Subcommittee Holds Hearing on Sea Grant

(Washington, DC) – Today, the House Committee on Science and Technology’s Subcommittee on Energy and Environment held a hearing on the National Sea Grant College Program Act, H.R. 5618. The Sea Grant program is a partnership between state and federal government to promote the understanding, conservation, and management of our ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes resources.

"The National Sea Grant College Program is a powerful resource in America’s pursuit of discovery through science," said Subcommittee Chairman Nick Lampson (D-TX). "Unlocking the mysteries of the ocean will advance scientific research in America while expanding our economy by cultivating new industry and technology. Grants provided through this program turn the intangible vision of America’s students into concrete reality for our universal benefit. It is a program that we must continue to strengthen and support."

H.R. 5618 was introduced by Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo, Chairwoman of the Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife, and Oceans of the Committee on Natural Resources. The bill implements changes in the Sea Grant Program recommended by the National Academy of Sciences in their 2006 report. These improvements include increasing the interaction between the National Sea Grant Office and the individual state programs; as well as improving programmatic performance reviews and authorizing increased funding levels.

The text of H.R. 5618 and further information regarding this hearing can be found on our website at www.house.gov/science.

###

110.262