News and Updates Archive
April, May, June 2011
June 2011
Senate Approves Nomination of RADM Bailey to MRC
On June 30, the Senate approved the nomination of RADM Jonathan Bailey as a Member of the Mississippi River Commission (MRC). RADM Bailey was nominated by President Obama on March 11, 2011, to be a Commissioner of the MRC. The President’s nomination statement noted that RADM Bailey serves as the Director of NOAA’s Office of Marine and Aviation Operations and the NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps, among many other achievements.
The MRC provides water resources engineering direction and policy advice to the Administration, Congress, and the Army in a drainage basin that covers 41 percent of the United States and parts of two Canadian provinces by overseeing the planning and reporting on the improvements on the Mississippi River.
Senate Approves NOAA Corp Nomination
On June 30, the Senate voted by unanimous consent to approve the nomination of CAPT Michael Devany for promotion in the NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps to be Rear Admiral (lower half).
Senate Passes Bill to Streamline Presidential Nominations
On June 29, the Senate passed S 679, the Presidential Appointment Efficiency and Streamlining Act of 2011, which would exempt about 200 executive positions from the chamber's confirmation process, including the position of Chief Scientist for NOAA. In addition, nominations for promotion and appointments to permanent grades within the NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps would no longer require Senate approval or consent.
Senate Hearing on Deep Water Horizon NRDA
On June 28, the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, Subcommittee on Water and Wildlife (Chair, Senator Ben Cardin, D-MD) held a hearing titled, "Status of the Deepwater Horizon Natural Resource Damage Assessment (NRDA)." The purpose of this hearing was to understand the current status of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill NRDA, including an examination of research findings to date and to evaluate the successes and lessons learned thus far. The Deputy Chief of the Assessment and Restoration Division in NOAA's National Ocean Service, Office of Response and Restoration, Tony Penn, testified and a copy of the written testimony may be viewed on the Congressional Testimony page.
Representative Hanabusa Staff Visit WFO
On June 27, staff for Representative Colleen Hanabusa (D HI-1) visited NOAA’s National Weather Service, Weather Forecast Office (WFO) in Honolulu, Hawaii. The Honolulu WFO also serves several other functions that are not done at other Forecast Offices. It is the Central Pacific Hurricane Center, functioning similar to the National Hurricane Center in Miami, it has an Ocean Prediction Center and Aviation Weather Center role for the Pacific. With these functions, it is the largest mission forecast office in the nation.
Representative Langevin Participates in Telepresence Event With the Okeanos Explorer
On June 26, Representative James Langevin (D RI-2) joined staff from NOAA’s Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research, Office of Ocean Exploration and Research (OER) at the Inner Space Center located at the University of Rhode Island (URI) in Narragansett, Rhode Island. During his visit, Representative Langevin and OER staff participated in the telepresence event for the URI Graduate School of Oceanography 50th Anniversary that was broadcast from the NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer.
Guided tours of the NOAA Ship Henry Bigelow were also provided during the Anniversary weekend.
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NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer |
Senator Baucus Names NWS Meteorologist “Montana Hero of the Day”
On June 23, Senator Max Baucus (D-MT) issued a statement in which he named Tanja Fransen, a meteorologist for NOAA’s National Weather Service (NWS) in Glasgow, Montana, as his "Montana Hero of the Day" for her extra efforts to help her community throughout the 2011 flood disaster. Along with serving as the voice of the NWS across northeastern Montana during severe flooding, Tanja also helped fill sandbags to protect folks living along Cherry Creek while she had a broken leg in a cast.
Senator Baucus also recognized the 24-hour-day 23 person crew at the NWS office in Glasgow for their hard work in getting critical weather alerts to residents throughout the region. A copy of the press release may be viewed on the Senator’s website.
House Hearing on Climate Service
On June 22, the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology (Chair, Representative Ralph Hall, R TX-4) held a hearing to review NOAA's proposed reorganization to create a Climate Service Line Office and strategically renew the Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research. The Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere and NOAA Administrator, Dr. Jane Lubchenco, testified and a copy of the written testimony may be viewed on the Congressional Testimony page.
