NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps for a tour of the NOAA Ship Pisces where they were briefed on the ship’s mission, programs, and activities and the work of the NOAA Corps.

 

Senate and House Staff Attend USS Monitor Ceremony

On March 8, all interested Senate and House staff joined the Acting Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere and NOAA Administrator, Dr. Kathryn Sullivan, and other NOAA officials, for a memorial event at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia. The memorial marked the transfer of the remains of two United States Sailors discovered in 2002 at the wreck of the USS Monitor (located in NOAA’s Monitor National Marine Sanctuary). NOAA and the Navy paid tribute and honored the Sailors at the event along with invited family members from around the nation.

 

Representative Fattah Attends Hurricane Conference

On March 5, Representative Chaka Fattah (D PA-2) and staff for the House Committee on Appropriations joined the Assistant Administrator of NOAA’s National weather Service, Dr. Louis Uccellini and other officials at the 67th Interdepartmental Hurricane Conference/Tropical Cyclone Research Forum held in College Park, Maryland. Representative Fattah provided the keynote address for the Forum, which was convened by the Office of the Federal Coordinator for Meteorology, and was hosted at the NOAA Center for Weather and Climate Prediction. The focus of  this year’s Forum was on reviewing ongoing research within the tropical cyclone research community and then adjusting our priorities to ensure that we are properly using our scarce research dollars to address the operational priorities of our nation’s hurricane forecast and warning centers; most notably, NOAA’s National Hurricane Center.

 

Senator Sessions and Staff for Representative Bonner Attend Dual-Pol Event

On March 1, Senator Jeff Sessions (R-AL) and staff for Representative Jo Bonner (R AL-1) joined officials from NOAA’s National Weather Service (NWS) at the Dual Polarization (Dual-Pol) Rollout Announcement and Press Conference that was held at the NWS Weather Forecast Office in Mobile, Alabama

 

February 2013

 

Senator Wicker and Staff for Senator Cochran Attend Dual-Pol Event

On February 15, Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS) and staff for Senator Thad Cochran (R-MS) joined officials from NOAA’s National Weather Service (NWS) at the Dual Polarization (Dual-Pol) Rollout Announcement and Press Conference that was held at the NWS Weather Forecast Office in Jackson, Mississippi. This event is part of NOAA's outreach plan - part of the Weather Ready Nation campaign - to publicize to Congress and the media the dual-pol upgrades nationwide. The primary goals are to (a) better educate Members about the great things NOAA/NWS do for them in their states/districts, and (b) why continually investing in NOAA/NWS science and technology brings tangible benefits and is critical to the nation. The dual pol enhancement in Jackson was critical in identifying the recent Hattiesburg tornado and helping to provide an astounding 30 minute lead time for the powerful EF-4 twister, which amazingly claimed zero lives.

 

Senate Hearing on Drought

On February 14, the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry (Chair, Senator Debbie Stabenow, D-MI) held a hearing on drought. The Director of NOAA's National Integrated Drought Information System, Roger Pulwarty, testified and a copy the written testimony may be viewed on the Congressional Testimony page of the OLIA website.

 

Senator Cardin Tours NOAA Center

On February 11, Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD) and his staff visited and toured NOAA’s Center for Weather and Climate Prediction in College Park, Maryland, where they were briefed on the Center’s mission, programs, and activities. They were joined by NOAA’s Assistant Secretary for Environmental Observation and Prediction and Deputy Administrator, Dr. Kathryn Sullivan.

Senator Cardin being briefed by staff from NOAA's National Environmental, Satellite, and Data Information Service.

 

Welcome to New Team Member

Kristin Anderson - Knauss Sea Grant Fellow
Kristin comes to the OLIA and External Affairs offices from the Center of Marine Biodiversity and Conservation at Scripps Institution of Oceanography in San Diego, California. Her Masters research focused on the sustainable management of small scale fisheries. As a native San Diegan and advocate for sustainable seafood solutions, Kristin worked with local fishermen to design a sustainable seafood system that benefits San Diego’s marine environment, fishermen livelihoods and the greater community. Prior to studying at Scripps, Kristin earned her Bachelor of Business Administration at Goizueta Business School of Emory University and worked for five years as an innovation strategy consultant across multiple industries. Kristin is an avid sailor and paddle boarder, and she looks forward to pursuing these passions in the DC area. 

