H.R. 1657House110th Congress (2007-2009)Passed House

To establish a Science and Technology Scholarship Program to award scholarships to recruit and prepare students for careers in the National Weather Service and in National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration marine research, atmospheric research, and satellite programs.

Legislative Activity

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11 earlier actions

SenateIntro Referral Latest Action

Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee

September 18, 2007

View full timeline

HouseIntro Referral

Introduced in House

March 22, 2007

HouseIntro Referral

Referred to the House Committee on Science and Technology.

Science, Space, and Technology Committee

March 22, 2007

HouseCommittee

Referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Environment.

Energy Subcommittee

May 8, 2007

HouseFloor

Mr. Hill moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.

September 17, 2007 • 2:14 PM

HouseFloor

Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H10373-10375)

September 17, 2007 • 2:15 PM

HouseFloor

DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1657.

September 17, 2007 • 2:15 PM

HouseFloor

At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.

September 17, 2007 • 2:19 PM

HouseFloor

Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H10407)

September 17, 2007 • 6:58 PM

HouseFloor

Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 360 - 16 (Roll no. 868).(text: CR H10373-10374)

View vote Passed

September 17, 2007 • 7:06 PM

HouseFloor

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 360 - 16 (Roll no. 868). (text: CR H10373-10374)

View vote Passed

September 17, 2007 • 7:06 PM

HouseFloor

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

September 17, 2007 • 7:06 PM

SenateIntro Referral

Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee

September 18, 2007

Voting History

1 vote recorded • Roll call available

HOUSE

Roll Call Available

September 17, 2007 at 7:06 PM

On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass

Majority required: 2/3 (66.7%)

Passed

360 - 16

Floor Debate

14 members

What members said about H.R. 1657 on the floor

5 Republicans9 Democrats

Rep. Adam SmithD-WA-9 · Dec 19, 2007

Madam. Speaker, due to events in my district, I was unable to vote on rollcall No. 42: Passage of H. Res. 475. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.'' January 22, 2007 Madam Speaker, due to…

Madam. Speaker, due to events in my district, I was unable to vote on rollcall No. 42: Passage of H. Res. 475. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

January 22, 2007

Madam Speaker, due to events in my district, I was unable to vote on rollcall No. 43: Table the appeal of the ruling of the Chair for H. Res. 476. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Madam Speaker, due to events in my district, I was unable to vote on rollcall No. 44: Motion to Suspend the Rules and Agree to H. Res. No. 52. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Madam Speaker, due to events in my district, I was unable to vote on rollcall No. 45: Motion to suspend the rules and Agreed to H.R. 390. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Madam Speaker, due to events in my district, I was unable to vote on rollcall No. 46: Motion to Suspend the Rules and Agree to H. Res. 29. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

February 8, 2007

Madam Speaker, due to events in my district, I was unable to vote on rollcall No. 87: Agreeing to the Amendment of H.R. 547, and amendment to include language which encourages the Assistant Administrator to utilize Land Grant Institutions, Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Hispanic Serving Institutions and other minority serving institutions among other resources to undertake research for programs covered by the bill. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Madam Speaker, due to events in my district. I was unable to vote on rollcall No. 88: Agreeing to the Amendment of H.R. 547, an amendment to add a new paragraph to section 3, Biofuel Infrastructure and Additives Research and Development, to include issues with respect to where in the fuel supply chain additives optimally should be added to fuels. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Madam Speaker, due to events in my district, I was unable to vote on rollcall No. 89: Agreeing to the Amendment of H.R. 547, an amendment to add a new paragraph to section 3 which includes issues with respect to certification by a nationally recognized testing laboratory of components for fuel dispensing devices that specifically reference compatibility with alcohol blended and biofuels that contain greater than 15 percent alcohol. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Madam Speaker, due to events in my district, I was unable to vote on rollcall No. 90: Agreeing to the Amendment of H.R. 547, an amendment to add a new section 7 entitled Additional Funding. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Madam Speaker, due to events in my district, I was unable to vote on rollcall No. 91:

the Motion to Recommit with Instructions of H.R. 547. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no.''

