United States 117th Congress ✓ Enacted · P.L. 117-316 1 R cosponsors

S 558 — FLOODS Act

Last action — Became Public Law No: 117-316.

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  1. ✓
    Introduced
  2. ✓
    In Committee
  3. ✓
    Passed Senate
  4. ✓
    Passed House
  5. ✓
    To Executive
  6. 6
    Enacted

This bill has been enacted into law. Introduced March 03, 2021. Enacted.

Prognosis

Advancing 52% · moderate confidence

Where this bill stands today.

Odds of enactment

High

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  • Enacted

    Current position in the legislative process.

  • 1 sponsor

    1 primary, 0 co-sponsors signed on.

  • Single-party support

    Sponsorship is currently within one party (1 R).

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Bill Text

What changed in the latest version

278 added · 249 removed

Plain-language change summary

The amendment adds language related to the purposes of the Flood Level Observation, Operations, and Decision Support Act, highlighting the importance of improving communication about future flood risks and hazardous flash flood events. Additionally, it reiterates the establishment of the National Integrated Flood Information System, aiming to enhance decision-making processes in flood management. This change is significant because it emphasizes the need for timely information and supports efforts to reduce the impacts of flooding.

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[Congressional Bills 117th Congress] [From the U.S.
[117th Congress Public Law 316] [From the U.S.
Government Publishing Office] [S.
Government Publishing Office] [[Page 4405]] FLOOD LEVEL OBSERVATION, OPERATIONS, AND DECISION SUPPORT ACT [[Page 136 STAT.
558 Engrossed in Senate (ES)] <DOC> 117th CONGRESS 1st Session S.
4406]] Public Law 117-316 117th Congress An Act To establish a national integrated flood information system within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and for other purposes.
558 _______________________________________________________________________ AN ACT To establish a national integrated flood information system within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and for other purposes.
<<NOTE:
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1.
Dec.
27, 2022 - [S.
558]>> Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, <<NOTE:
Flood Level Observation, Operations, and Decision Support Act.>> SECTION 1.
(a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Flood Level Observation, Operations, and Decision Support Act'' or the ``FLOODS Act''.
(a) <<NOTE:
15 USC 9701 note.>> Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Flood Level Observation, Operations, and Decision Support Act'' or the ``FLOODS Act''.
2.
<<NOTE:
15 USC 9701.>> 2.
NATIONAL INTEGRATED FLOOD INFORMATION SYSTEM.
<<NOTE:
(a) In General.--The Administrator shall establish a system, to be known as the ``National Integrated Flood Information System'', to better inform and provide for more timely decision making to reduce flood-related effects and costs.
15 USC 9702.>> NATIONAL INTEGRATED FLOOD INFORMATION SYSTEM.
(a) <<NOTE:
Establishment.>> In General.--The Administrator shall establish a system, to be known as the ``National Integrated Flood Information System'', [[Page 136 STAT.
4407]] to better inform and provide for more timely decision making to reduce flood-related effects and costs.
(C) assesses the severity of flood conditions and effects;
(C) <<NOTE:
Assessment.>> assesses the severity of flood conditions and effects;
(2) provide timely data, information, and products that reflect differences in flood conditions among localities, regions, watersheds, and States;
(2) <<NOTE:
(3) coordinate and integrate, through interagency agreements as practicable, Federal research and monitoring in support of the flood early warning information system provided under paragraph (1);
Data.>> provide timely data, information, and products that reflect differences in flood conditions among localities, regions, watersheds, and States;
(3) <<NOTE:
Coordination.>> coordinate and integrate, through interagency agreements as practicable, Federal research and monitoring in support of the flood early warning information system provided under paragraph (1);
(c) Partnerships.--The Administrator, through the National Integrated Flood Information System, may-- (1) engage with the private sector to improve flood monitoring, forecasts, land and topography data, and communication, if the Administrator determines that such engagement is appropriate, cost effective, and beneficial to the public and decision makers described in subsection (b)(1)(E)(i);
(c) Partnerships.--The Administrator, through the National Integrated Flood Information System, may-- (1) <<NOTE:
Determination.>> engage with the private sector to improve flood monitoring, forecasts, land and topography data, and communication, if the Administrator determines that such engagement is appropriate, cost effective, and beneficial to the public and decision makers described in subsection (b)(1)(E)(i);
