Bush administration, member of Congress propose legislation to strengthen NOAA

Abstract

The White House and a key member of Congress have introduced separate legislation to strengthen the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration through an “organic act” that codifies the agency's establishment and purposes.Donald Evans, secretary of the Department of Commerce, which includes NOAA, announced the Bush administration's transmittal of legislation to Congress on 10 June. Evans, speaking at the Capitol Hill Oceans Week 2004 conference in Washington, D.C., said the act would be “an important step forward in enhancing NOAAs ability to carry out the research and management objectives entrusted to it.”