Madam Speaker, due to events in my district, I was unable to vote on rollcall No. 92: Passage of H.R. 547. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

February 28, 2007

Madam Speaker, due to events in my district, I was unable to vote on rollcall No. 111: Motion to Suspend the Rules and Agree on H. Con. Res. 52. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

March 12, 2007

Madam Speaker, due to events in my district, I was unable to vote on rollcall No. 136: Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended on H.R. 85. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Madam Speaker, due to events in my district, I was unable to vote on rollcall No. 137: Motion to Suspend the Rules and Agree on H. Res. 136. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Madam Speaker, due to events in my district, I was unable to vote on rollcall No. 138: Motion to Suspend the Rules and Agree on H. Res. 89. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Madam Speaker, due to events in my district, I was unable to vote on rollcall No. 187: Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as amended on H.R. 802. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Madam speaker, due to events in my district, I was unable to vote on rollcall No. 188: Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended on H.R. 137. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Madam Speaker, due to events in my district, I was unable to vote on rollcall No. 189: Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended on H.R. 580. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

May 14, 2007

Madam Speaker, due to events in my district, I was unable to vote on rollcall No. 342: Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass on H.R. 1124. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Madam Speaker, due to events in my district, I was unable to vote on rollcall No. 343: Motion to suspend the rules and agree to H. Res. 223. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Madam Speaker, due to events in my district, I was unable to vote on rollcall No. 344: Motion to Suspend the Rules and Agree (H. Res. 385). Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

May 16, 2007

Madam Speaker, due to events in my district, I was unable to vote on rollcall No. 358: Call in Committee Quorum. Had I been present, I would have voted ``present.''

Madam Speaker, due to events in my district, I was unable to vote on rollcall No. 359: Motion that the Committee Rise (H.R. 1585). Had I been present, I would have voted ``no.''

June 11, 2007

Madam Speaker, due to events in my district. I was unable to vote on rollcall No. 448: Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass on H.R. 2356. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Madam Speaker, due to events in my district, I was unable to vote on rollcall No. 449: Motion to Suspend the Rules and Agree on S. 676. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Madam Speaker, due to events in my district. I was unable to vote on rollcall No. 450: Motion to Suspend the Rules and Agree on H. Res. 418. Had I been present I would have voted ``yes.''

July 23, 2007

Madam Speaker, due to events in my district, I was unable to vote on rollcall No. 687: Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass H.R. 404, as amended. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Madam Speaker, due to events in my district, I was unable to vote on rollcall No. 688: Motion to suspend the rules and agree to H. Res. 553. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Madam Speaker, due to events in my district, I was unable to vote on rollcall No. 689: Motion to suspend the rules and agree to H. Res. 519. Had I been present I would have voted ``yes.''

Madam Speaker, due to events in my district, I was unable to vote on rollcall No. 690: On ordering the previous question on H. Res. 558. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

August 1, 2007

Madam Speaker, due to events in my district, I was unable to vote on rollcall No. 781: Motion to adjourn. Had I been present. I would have voted ``no.''

september 4, 2007

Madam Speaker, due to events in my district, I was unable to vote on rollcall No. 847: Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass H.R. 694, as amended. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Madam Speaker, due to events in my district, I was unable to vote on rollcall No. 848: Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass H.R. 3020, as amended. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Madam Speaker, due to events in my district, I was unable to vote on rollcall No. 849: Motion to Instruct Conferees on H.R. 2669. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no.''

september 17, 2007

Madam Speaker, due to events in my district, I was unable to vote on rollcall No. 867: Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass H.R. 3246, as amended. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Madam Speaker, due to events in my district, I was unable to vote on rollcall No. 868: Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass H.R. 1657, as amended. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Madam Speaker, due to events in my district, I was unable to vote on rollcall No. 869: Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass H.R. 3527. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

october 1, 2007

Madam Speaker, due to events in my district, I was unable to vote on rollcall No. 924: Motion to Suspend the Rules and Agree on H. Res. 185. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Madam Speaker, due to events in my district, I was unable to vote on rollcall No. 925: Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass H.R. 2276. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Madam Speaker, due to events in my district, I was unable to vote on rollcall No. 926: Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass H.R. 3325. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

october 15, 2007

Madam Speaker, due to events in my district, I was unable to vote on rollcall No. 961: Motion to Suspend the Rules and Agree on H. Res. 738. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Madam Speaker, due to events in my district, I was unable to vote on rollcall No. 962: Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass H.R. 2089. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Madam Speaker, due to events in my district, I was unable to vote on rollcall No. 963: Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass H.R. 20, as amended. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