 

Senate and House Staff Briefings on New England Fisheries

On February 7, staff for Members of the New England Delegation and interested committees were briefed by the Deputy Assistant Administrator for Regulatory Programs of NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service (performing the functions and duties of the Assistant Administrator), Sam Rauch, and/or other officials on New England and local fisheries issues. The offices briefed included:

• Senator Angus King (I-ME)
• Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY)
• Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA)
• Senator Jack Reed (D-RI)
• Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI)
• Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation
• Representative Bill Keating (D MA-9)
• Representative David Cicilline (D RI-1)
• Representative Jim Langevin (D RI-2)
• Representative John Tierney (D MA-6)
• House Committee on Natural Resources

 

NOAA 101 Staff Briefing Presentation

On February 5, the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation sponsored a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) 101 briefing for all interested Senate and House staff that was presented by NOAA’s Assistant Secretary for Environmental Observation and Prediction and Deputy Administrator, Dr. Kathryn Sullivan.

 A copy of the briefing presentation may be downloaded here - NOAA 101 Briefing as well as the factsheet Sandy - NOAA Response: Before, During, and After

January 2013

 

 

Representative Peters Visits Science Center

On January 31, Representative Scott Peters (D CA-52) visited NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service, Southwest Fisheries Science Center in La Jolla, California. Representative Peters also did a meet and greet with lab officials and senior lab scientists to learn about the work that will be possible in the new facility.

 

Senate and House Meetings with Dr. Lubchenco

On January 15-30, the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere and NOAA Administrator, Dr. Jane Lubchenco, met with Members of the Senate and House in advance of her departure from the agency. These meetings have been an opportunity to thank them for their support and a chance to discuss some of their priority issues and concerns. The meetings recently held include:

• Senator Carl Levin (D-MI)
• Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK)
• Senator Mark Begich (D-AK)
• Senator Mark Udall (D-CO)
• Representative Paul Tonko (D NY-20)
• Representative Sam Farr (D CA-20)

 

Sandy Bill Passes Senate

On January 28, the Senate voted on and passed a funding package related to Sandy that includes $17 billion in emergency appropriations, and an amendment adding over $33 billion in relief for longer-term recovery efforts in the Northeast that includes funding for NOAA. President Barack Obama signed the bill into law on January 29.

 

Representative Brooks Attends WFO Anniversary

On January 25, Representative Mo Brooks (R AL-5) joined officials from NOAA’s National Weather Service, Weather Forecast Office (WFO) to celebrate the WFO’s 10th anniversary at an event in Huntsville, Alabama. Representative Brooks provided introductory remarks at the event.

Representative Brooks being briefed by MIC Chris Darden and Forecaster Christina Crowe.

 

Senate and House Staff Briefing on IUU Fishing

On January 17, over 20 interested Senate and House staff were briefed by NOAA’s Deputy Assistant Secretary for International Fisheries, Russell Smith, on the 2013 Report to Congress on Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing and the Shark Conservation Act. IUU fishing undermines international efforts to sustainably manage and rebuild fisheries and creates unfair market competition for U.S. fishermen and other fishermen who adhere to strict conservation measures. This briefing focused on the 2013 report to Congress that identified 10 nations that have vessels engaged in IUU fishing. It was also an opportunity to explain and take questions on the final regulations to implement the Shark Conservation Act.

 

Senate and House Staff Briefing on Global Climate Summary

On January 16, all interested Senate and House staff were briefed by the Assistant Administrator of NOAA’s Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research, Dr. Robert Detrick, and other officials on NOAA’s 2012 U.S. and Global Climate Summary report.

 

Senator Reed Visits NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer

On January 15, Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) visited the NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer in Davisville, Rhode Island. During his visit, the Senator was briefed on the ship’s mission, programs, and activities and met with members of the NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps.

Senator Reed and NOAA Corps officers and crew on board the Okeaonos.

 

Senator Schatz Visit to PRC and NOAA Ship Hi’ialaka

On January 15, Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI) visited NOAA’s Pacific Regional Center (PRC) located on historic Ford Island, Naval Station Pearl Harbor, Honolulu, Hawaii. During the visit Senator Schatz was briefed by NOAA officials on status of construction, as well as the future mission, programs, and activities that will be based at the PRC. Senator Schatz also toured the NOAA Ship Hi’ialakai where he met members of the NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps.

Senator Schatz at the PRC construction site.

Senator Schatz with officers and crew of the NOAA Ship Hi’ialakai and other NOAA officials.

 

113th Congress is Sworn In

On January 3, the 112th Congress officially ended and the 113th Congress was sworn in. A "new" Congress convenes every two years, in the January following a November congressional election. It is new in the sense that the entire House of Representatives is elected every two years, even though only about one-third of the Senate is elected biennially. Congresses have been numbered consecutively since the first Congress, which began in 1789.

Typically, each Congress meets in two annual "sessions," one in its first calendar year and another in the second calendar year. Thus, the first session of the 113th Congress will occur in 2013 and the second in 2014.