Senate Field Hearing on Enforcement and New England Groundfish
On June 20, the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, Subcommittee on Federal Financial Management, Government Information, Federal Services, and International Security (Chair, Senator Thomas Carper, D-DE) held a field hearing in Boston, Massachusetts titled "How is NOAA Managing Funds to Protect the Domestic Fishing Industry?" The focus of the hearing was on NOAA's use of the Asset Forfeiture Funds and the agency's funding for the transition to sector management. The Assistant Administrator of NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service, Eric Schwaab, testified and a copy of the written testimony may be viewed on the Congressional Testimony page.
House Committee Markup
On June 15, the House Committee on Natural Resources met in executive session to markup several bills including, HR 295, a bill to amend the Hydrographic Services Improvement Act of 1998 to authorize funds to acquire hydrographic data and provide hydrographic services specific to the Arctic for safe navigation, delineating the United States extended continental shelf, and the monitoring and description of coastal changes. The bill was approved by the Committee and reported favorably to the House for a floor vote at a later date to be determined.
House Hearing on HR 946
On June 14, the House Committee on Natural Resources, Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife, Oceans, and Insular Affairs (Chair, Representative John Fleming, R LA-4) held a hearing on HR 946, the Endangered Salmon Predation Prevention Act. This bill would amend the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 to reduce predation by pinnipeds (fin-footed mammals) on endangered Columbia River salmon. The Director of NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service, Office of Protected Resources, Jim Lecky, testified and a copy of the written testimony may be viewed on the Congressional Testimony page.
House Hearing on San Joaquin Valley Bill
On June 13, the House Committee on Natural Resources, Subcommittee on Water and Power (Chair, Representative Tom McClintock, R CA-4) held a hearing on HR 1837, the San Joaquin Valley Water Reliability Act. This was the second hearing on this bill. The first was on June 2 and included witnesses from the agricultural industry and state of California. This hearing looked at the use of hatcheries to recover listed fish; the validity of the science underlying the NOAA and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Operations Criteria and Plan Biological Opinions (OCAP BiOps); the effect of the repeal of the San Joaquin Restoration Settlement Agreement; and reverting to the Bay Delta Accords of 1994 in place of the OCAP BiOps. The Regional Administrator for NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service, Will Stelle, testified and a copy of the written testimony may be viewed on the Congressional Testimony page.
Tsunami Conference at the Capitol
On June 10, all interested Members of Congress and Senate and House staff joined officials from NOAA, our federal, state, and private partners for a NOAA East-Gulf Coast/Caribbean Tsunami Conference at the Capitol Visitor’s Center in Washington, DC. The theme of this one-day conference is “Education, Awareness, and Preparedness on the Tsunami Threat to the U.S. East and Gulf Coasts, and the Caribbean.”
Representative Frank Wolf (R VA-10) attended and spoke during one of the sessions. Other speakers included:
- Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere and NOAA Administrator, Dr. Jane Lubchenco
- Deputy Under Secretary of Commerce for Operations, Mary M. Glackin
- Assistant Administrator of NOAA’s National weather Service, Dr. Jack Hayes
- Representatives from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Navy, U.S. Geological Survey, among others
Senate Committee Approves NOAA Corps Nomination and NOAA-Related Bills
On June 8, the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation (Chair, Senator Jay Rockefeller, D-WV) met in Executive Session to consider a NOAA Corps nomination and a couple NOAA-related bills. The Committee approved the nomination and bills and ordered them to be reported favorably to the Senate for a floor vote at a later date to be determined:
- Nomination of Michael Devany for Promotion in the NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps to be Rear Admiral (lower half) (PN 307)
- S 50, Commercial Seafood Consumer Protection Act
- S 179, Gulf of the Farallones and Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuaries Boundary Modification and Protection Act
- S 911, Public Safety Spectrum and Wireless Innovation Act
- S 962, Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Initiative Reauthorization Act
Capitol Hill Oceans Week 2011 Opens With Keynote From Dr. Lubchenco
On June 7-9, all interested Senate and House staff attended the 2011 Capitol Hill Ocean Week (CHOW). Organized by the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, and co-hosted by NOAA, CHOW was kicked off this year with a welcome and opening keynote address by the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere and NOAA Administrator, Dr. Jane Lubchenco. The opening keynote address set the stage for CHOW 2011 by describing how the security, stability, and prosperity of our nation and the world have been and will always be dependent on our ocean. NOAA officials and staff also participated as panelists in several CHOW sessions and a full agenda may be viewed at http://www.nmsfocean.org/CHOW-2011-agenda.