October 17, 2007

Madam Speaker, due to events in my district, I was unable to vote on rollcall No. 980: Passage of H.R. 2095. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

october 29, 2007

Madam Speaker, due to events in my district, I was unable to vote on rollcall No. 1010: Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass H.R. 3224, as amended. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Madam Speaker, due to events in my district, I was unable to vote on rollcall No. 1011: Motion to Suspend the Rules and Agree on H. Res. 573, as amended. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Madam Speaker, due to events in my district, I was unable to vote on rollcall No. 1012: Motion to Suspend the Rules and Agree on H. Res. 747. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

November 5, 2007

Madam Speaker, due to events in my district, I was unable to vote on rollcall No. 1034: Closing Portions of the Conference on H.R. 3222. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Madam Speaker, due to events in my district, I was unable to vote on rollcall No. 1035: Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass H.R. 513, as amended. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Madam Speaker, due to events in my district, I was unable to vote on rollcall No. 1036: Motion to Suspend the Rules and Agree on H. Res. 744. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

november 7, 2007

Madam Speaker, due to events in my district, I was unable to vote on rollcall No. 1058: Motion to Suspend the Rules and Agree on H. Con. Res. 236, as amended. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

november 13, 2007

Madam Speaker, due to events in my district, I was unable to vote on rollcall No. 1082: Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass H.R. 3315. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Madam Speaker, due to events in my district, I was unable to vote on rollcall No. 1083: Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass H.R. 1593, as amended. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Madam Speaker, due to events in my district, I was unable to vote on rollcall No. 1084: Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass H.R. 3403, as amended. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Madam Speaker, due to events in my district, I was unable to vote on rollcall No. 1085: Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass H.R. 3461, as amended. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

november 14, 2007

Madam Speaker, due to events in my district, I was unable to vote on rollcall No. 1095: Motion to Adjourn. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no.''

december 6, 2007

Madam Speaker, due to events in my district, I was unable to vote on rollcall No. 1141: Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass H.R. 2085. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Sen. Daniel K. AkakaD-HI · Oct 15, 2007

Mr. President, today I, along with my colleague Senator Brown, introduce legislation that would enhance VA's pain management program. It is estimated that nearly 30 percent of Americans, that is some 86 million people, suffer from chronic or acute pain every year. A recent study conducted by VA researchers in Connecticut found that nearly 50 percent

of veteran patients that are seen at VA facilities reported that they experience pain regularly.

While pain increases in severity with age, it is also a growing problem among younger veterans who have been injured in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Many of these veterans are coming home with severe injuries, often traumatic brain injuries, that require intensive rehabilitation. In some cases, these younger veterans will have to live with the long-term effects of their injuries, of which pain is a large and debilitating part.

Pain management is an area of health care that by many accounts is not yet up to par, in both the private and public sectors. The bill we are introducing would enhance VA's pain management program on a national, system-wide level, by requiring VA to establish a pain care initiative at every VA health care facility. Every hospital and clinic would be required to employ a professionally recognized pain assessment tool or process, and ensure that every patient who is determined to be in chronic or acute pain is treated appropriately.

The profile of a veteran in pain is often times different than that of his or her counterpart in the private sector. For example, veterans suffering from chronic pain are more likely to be receiving treatment for other problems including depression, substance abuse, alcoholism, or post traumatic stress disorder. Understanding and treating their pain must be a priority, and this bill will help VA enhance the department's existing pain management program.

VA's current pain management efforts are worthwhile, but are unfortunately not adequate to meet the all of the needs of veterans. Pain management in VA continues to be relatively decentralized and unstandardized. Some VA medical centers have adopted successful approaches and procedures to deal with pain, while others have been less active. Fortunately, VA has begun the work of identifying professional talent and developing ideas that provide the groundwork of an effective pain management program. This bill would build upon that foundation and help ensure that these ideas become practice.

This bill provides us with an opportunity to help the thousands of veterans who are living in pain each and every day. I urge all of my colleagues to support this legislation.

I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record.

Mr. President, today I introduce comprehensive legislation to improve the capacity of the Department of Veterans Affairs to care for veterans with invisible wounds.

