January 22, 2025
Mr. Sullivan (for himself and Ms. Murkowski) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation
To enhance the operations of the North Pacific Research Board.
Section 1. Short title
This Act may be cited as the North Pacific Research Board Enhancement Act
.
Sec. 2. North pacific research board enhancement
(a) Amendments
Section 401(e) of the Department of the Interior and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1998 (43 U.S.C. 1474d(e)) is amended—
(1)
in paragraph (3)—
(A)
in subparagraph (L), by striking and
after the semicolon;
(B)
in subparagraph (M), by striking the period at the end and inserting a semicolon;
(C)
in subparagraph (N), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and
;
(D)
by inserting after subparagraph (N) the following:
(O)
one member who shall represent Alaska Natives and possesses personal knowledge of, and direct experience with, subsistence uses and shall be nominated by the Board and appointed by the Secretary.; and
(E)
by adding at the end the following: Board members appointed under subparagraphs (N) and (O) shall serve for 3-year terms, and may be reappointed once.
;
(2)
in paragraph (4)(B), by striking Not more than 15 percent
and inserting Except as provided in paragraph (5), not more than 15 percent
;
(3)
by redesignating paragraph (5) as paragraph (6); and
(4)
by inserting after paragraph (4) the following:
(5)
If the amount made available for a fiscal year under subsection (c)(2) is less than the amount made available for the previous fiscal year, the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration may increase the 15 percent cap on administrative expenses provided under paragraph (4)(B) for that fiscal year to prioritize—
(A)
continuing operation of the Board;
(B)
maximizing the percentage of funds directed to research; and
(C)
maintaining the highest quality standards in administering grants under this subsection.
(b) Waiver
Beginning on the date of enactment of this Act and ending on the date that is 5 years after such date of enactment, the 15 percent cap on funds to provide support for the North Pacific Research Board and administer grants under section 401(e)(4)(B) of the Department of the Interior and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1998 (43 U.S.C. 1474d(e)(4)(B)) shall be waived.