Senator Begich and Senate and House Staff Join NOAA Leadership at 36th Annual NOAA Fish Fry
On June 7, Senator Mark Begich (D-AK) and almost 40 Senate and House staff joined NOAA leadership for the 36th Annual NOAA Fish Fry in Washington, DC.
House Hearing on HABS Bill
On June 1, the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, Subcommittee on Energy and Environment (Chair, Representative Andy Harris, R MD-1) held a legislative hearing on the Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Act of 1998. The hearing addressed the nature of the harmful algal bloom (HAB) and hypoxia problem, NOAA’s role in addressing HABs and hypoxia in our coastal and Great Lakes waters, and the major accomplishments in NOAA’s HAB and hypoxia programs. The Director of NOAA’s National Ocean Service, Center for Sponsored Coastal Ocean Research, Robert Magnien, testified and a copy of the written testimony may be viewed on the Congressional Testimony page.
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Representative Pingree |
Representative Pingree Co-Sponsors Working Waterfronts Briefing
On June 1, Representative Chellie Pingree (D ME-1) co-sponsored a briefing with NOAA for all interested Senate and House staff on working waterfronts. Officials from NOAA’s Sea Grant Program and NOAA’s National Ocean Service, Office of Coastal and Resource Management, participated.
May 2011
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Representative Wasserman Schutlz |
Representative Wasserman Schultz Hosts Hurricane Preparedness Event
On May 31, Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D FL-20) hosted a hurricane preparedness meeting and media briefing in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Officials from NOAA’s National Weather Service, National Hurricane Center and NOAA’s office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research, Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory participated and provided an update on the agency’s role during the 2011 hurricane season and NOAA’s Hurricane Program. Other federal, state, and local officials also attended, along with the media.
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Representative Long |
Representative Long Joins Dr. Sullivan and Federal Officials for Tour of Joplin
On May 26, Representative Billy Long (R MO-7) joined NOAA’s Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Environmental Observation and Prediction, Dr. Kathryn Sullivan, and staff from NOAA’s National Weather Service as part of a delegation of federal officials who toured Joplin, Missouri. The delegation met with state and local officials, assessed the damage from the recent storms, and ensured support for response and recovery operations. Senior Officials from the Departments of Homeland Security, Housing and Urban Development, Health and Human Services, Small Business Administration, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency, were also part of the delegation.
Senate and House Briefings on OAR Lab Research
On May 24-26, over 40 Senate and House offices were briefed by officials from NOAA’s Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR) on the research activities and programs at the Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory (PMEL), Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory (GFDL), National Severe Storms Laboratory (NSSL), Air Resources Laboratory (ARL), Earth System Research Laboratory (ESRL), Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory (AOML), and the Ocean Exploration and Research Program (OER). The Members of Congress and staff that were briefed included:
| Senator James Inhofe (R-OK) – NSSL Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) - OER Staff for Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD) - ARL Staff for Senator Daniel Akaka (D-HI) – PMEL Staff for Senator Daniel Inouye (D-HI) – PMEL Staff for Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) - ESRL Staff for Senator Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) – GFDL Staff for Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) - OER Staff for Senator John Kerry (D-MA) - GFDL Staff for Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX) and other interested Gulf Member staff – NSSL, ARL, ESRL Staff for Senator Lamar Alexander (R-TN) – ARL Staff for Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) – AOML Staff for Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) - PMEL Staff for Senator Mark Begich (D-AK) – PMEL Staff for Senator Mark Udall (D-CO) – ESRL Staff for Senator Michael Bennet (D-CO) - ESRL Staff for Senator Olympia Snowe (R-ME) - GFDL Staff for Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) – PMEL Staff for Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS) - NSSL, ARL, ESRL Staff for Senator Ron Johnson (R-WI) - GLERL Staff for Senator Thad Cochran (R-MS) - NSSL, ARL, ESRL Staff for Senator Tom Coburn (R-OK) – NSSL Staff for the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation - OAR All |