For too many veterans, returning home from battle will not bring an end to conflict. They will return home, but the war will follow them in their hearts and minds. Just as we support our troops as they fight in Iraq and Afghanistan, we must support them when they return from war marked by their service. Invisible wounds are complicated and wide- ranging, and our solutions must rise to the challenge.

What do we know about the scope of the problem? A March 2007 study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine reported that more than one-third of war veterans who have served in either Iraq or Afghanistan are suffering from various mental ailments, including post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression, substance use disorder and other problems. According to the study, a disproportionate number of young soldiers suffer mental health problems.

There is no question that action is needed. One in five Iraq War veterans are likely to develop PTSD, as studies have estimated, and this is but one aspect of the mental health challenges faced by veterans.

We also know that veterans suffering from physical and mental wounds use drugs and alcohol to assuage their pain. Experts believe that stress is the number one cause of drug abuse, and of relapse to drug abuse. Mr. President, 60 to 80 percent of Vietnam veterans who have sought PTSD treatment have alcohol use disorders. VA has been dealing with substance abuse issues for decades, but much remains to be done.

On April 25, 2007, I chaired a Committee on Veterans' Affairs hearing on veterans' mental health concerns and on VA's response. We heard heart-wrenching testimony from the witnesses. Randall Omvig spoke of his son's suicide upon returning from Iraq. Tony Bailey spoke of his son's struggle with substance abuse, and of his death. Patrick Campbell shared his own experience with PTSD and the experiences of his close friends. Witnesses urged us to learn, and they urged us to act.

The provisions of this bill are a direct outgrowth of that hearing and the testimony given by those who have suffered with mental health issues, and by their family members.

This bill addresses the immediate needs of veterans by ensuring high quality mental health services at VA facilities and in their communities. The bill also looks to the future. Our legislation has eleven core provisions. I will highlight some of them:

First, VA medical centers would be required to offer a minimum range of services for veterans in need of help to overcome their substance use disorders. It would require programs to prevent relapse and to provide medical treatments to reduce cravings for alcohol and drugs, among others. Many VA facilities have some of these programs but there is no universal minimum.

We know that there are large numbers of veterans suffering with a terrible confluence of substance use disorders and other mental health disorders. The bill would require that both issues be treated by a well-qualified team of health professionals who would treat the disorders concurrently.

To ensure that innovative mental health services are tailored to individual communities, the legislation would create grants to enhance programs and fill holes. VA facilities would compete for grants for various purposes, from increasing weekend and evening hours to creating programs which encourage urgent care physicians, who are often gateways for new patients, to quickly refer those whom they believe may have a mental health disorder.

Veterans with debilitating mental health issues, including substance use disorder and PTSD, may need inpatient care. VA has moved rapidly to reduce their inpatient mental health capacity, but there is no doubt that inpatient stays are necessary for many veterans. This legislation would require the VA Secretary to designate six inpatient facilities to provide recovery services for veterans with comorbid PTSD and substance use disorders.

The legislation would also require a comprehensive review of VA's residential mental health facilities. This provision stems directly from the hearing testimony of Tony Bailey, whose son suffered from PTSD and substance abuse. Tony's son, Justin, died while in a VA domiciliary. He overdosed on medications provided to him by VA. Residential facilities are a necessary part of VA's effort to treat mental health problems and they must be up to par.

It has been made clear to me, by mental health experts and veterans experiencing mental health problems, that families need to be much more involved in the care of their loved ones. Families are suffering in much the same way that veterans themselves are suffering. They must have access to care which will aid in the effective treatment and rehabilitation of a veteran. An existing provision of law allows such care for family members. Our legislation simply restates this law and clarifies the type of services to which family members should have access.

Finally, our goal is to define the best possible treatments for veterans now and in the future. To that end, this legislation sets up a mental health research program based on the successful pediatric oncology model. We are proposing a network of sites with adequate patient flow and clinical and research expertise. The goal is to promote rapid progress from research to therapeutic advancement and effective treatments for PTSD and PTSD in the presence of a substance use disorder.

An aggressive mental health agenda for veterans begins by providing VA with financial support. Our comprehensive legislation authorizes the creation of new programs and expansion of existing ones. While these changes amount to significant new funding, every dollar was included in our Committee's Views and Estimates Letter to the Budget Committee. The Committee on Veterans' Affairs requested a $700 million dollar increase in fiscal year 2008 for mental health programs, and the full Senate supported this level in the final budget resolution. A similar level of funding was supported by the full Senate in the VA appropriation bill.