(3) use and support monitoring by citizen scientists, including by developing best practices to facilitate maximum data integration, as the Administrator considers appropriate;
[[Page 136 STAT.
4408]] (3) use and support monitoring by citizen scientists, including by developing best practices to facilitate maximum data integration, as the Administrator considers appropriate;
OBSERVATIONS AND MODELING FOR TOTAL WATER PREDICTION.
<<NOTE:
(a) Partnerships.-- (1) In general.--The Administrator shall establish partnerships with 1 or more institutions of higher education (as defined in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C.
15 USC 9703.>> OBSERVATIONS AND MODELING FOR TOTAL WATER PREDICTION.
(a) <<NOTE:
Evaluations.>> Partnerships.-- (1) In general.--The Administrator shall establish partnerships with 1 or more institutions of higher education (as defined in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C.
SERVICE COORDINATION HYDROLOGISTS AT RIVER FORECAST CENTERS OF THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE.
<<NOTE:
15 USC 9704.>> SERVICE COORDINATION HYDROLOGISTS AT RIVER FORECAST CENTERS OF THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE.
(b) Primary Role of Service Coordination Hydrologists.--The primary role of the service coordination hydrologist shall be to carry out the responsibilities required by this section.
[[Page 136 STAT.
4409]] (b) Primary Role of Service Coordination Hydrologists.--The primary role of the service coordination hydrologist shall be to carry out the responsibilities required by this section.
and (D) conduct flooding event preparedness planning and citizen education efforts with and through various State, local, and Tribal government agencies and other disaster management-related organizations.
and [[Page 136 STAT.
4410]] (D) conduct flooding event preparedness planning and citizen education efforts with and through various State, local, and Tribal government agencies and other disaster management-related organizations.
IMPROVING NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION COMMUNICATION OF FUTURE FLOOD RISKS AND HAZARDOUS FLASH FLOOD EVENTS.
<<NOTE:
15 USC 9705.>> IMPROVING NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION COMMUNICATION OF FUTURE FLOOD RISKS AND HAZARDOUS FLASH FLOOD EVENTS.
and (B) submit to Congress a report on the findings of the Administrator with respect to the assessment required by subparagraph (A).
and (B) <<NOTE:
Show all 122 changed rows (82 more)
Previous
Latest
Reports.>> submit to Congress a report on the findings of the Administrator with respect to the assessment required by subparagraph (A).
(A) An evaluation of whether the watches, warnings, and information described in paragraph (1)(A) effectively-- (i) communicate risk to the general public;
(A) <<NOTE:
Evaluations.>> An evaluation of whether the watches, warnings, and information described in paragraph (1)(A) effectively-- (i) communicate risk to the general public;
(B) Subject to subsection (b)(2), such recommendations as the Administrator may have for-- (i) legislative and administrative action to improve the watches and warnings described in paragraph (1)(A)(i);
(B) <<NOTE:
Recommenda- tions.>> Subject to subsection (b)(2), such recommendations as the Administrator may have for-- (i) legislative and administrative action to improve the watches and warnings described in paragraph (1)(A)(i);
(C) Evaluation of information delivery to support the preparation for and response to floods.
(C) <<NOTE:
Evaluation.>> Evaluation of information delivery to support the preparation for and response to floods.
(B) other weather services;
[[Page 136 STAT.
4411]] (B) other weather services;
(5) National academy of sciences.--The Administrator shall engage with the National Academy of Sciences, as the Administrator considers necessary and practicable, including by contracting with the National Research Council to review the scientific and technical soundness of the assessment required by paragraph (1)(A), including the recommendations under paragraph (2)(B).
(5) <<NOTE:
Contracts.
Review.>> National academy of sciences.--The Administrator shall engage with the National Academy of Sciences, as the Administrator considers necessary and practicable, including by contracting with the National Research Council to review the scientific and technical soundness of the assessment required by paragraph (1)(A), including the recommendations under paragraph (2)(B).
and (ii) to inform action to prevent loss of life and property.
and [[Page 136 STAT.
4412]] (ii) to inform action to prevent loss of life and property.
7.
<<NOTE:
15 USC 9706.>> 7.
``(c) Innovative Observations.--The Under Secretary shall ensure that the program periodically examines the value of incorporating innovative observations, such as acoustic or infrasonic measurements, observations from phased array radars, and observations from mesonets, with respect to the improvement of tornado forecasts, predictions, and warnings.''.