Representative Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R FL-18) - AOML Representative James Lankford (R OK-5) – NSSL Representative Rush Holt (D NJ-12) – GFDL Representative Sean Duffy (R WI-7) - GLERL Representative Tom Cole (R OK-4) – NSSL Staff for Representative Allen West (R FL-22) - AOML Staff for Representative Brad Miller (D NC-13) – NSSL, AOML Staff for Representative Colleen Hanabusa (D HI-1) – PMEL Staff for Representative Dana Rohrabacher (R CA-46) – GFDL Staff for Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz – AOML Staff for Representative Doris Matsui (D CA-5) - ESRL Staff for Representative Frank Lucas (R OK-3) – NSSL Staff for Representative Frederica Wilson (D FL-17) - AOML Staff for Representative Jared Polis (D CO-2) – ESRL Staff for Representative Jim McDermott (D WA-7) - PMEL Staff for Representative Mario Diaz-Balart (R FL-21) - AOML Staff for Representative Mike Simpson (R ID-2) – ARL Staff for the House Committee on Natural Resources – OER Staff for the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology – NSSL, AOML |
NOAA Day on Capitol Hill
On May 25, all interested Senate and House staff attended the 5th Annual NOAA Day on Capitol Hill. The Honorary Sponsors for NOAA Day were:
- Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation
- Representative Eddie Bernice Johnson (D TX-30), Ranking Member, and the Minority of the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology
- House Oceans Caucus
NOAA Day was a series briefings for congressional staff that highlighted some of the many challenges facing the nation and the programs and activities that NOAA and some of our partners are using to address them. This year’s theme was “NOAA Science Serving Society: Business Critical Data and Forecasts for an Uncertain World.” NOAA Day included:
- Keynote address by the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere and NOAA Administrator, Dr. Jane Lubchenco
- Opening Remarks: Provided by Representative Spencer Bachus (R AL-6) and Representative Sam Farr (D CA-17)
- followed by a panel discussion with Dr. Lubchenco and NOAA’s Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Conservation and Management, Dr. Larry Robinson
As well as briefings on:
- In Case of Emergency: NOAA's Role in Preparing for, and Responding to, Our Worst Environmental Disasters
- Honorary Hosts: Senator Daniel Inouye (D-HI), Representative Frank Wolf (R VA-10)
- Environmental Intelligence and National Security
- Honorary Host: Representative Rush Holt (D NJ-12)
- Closing Remarks: Representative Ed Markey (D MA-7)
- Water Resources: Innovative Science and Services
- Honorary Host: Representative Collin Peterson (D MN-7)
- Representative Jo Bonner (R AL-1) attended.
- Strengthening and Protecting Coastal Communities
- Honorary Hosts: Senator Mark Begich (D-AK), Senator Barbara Mikulski (D-MD), and Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK)
Hurricane Outlook Briefing for State Governors
On May 20, all interested state governors and their staff were briefed via video teleconference by officials from NOAA’s National Weather Service. NOAA, partnering with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the American Red Cross presented the 2011 Atlantic Hurricane Season Outlook. The briefing focused on the agencies’ preparedness efforts to better prepare our citizens and communities for the 2011 Hurricane Season.
Senate and House Staff Briefing on Hurricane Outlook
On May 20, all interested Senate and House staff were briefed by NOAA’s Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Environmental Observation and Prediction, Dr. Kathryn Sullivan, and officials from NOAA’s National Weather Service. NOAA, partnering with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the American Red Cross presented the 2011 Atlantic Hurricane Season Outlook. The briefing focused on the agencies’ preparedness efforts to better prepare our citizens and communities for the 2011 Hurricane Season.