I urge all of my colleagues to support this innovative and comprehensive legislation, which will bring hope and progress to many veterans suffering from invisible wounds.

Sen. James M. InhofeR-OK · Oct 15, 2007

Mr. President, today I introduce the NOAA Scholarship Act of 2007 with my colleague from Mississippi, Senator Cochran. This bill provides a scholarship program for promising students who seek to…

Mr. President, today I introduce the NOAA Scholarship Act of 2007 with my colleague from Mississippi, Senator Cochran. This bill provides a scholarship program for promising students who seek to pursue an education in a relevant field of study and commit to work for a branch of the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration, NOAA, including the National Weather Service, upon graduation.

Few can contend with the fact that there is a shortage of American students devoting themselves to the study of science, math and engineering. However, the demand for trained individuals in these professions is rising. In order to achieve their missions, Federal organizations like NOAA require a cadre of young talent to enter the workforce with training in fields like meteorology, hydrology, and oceanography.

In my great State of Oklahoma, we know the importance of NOAA, and particularly the study of meteorology. Two weeks ago, I met with a group of Fire Marshalls who informed me that there are more declared natural disasters per capita in Oklahoma than in

any other State in the Union. In May of each year, we experience an average of twenty tornadoes. In fact, the fastest wind speed ever recorded was in one of the May tornadoes to hit Oklahoma in 1999. As Oklahomans, we know that having accurate and timely reporting of atmospheric changes can mean the difference between life and death.

It is no surprise, then, that the University of Oklahoma, OU, has developed an exceptional program for the study of meteorology. The OU School of Meteorology is the largest meteorology program in the nation, with over 320 undergraduate students and 80 graduate students. It ranks first in the Nation in severe storms and mesoscale research and is among the top seven meteorology programs in the country. OU President David Boren, my predecessor in the Senate, targets the OU School of Meteorology to become the leading radar meteorology program in the world.

The OU School of Meteorology is fortunate to have a state of the art facility in the recently constructed National Weather Center. In this 244,000 square foot structure, federal, state, and OU organizations partner together to better understand weather events occurring in the atmosphere. The research that occurs in this center is truly groundbreaking. The scientists who work at NWC, many of them working with NOAA, have expertise in severe weather, local and regional climate, numerical modeling, hydrology, and radar meteorology. Their work is both abstract and tangible, using theory and advanced scientific research to improve the lives of individuals in Oklahoma and around the world.

The National Weather Center is the home of many notable achievements. NWC scientists were able to demonstrate that the Doppler weather radar can be useful in detecting tornadoes, hail, and other severe weather events. Using the Doppler radar, they have developed numerical forecasting models for government and industry applications. The scientists at NWC are also known for taking risks to discover new and improved ways of collecting data and making observations; for example, they can be credited with showing the effectiveness of rapidly deployable, truck-mounted radars that they drive into the middle of fierce storms.

It is with the first-hand knowledge of the important work of the National Weather Service and the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration's research in marine research, atmospheric research, and satellite programs that I introduce this bill. The NOAA Scholarship Act of 2007 will establish a scholarship program for promising students who desire to pursue an education in a relevant field of study and then serve as full-time employees of NOAA at the completion of their degrees. The students will be required to work for NOAA for 24 months in return for each academic year that a scholarship is given. This program will provide an opportunity and an incentive for students to develop scientific expertise that will continue to enable NOAA, at facilities like the National Weather Center in Norman, Oklahoma and elsewhere, to attain its mission.

On September 17, 2007, the House of Representatives passed identical legislation, H.R. 1657, by a vote of 360-16. I request that the Senate move quickly on this bill.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record.

Rep. Thomas H. AllenD-ME-1 · Sep 20, 2007

Madam Speaker, on September 17, had I been present on rollcall No. 867 to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 3246, the Regional Economic and Infrastructure Development Act of 2007, I would have voted…

Madam Speaker, on September 17, had I been present on rollcall No. 867 to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 3246, the Regional Economic and Infrastructure Development Act of 2007, I would have voted ``yea.''

