Number: RS22614
Title: The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA): A Review of the FY2008 Budget and Congressional Appropriations
Authors: Wayne A. Morrissey, Knowledge Services Group 
Abstract: Congress passed H.R. 2464 (amended), the Consolidated Appropriations Act of FY2008 (P.L. 110-161). Division B, Title I of the law funded the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in the Department of Commerce at almost $3.89 billion. The House previously passed H.R. 3093, Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations for FY2008, and approved $3.95 billion for the agency. The Senate amended H.R. 3093 and approved $4.21 billion for NOAA. President Bush had requested $3.81 billion in discretionary appropriations for FY2008. For FY2007 the NOAA appropriation was authorized through a revised continuing resolution (P.L. 110-5), which funded most individual NOAA programs at the FY2006 appropriation level. Further, a FY2007 emergency appropriation of $170.4 million was provided to NOAA for assisting in recovery from its 2005 Hurricane Katrina losses. The President's FY2008 budget prioritized NOAA satellite systems and requirements to ensure that critical meteorological and climate observations and data collection would not be interrupted. The Administration also proposed $123 million in new funding for ocean research and sustainable fisheries management to support the President's updated Ocean Action Plan. However, ocean advocates argued that the amount was insufficient. In the first session of the 110th Congress, legislation was considered to codify all of NOAA's budget authority under a comprehensive organic act.
Pages: 6
Date: January 30, 2008