Governor Schweitzer Hosts Briefings on Montana Flooding
On May 16-19, Governor Brian Schweitzer (D-MT) hosted a series of briefings in Montana concerning ongoing flooding and flooding outlook. These briefings were attended by local congressional staff, county commissioners, disaster and emergency service coordinators, sheriffs, emergency responders, media, and citizens. NOAA’s National Weather Forecast Offices in Great Falls, Glasgow, and Billings have been an integral part of each briefing.
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Senator Begich |
Senator Begich Speaks at NOAA Corps Anniversary Dinner
On May 14, Senator Mark Begich (D-AK) joined the Director of NOAA’s Office of Marine and Aviation Operations and the NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps, RADM Jonathan Bailey; NOAA’s Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Environmental Observation and Prediction, Dr. Kathryn Sullivan; and other officials at the 94th Anniversary Dinner that was hosted by the NOAA Corps Association of Commissioned Officers in Washington, DC. The Association is a member-based organization that supports and advocates for the NOAA Commissioned Corps’ active and retired officers.
House Hearing on Hydrographic Services Bill
On May 12, the House Committee on Natural Resources, Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife, Oceans, and Insular Affairs (Chair, Representative John Fleming, R LA-4) held hearing on HR 295, a bill to amend the Hydrographic Services Improvement Act of 1998. The bill would authorize funds to acquire hydrographic data and provide hydrographic services specific to the Arctic for safe navigation, delineating the U.S. extended continental shelf, and the monitoring and description of coastal changes. The Director of NOAA’s National Ocean Service, Office of Coast Survey, Capt. John Lowell, testified and a copy of the written testimony may be viewed on the Congressional Testimony page.
Senate Committee Approves NOAA Nomination and Bills
On May 5, the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation (Chair, Senator Jay Rockefeller, D-WV) met in Executive Session to consider a nomination and several NOAA-related bills. These included:
- Nomination of Scott C. Doney, to be Chief Scientist
- S 46, Coral Reef Conservation Amendments Act of 2011
- S 52, International Fisheries Stewardship and Enforcement Act
- S 363, to authorize the Secretary of Commerce to convey property of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to the City of Pascagoula, Mississippi, and for other purposes
- S 485, Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary and Underwater Preserve Boundary Modification Act
- S 646, Natural Hazards Risk Reduction Act of 2011
- S 692, National Hurricane Research Initiative Act of 2011
The Committee voted to report the nomination and bills favorably to the Senate for a floor vote at a later date to be determined.
Congressional Staff Attend Hurricane Awareness Tour
On May 2-6, staff from Senate and House local offices joined officials from NOAA’s National Weather Service and the Federal Emergency Management Agency during the NOAA Hurricane Awareness Tour. NOAA hurricane experts visited five East Coast cities aboard a NOAA P-3 hurricane hunter aircraft to raise awareness about storm threats and the danger of being caught without a personal hurricane plan. Stops included:
- May 2: Mass. Military Reservation, Falmouth, Massachusetts
- May 3: Patuxent River Naval Air Station, Maryland
- May 4: Cherry Point Marine Corps Air Station, North Carolina
- May 5: International Airport, Savannah, Georgia
- May 6: Executive Airport, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
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NOAA P3 Hurricane Hunter Aircraft |
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Senator Whitehouse |
Senator Whitehouse Sponsors Energy and Environment Event
On May 4, Senator Sheldon Whitehouse sponsored a Rhode Island Energy and Environment event in Washington, DC. The event brought over 80 Rhode Islanders interested in energy and environmental issues to DC to hear panels of experts from federal agencies discuss their efforts to grow green jobs, clean energy, and environmental science and research specifically in the state of Rhode Island. Officials from NOAA’s National Ocean Service participated in a panel that focused on National Ocean Policy in Rhode Island.
House Hearing on Pesticides
On May 3, the House Committee on Natural Resources (Chair, Representative Doc Hastings, R WA-4) and the House Committee on Agriculture (Chair, Representative Frank Lucas, R OK-3) held a joint hearing on “At Risk: American Jobs, Agriculture, Health and Species - the Costs of Federal Regulatory Dysfunction.” The hearing investigated the Endangered Species Act (ESA) consultation process as it relates to the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) registration of pesticide chemicals under the Federal Insecticide Fungicide and Rodenticide Act. The Assistant Administrator of NOAA's National Marine Fisheries, Eric Schwaab, testified and a copy of the written testimony may be viewed on the Congressional Testimony page.