Had I been present for rollcall No. 868 on suspending the rules and passing H.R. 1657, to establish a Science and Technology Scholarship Program, I would have voted ``yea.''

Had I been present for rollcall No. 869 on suspending the rules and passing H.R. 3527, to extend the authorities of the Overseas Private Investment Corporation, I would have voted ``yea.''

On September 18, had I been present for rollcall No. 870, to approve the Journal, I would have voted ``yea.''

Had I been present for rollcall No. 871 on Ordering the Previous Question on H. Res. 650, providing for consideration of H.R. 1852, Expanding American Homeownership Act of 2007, I would have voted ``yea.''

Had I been present for rollcall No. 872 on approving H. Res. 650, providing for consideration of H.R. 1852, Expanding American Homeownership Act of 2007, I would have voted ``yea.''

Had I been present for rollcall No. 873, on passing the Hensarling amendment to H.R. 1852, Expanding American Homeownership Act of 2007, I would have voted ``nay.''

Had I been present for rollcall No. 874, on passing the Biggert amendment to H.R. 1852, Expanding American Homeownership Act of 2007, I would have voted ``nay.''

Had I been present for rollcall No. 875, a motion to recommit H.R. 1852, Expanding American Homeownership Act of 2007, I would have voted ``nay.''

Had I been present for rollcall No. 876, on passing H.R. 1852, Expanding American Homeownership Act of 2007, I would have voted ``yea.''

Had I been present for rollcall No. 877 on suspending the rules and passing H.R. 3096, to promote freedom and democracy in Vietnam, I would have voted ``yea.''

On September 19, had I been present for rollcall No. 878, to approve the Journal, I would have voted ``yea.''

Had I been present for rollcall No. 879 on Ordering the Previous Question on H. Res. 660, providing for consideration of H.R. 2761, the Terrorism Risk Insurance Revision and Extension Act, I would have voted ``yea.''

Had I been present for rollcall No. 880 on passing H. Res. 660, providing for consideration of H.R. 2761, the Terrorism Risk Insurance Revision and Extension Act, I would have voted ``yea.''

Had I been present for rollcall No. 881 on passing the Frank amendment to H.R. 2761, the Terrorism Risk Insurance Revision and Extension Act, I would have voted'' yea.''

Had I been present for rollcall No. 882 on passing the Pearce amendment to H.R. 2761, the Terrorism Risk Insurance Revision and Extension Act, I would have voted ``nay.''

Had I been present for rollcall No. 883, a motion to recommit H.R. 2761, the Terrorism Risk Insurance Revision and Extension Act, I would have voted ``nay.''

Had I been present for rollcall No. 884, on passing H.R. 2761, the Terrorism Risk Insurance Revision and Extension Act, I would have voted ``yea.''

Had I been present for rollcall No. 885, on suspending the rules and passing H.R. 3580, the Food and Drug Administration Amendments Act of 2007, I would have voted ``yea.''

Rep. Sheila Jackson LeeD-TX-18 · Sep 20, 2007

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1657, the Science and Technology Scholarship Program. H.R. 1657 will establish a Science and Technology Scholarship Program to award scholarships to recruit and prepare students for careers in the National Weather Service and in National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration marine research, atmospheric research, and satellite programs. I support H.R. 1657 because it allows more students the opportunity to pursue careers in fields that are vital in preserving our world, and will further enhance the knowledge base of our country.

Mr. Speaker, we need to encourage more of our students to enter the meteorology and climatology fields. The young minds of this country are our greatest asset, and I support the effort today to encourage innovation, creative thinking, and academic competitiveness. I am confident we will reap major returns on this program long into the future.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to support H.R. 1657 because it will provide for the recruitment and preparation of students for careers in the National Weather Service and in Administration marine research, atmospheric research, and satellite programs. The legislation specifies a competitive program to select and award scholarships on the basis of academic merit, with consideration given to financial need and the goal of promoting the participation of individuals identified in section 33 or 34 of the Science and Engineering Equal Opportunities Act. Individuals selected under the program agree to serve as full-time employees of NOAA, for a brief period in positions for which individuals are qualified.

Mr. Speaker, as a former member of the Science Committee and a strong supporter of higher education, I have been a champion of equipping young minds with the technological and scientific knowledge necessary to compete in a globalized economy. Further, within the context of globalization, I strongly believe that this country's ability to achieve and maintain a high standard of living is dependent on the extent to which it can harness science and technology. Thus, in order to enhance the international competitiveness of the country, it is therefore critical for us to promote and support students pursing careers in meteorology, climatology and atmospheric research.

For these reasons, I am proud to support H.R. 1657 and urge my colleagues to join me.

Show 8 more

Rep. Ralph M. HallR-TX-4 · Sep 17, 2007

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or NOAA, is the Nation's lead agency charged with conserving and managing our coastal and…

Rep. Baron P. HillD-IN-9 · Sep 17, 2007

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1657) to establish a Science and Technology Scholarship Program to award scholarships to recruit and prepare students for careers in…

Rep. Timothy V. JohnsonR-IL-15 · Sep 18, 2007

Madam Speaker, unfortunately last night, September 17, 2007, I was unable to cast my votes on H.R. 3246, H.R. 1657, and H.R. 3527. Had I been present for rollcall No. 867 on suspending the rules and…

Rep. John Conyers, Jr.D-MI-14 · Sep 17, 2007

Mr. Speaker, I took a leave of absence on September 17, 2007, as I was attending to personal business. The following list describes how I would have voted had I been in attendance today.…

Rep. Linda T. SánchezD-CA-39 · Sep 18, 2007

Madam speaker, unfortunately, I was unable to be present in the Capitol on Monday, September 17,2007 and was unable to cast votes on the House Floor that evening. However, had I been present I would…

Rep. Ted PoeR-TX-2 · Sep 20, 2007

Madam Speaker, on rollcall No. 867, H.R. 3246, the Regional Economic and Infrastructure Development Act, I was inadvertently detained. I would have voted ``nay.'' On rollcall Nos. 868 and 869, I was…

Rep. Sanford D. Bishop, Jr.D-GA-2 · Sep 18, 2007

Madam Speaker, I regret that I was unavoidably absent yesterday afternoon, September 17, on very urgent business. Had I been present for the three votes which occurred yesterday evening, I would have…

Rep. Chris Van HollenD-MD-8 · Sep 17, 2007

Mr. Speaker, on rollcall Nos. 867 and 868, due to unavoidable delays in travel, I missed the votes on H.R. 3246 and H.R. 1657. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on both.

Show 1 more

Rep. Lynn A. WestmorelandR-GA-3 · Sep 17, 2007

Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Bill Text

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Referred in SenateIssued September 18, 2007

IIB

110th CONGRESS

1st Session

H. R. 1657

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

September 18, 2007

Received; read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation

AN ACT

To establish a Science and Technology Scholarship Program to award scholarships to recruit and prepare students for careers in the National Weather Service and in National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration marine research, atmospheric research, and satellite programs.

Science and technology scholarship program

(a)

Establishment of program

(1)

In general

The Administrator is authorized to establish a Science and Technology Scholarship Program to award scholarships to individuals that is designed to recruit and prepare students for careers in the National Weather Service and in Administration marine research, atmospheric research, and satellite programs.

(2)

Competitive process

Individuals shall be selected to receive scholarships under this section through a competitive process primarily on the basis of academic merit, with consideration given to financial need and the goal of promoting the participation of individuals identified in section 33 or 34 of the Science and Engineering Equal Opportunities Act (42 U.S.C. 1885a or 1885b).

(3)

Service agreements

To carry out the scholarship program, the Administrator shall enter into contractual agreements with individuals selected under paragraph (2) under which the individuals agree to serve as full-time employees of the Administration, for the period described in subsection (f)(1), in positions needed by the Administration in fields described in paragraph (1) and for which the individuals are qualified, in exchange for receiving a scholarship.

(b)

Scholarship eligibility

In order to be eligible to participate in the scholarship program, an individual shall—

(1)

be enrolled or accepted for enrollment as a full-time student at an institution of higher education in an academic program or field of study described in the list made available under subsection (d);

(2)

be a United States citizen or permanent resident; and

(3)

at the time of the initial scholarship award, not be a Federal employee as defined in section 2105 of title 5 of the United States Code.

(c)

Application required

An individual seeking a scholarship under this section shall submit an application to the Administrator at such time, in such manner, and containing such information, agreements, or assurances as the Administrator may require to carry out this section.