April 2011
California Members Attend Farms and Salmon Summit
On April 27, Representative John Garamendi (D CA-10), Representative Mike Thompson (D CA-1), Representative Jerry McNerney (D CA-11), and Representative Jackie Speier (D CA-12) joined officials from NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service at a Farms and Salmon Summit in Antioch, California. The summit highlighted the effects of water management decisions on the Delta agriculture and salmon fishing communities, and provided a public forum to discuss long-term solutions to restore a healthy Delta.
Almost 850 Students Attend Representative Frelinghuysen School Tour With Hurricane Hunter Pilot
On April 27, Representative Rodney Frelinghuysen (R NJ-11) was joined by a Hurricane Hunter Pilot from the NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps for a series of visits to schools and youth organizations in the congressional district. During the tour almost 850 students attended the presentations that emphasized the importance of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics and educated the students on the work of NOAA. The schools and groups that were visited included:
- Valley Road Elementary School, Stanhope, NJ
- Ironia Elementary School, Randolph, NJ
- Liberty Corner School, Liberty Corner, NJ
- Thomas Jefferson Elementary School, Morristown, NJ
- Meeting with Representative Frelinghuysen’s high school Youth Advisory Council at the Morris County Library in Whippany
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Representative Frelinghuysen (left) and CAPT Choy (right) during question and answer time at one of the schools. |
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Congressional Staff Briefing on Deepwater Horizon – One Year Later
On April 27, all interested congressional staff were briefed by officials from NOAA’s National Ocean Service, Office of Response and Restoration, during a briefing titled “Moving Forward After the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill: Assessing Natural Resource Damage, Preventing Future Spills, and Restoring the Gulf.” This briefing was the second in a series of briefings sponsored by the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation on the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. The theme of this briefing was looking forward with an emphasis on the efforts underway to assess and restore the Gulf region following this spill of national significance. A member of the National Commission on the BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill and Offshore Drilling and a representative from the Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Task Force joined NOAA at the briefing.
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Representative Tierney |
Representative Tierney and Senator Brown Staff Attend B-WET Event
On April 21, Representative John Tierney (D MA-6) and staff for Senator Scott Brown (R-MA) joined officials from NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service for an event at the Gloucester Maritime Heritage Center in Gloucester, Massachusetts. NOAA, Gloucester Maritime Heritage Center and Massachusetts Audubon Society sponsored this event, which involved 20 participating students and two teachers from the Rockport, Massachusetts, middle school. At the event, students built remotely operated vehicles (ROV), tested them, and then deployed them from the Heritage Center’s pier on Gloucester Harbor. NOAA supported this project through its Bay-Watershed Education and Training (B-WET) grant program.
Representative Pompeo Visits WFO
On April 19, Representative Mike Pompeo (R KS-4) visited NOAA’s National Weather Service, Weather Forecast Office (WFO) in Wichita, Kansas. Located on South Tyler Road adjacent to Wichita's Mid-Continent Airport, this WFO is staffed around the clock every day, and provides the best possible weather, water, and climate forecasts and warnings to residents of 26 counties in central, south central and southeast Kansas. Highly trained forecasters issue warnings and forecasts for events including, severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, winter storms, floods, and heat waves. The WFO operates Automated Surface Observing Stations and the local Doppler Weather Radar. The radar provides critical information about current weather conditions for the forecasters to issue tornado warnings or flood and flash flood warnings.
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Following a briefing on what the WFO does, Representative Pompeo was given a tour of Operations. (Pictured (L-R) Chance Hayes (WCM), Josh Wells (Congressman’s Communications Specialist), Mike Urban (ITO – seated), Gloria Dill (ASA), Cody Charvat (Sedgwick County Emergency Management), Lea Stueve (Congressman’s District Director), Ken Cook (SOO), Dick Elder (MIC), Representative Pompeo. |
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Senator Reed Visits the NOAA Ship Henry B. Bigelow
On April 18, Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) visited the NOAA Ship Henry B. Bigelow when it made a port call to NOAA’s new facilities in Davisville, Rhode Island. Senator Reed met the new Commander of the ship and learnd more about the vessel and its mission, programs, and activities.