(d)

Eligible academic programs

The Administrator shall make publicly available a list of academic programs and fields of study for which scholarships may be utilized in fields described in subsection (a)(1), and shall update the list as necessary.

(e)

Scholarship requirement

(1)

In general

The Administrator may provide a scholarship under the scholarship program for an academic year if the individual applying for the scholarship has submitted to the Administrator, as part of the application required under subsection (c), a proposed academic program leading to a degree in a program or field of study on the list made available under subsection (d).

(2)

Duration of eligibility

An individual may not receive a scholarship under this section for more than 4 academic years, unless the Administrator grants a waiver.

(3)

Scholarship amount

The dollar amount of a scholarship under this section for an academic year shall be determined under regulations issued by the Administrator, but shall in no case exceed the cost of attendance.

(4)

Authorized uses

A scholarship provided under this section may be expended for tuition, fees, and other authorized expenses as established by the Administrator by regulation.

(5)

Contracts regarding direct payments to institutions

The Administrator may enter into a contractual agreement with an institution of higher education under which the amounts provided for a scholarship under this section for tuition, fees, and other authorized expenses are paid directly to the institution with respect to which the scholarship is provided.

(f)

Period of obligated service

(1)

Duration of service

Except as provided in subsection (h)(2), the period of service for which an individual shall be obligated to serve as an employee of the Administration shall be 24 months for each academic year for which a scholarship under this section is provided.

(2)

Schedule for service

(A)

In general

Except as provided in subparagraph (B), obligated service under paragraph (1) shall begin not later than 60 days after the individual obtains the educational degree for which the scholarship was provided.

(B)

Deferral

The Administrator may defer the obligation of an individual to provide a period of service under paragraph (1) if the Administrator determines that such a deferral is appropriate. The Administrator shall prescribe the terms and conditions under which a service obligation may be deferred through regulation.

(g)

Penalties for breach of scholarship agreement

(1)

Failure to complete academic training

Scholarship recipients who fail to maintain a high level of academic standing, as defined by the Administrator by regulation, who are dismissed from their educational institutions for disciplinary reasons, or who voluntarily terminate academic training before graduation from the educational program for which the scholarship was awarded, shall be in breach of their contractual agreement and, in lieu of any service obligation arising under such agreement, shall be liable to the United States for repayment not later than 1 year after the date of default of all scholarship funds paid to them and to the institution of higher education on their behalf under the agreement, except as provided in subsection (h)(2). The repayment period may be extended by the Administrator when determined to be necessary, as established by regulation.

(2)

Failure to begin or complete the service obligation or meet the terms and conditions of deferment

A scholarship recipient who, for any reason, fails to begin or complete a service obligation under this section after completion of academic training, or fails to comply with the terms and conditions of deferment established by the Administrator pursuant to subsection (f)(2)(B), shall be in breach of the contractual agreement. When a recipient breaches an agreement for the reasons stated in the preceding sentence, the recipient shall be liable to the United States for an amount equal to—

(A)

the total amount of scholarships received by such individual under this section; plus

(B)

the interest on the amounts of such awards which would be payable if at the time the awards were received they were loans bearing interest at the maximum legal prevailing rate, as determined by the Treasurer of the United States.

(h)

Waiver or suspension of obligation

(1)

Death of individual

Any obligation of an individual incurred under the scholarship program (or a contractual agreement thereunder) for service or payment shall be canceled upon the death of the individual.

(2)

Impossibility or extreme hardship

The Administrator shall by regulation provide for the partial or total waiver or suspension of any obligation of service or payment incurred by an individual under the scholarship program (or a contractual agreement thereunder) whenever compliance by the individual is impossible or would involve extreme hardship to the individual, or if enforcement of such obligation with respect to the individual would be contrary to the best interests of the Government.

(i)

Definitions

In this Act the following definitions apply:

(1)

Administration

The term Administration means the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

(2)

Administrator

The term Administrator means the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

(3)

Cost of attendance

The term cost of attendance has the meaning given that term in section 472 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1087ll).

(4)

Institution of higher education

The term institution of higher education has the meaning given that term in section 101(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001(a)).

(5)

Scholarship program

The term scholarship program means the Science and Technology Scholarship Program established under this section.

Passed the House of Representatives September 17, 2007.

Lorraine C. Miller,

Clerk.