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NOAA Ship Henry B. Bigelow |
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Representative Bonner |
Representative Bonner Keynotes Gulf Coast Policy Conference
On April 18, Representative Jo Bonner (R AL-1) joined NOAA’s Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Conservation and Management, Dr. Larry Robinson, at the Alabama Gulf Coast Policy Conference in Mobile, Alabama. Representative Bonner and Dr. Robinson were keynote speakers at the conference.
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Senator Begich |
Senator Begich Visits Tsunami Warning Center
On April 17, Senator Mark Begich (D-AK) visited NOAA’s National Weather Service, West Coast/Alaska Tsunami Warning Center (WCATWC). The Senator was provided an overview of the Center’s operations based on a demo of the recent event in Japan and was briefed on the Deep-ocean Assessment and Reporting of Tsunami (DART®) system.
Representative Hinchey Sponsored Briefing, “2011 – The Year of the Flood?”
On April 15, Representative Maurice Hinchey (D NY-22) sponsored a briefing for all interested congressional staff titled “2011 – The Year of the Flood?” Officials from NOAA’s National Weather Service (NWS) participated with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) in this briefing on flood hazards to discuss how they are working to meet the challenge of reducing America’s flood risk. NWS relies heavily on USGS stream gauge data for its flood forecast, prediction and warnings
House Hearing on Federal Natural Hazards Warning, Preparedness, and Response
On April 14, the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, Subcommittee on National Security, Homeland Defense, and Foreign Operations (Chair, Representative Jason Chaffetz, R UT-3) held a hearing on federal natural hazards warning, preparedness, and response. NOAA’s Deputy Under Secretary for Operations, Mary M. Glackin, testified and a copy of the written testimony may be viewed on the Congressional Testimony page.
Senate and House Briefings on the National Sanctuary Program
From April 11-13, representatives of NOAA’s National Ocean Service, Office of National Marine Sanctuaries were in Washington, DC, and provided briefings for Members of Congress and their staff on the status of the Sanctuaries. Congressional staff from the following offices were briefed:
- Senator James Webb (D-VA)
- Senator Kay Hagan (D-NC)
- Senator Mark Warner (D-VA)
- Senator Richard Burr (R-NC)
- Representative Robert Wittman (R VA-1)
- Representative Scott Rigell (R VA-2)
- Representative Walter Jones Jr. (R NC-3)
Senate Hearing on FY 2012 Budget
On April 13, the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation (Chair, Senator Jay Rockefeller, D-WV) held a hearing on NOAA’s FY 2012 Budget Request. The Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere and NOAA Administrator, Dr. Jane Lubchenco, testified and a copy of the written testimony may be viewed on the Congressional Testimony page.
Representative Farr Speaks at House Oceans Caucus Marine Debris Briefing
On April 12, the House Oceans Caucus hosted a briefing for all interested congressional staff on marine debris. This was the first House Oceans Caucus briefing of the 112th Congress and Representative Sam Farr (D CA-17) provided opening remarks. Representative Farr is Co-Chair of the caucus along with Representative Jay Inslee (D WA-1) and Representative Connie Mack (R FL-14).
The panel of speakers for the briefing included representatives from NOAA's National Ocean Service, Marine Debris Program, the Ocean Conservancy, Covanta Energy, and the Clean Oceans Project. The objective of this briefing was to highlight marine debris as a growing concern and to examine how it is being addressed by both the public and private sectors.
House Field Hearing on Drought
On April 11, the House Committee on Natural Resources, Subcommittee on Water and Power (Chair, Representative Tom McClintock (R CA-4) held a field hearing in Fresno, California, on “Creating Jobs by Overcoming Man-Made Drought: Time for Congress to Listen and Act.” The hearing examined federal government policies that have created and contributed to California’s man-made drought and actions needed to supply the San Joaquin Valley with water to put thousands back to work, feed the nation and grow the economy. The Regional Administrator for NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service, Northwest Region, Will Stelle, attended as an ‘accompanying witness’ and answered questions.
Delegate Christensen Staff Visit the NOAA Ship Nancy Foster for NCCOS Briefing
On April 6-8, staff for Delegate Donna Christensen (D-USVI) visited the NOAA Ship Nancy Foster in the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI). The Nancy Foster returned to the USVI this spring to continue a long-term effort to study and map the coral reef ecosystems and fish habitats of the region, which is in partnership with the University of the Virgin Islands, the Caribbean Fisheries Management Council, and the USVI Department of Planning and Natural Resources. During their visit the congressional staff were briefed by staff from NOAA’s National Ocean Service, National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS). NCCOS staff shared their latest findings and gave attendees the opportunity to hear from local managers and partners about the applications and impacts of NOAA research in the territory.
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NOAA Ship Nancy Foster |
Senate and House Briefings on the National Sanctuary Program
From April 4-8, representatives of NOAA’s National Ocean Service, Office of National Marine Sanctuaries were in Washington, DC, and provide briefings for Members of Congress and their staff on the status of the Sanctuaries. The listings that are highlighted indicate the Member is scheduled to attend; all others will be attended by their staff:
- Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA)
- Senator Bill Nelson (D-FL)
- Senator Carl Levin (D-MI)
- Senator David Vitter (R-LA)
- Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI)
- Senator Diane Feinstein (D-CA)
- Senator Jack Reed (D-RI)
- Senator Jim DeMint (R-SC)
- Senator John Cornyn (R-TX)
- Senator John Kerry (D-MA)
- Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC)
- Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA)
- Senator Mary Landrieu (D-LA)
- Senator Patty Murray (D-WA)
- Senator Saxby Chambliss (R-GA)
- Senator Scott Brown (R-MA)
- Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI)
- Senator Susan Collins (R-ME)
- Representative Anna Eshoo (D CA-14)
- Representative Barbara Lee (D CA-9)
- Representative Barney Frank (D MA-4)
- Representative Blake Farenthold (R TX-27)
- Representative Cedric Richmond (D LA-2)
- Representative Dan Benishek (R MI-1)
- Representative David Rivera (R FL-25)
- Representative Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R FL-18)
- Representative Jack Kingston (R GA-1)
- Representative Jackie Speier (D CA-12)
- Representative James Clyburn (D SC-6)
- Representative John Barrow (D GA-12)
- Representative Lois Capps (D CA-23)
- Representative Lynn Woolsey (D CA-6)
- Representative Mario Diaz-Balart (D FL-21)
- Representative Michael Capuano (D MA-8)
- Representative Michael Honda (D CA-15)
- Representative Mike Thompson (D CA-1)
- Representative Nancy Pelosi (D CA-8)
- Representative Reid Ribble (R WI-8)
- Representative Sam Farr (D CA-17)
- Representative Sean Duffy (R WI-7)
- Representative Thomas Petri (R WI-6)
- Representative Tim Scott (R SC-1)
House Hearing on FY 2012 Budget
On April 1, the House Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies (Chair, Representative Frank Wolf, R VA-10) held a hearing on NOAA’s FY 2012 Budget Request. The Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere and NOAA Administrator, Dr. Jane Lubchenco, testified and a copy of the written testimony may be viewed on the Congressional Testimonypage.
FY 2012 Budget Briefings for Congress
Members of the Senate and House and congressional staff were briefed by NOAA leadership on the FY 2012 NOAA Budget Request (and/or the Line Office/Program FY 2012 request). Below are the briefings recently held noting date, Member or staff, briefer, and OLIA Lead(s).
April 5
- Representative Rob Wittman (R VA-1); David Kennedy, Eric Schwaab; OLIA Lead – Stephanie Hunt, Christina Durham, Mike Jarvis
- Representative Jo Bonner (R AL-1); David Kennedy, Eric Schwaab; OLIA Lead – Rob Moller, Christina Durham, Mike Jarvis