``(c) <<NOTE:
Examination.>> Innovative Observations.--The Under Secretary shall ensure that the program periodically examines the value of incorporating innovative observations, such as acoustic or infrasonic measurements, observations from phased array radars, and observations from mesonets, with respect to the improvement of tornado forecasts, predictions, and warnings.''.
``(4) evaluating and incorporating, as appropriate, innovative observations, including acoustic or infrasonic measurements.''.
[[Page 136 STAT.
4413]] ``(4) evaluating and incorporating, as appropriate, innovative observations, including acoustic or infrasonic measurements.''.
ESTIMATES OF PRECIPITATION FREQUENCY IN THE UNITED STATES.
<<NOTE:
15 USC 9707.>> ESTIMATES OF PRECIPITATION FREQUENCY IN THE UNITED STATES.
(d) Requirements.-- (1) Coverage.--The NOAA Precipitation Frequency Atlas of the United States shall include such estimates of the frequency of precipitation in the United States as the Administrator determines appropriate.
(d) <<NOTE:
(2) Frequency.--Such estimates-- (A) shall be conducted not less frequently than once every 10 years;
Estimates.>> Requirements.-- (1) Coverage.--The NOAA Precipitation Frequency Atlas of the United States shall include such estimates of the frequency of precipitation in the United States as the Administrator determines appropriate.
(2) Frequency.--Such estimates-- (A) <<NOTE:
Time period.>> shall be conducted not less frequently than once every 10 years;
(3) Publication.--Such estimates and methodologies used to conduct such estimates shall be-- (A) subject to an appropriate, scientific process, as determined by the Administrator;
(3) Publication.--Such estimates and methodologies used to conduct such estimates shall be-- (A) <<NOTE:
and (B) published on a publicly accessible website of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Determination.>> subject to an appropriate, scientific process, as determined by the Administrator;
and [[Page 136 STAT.
4414]] (B) <<NOTE:
Public information.
Web posting.>> published on a publicly accessible website of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
(h) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section, from amounts otherwise authorized to be appropriated to the Administrator to carry out this Act, $3,500,000 for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2030.
(h) <<NOTE:
Time period.>> Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section, from amounts otherwise authorized to be appropriated to the Administrator to carry out this Act, $3,500,000 for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2030.
INTERAGENCY COMMITTEE ON WATER MANAGEMENT AND INFRASTRUCTURE.
<<NOTE:
15 USC 9708.>> INTERAGENCY COMMITTEE ON WATER MANAGEMENT AND INFRASTRUCTURE.
(d) Meetings.--The Water Policy Committee shall meet not less frequently than 6 times each year, at the call of the co-chairs.
(d) <<NOTE:
Time period.>> Meetings.--The Water Policy Committee shall meet not less frequently than 6 times each year, at the call of the co-chairs.
(3) prioritize managing the water resources of the United States and promoting resilience of the water-related infrastructure of the United States, including-- (A) increasing water storage, water supply reliability, and drought resiliency;
[[Page 136 STAT.
4415]] (3) prioritize managing the water resources of the United States and promoting resilience of the water-related infrastructure of the United States, including-- (A) increasing water storage, water supply reliability, and drought resiliency;
(f) Cross-Agency Priority Research Needs.--Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Water Policy Committee shall develop and submit to Congress a list of research needs that includes needs for cross-agency research and coordination.
(f) <<NOTE:
Deadline.
List.>> Cross-Agency Priority Research Needs.--Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Water Policy Committee shall develop and submit to Congress a list of research needs that includes needs for cross-agency research and coordination.
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HYDROLOGIC RESEARCH FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM.
<<NOTE:
15 USC 9709.>> NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HYDROLOGIC RESEARCH FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM.
(3) Institution of higher education.--The term ``institution of higher education'' has the meaning given that term in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C.
(3) Institution of higher education.--The term ``institution of higher education'' has the meaning given that term in section of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C.
(2) Qualified individual.--For purposes of this section, a qualified individual is an individual who is-- (A) a citizen of the United States;
[[Page 136 STAT.
4416]] (2) Qualified individual.--For purposes of this section, a qualified individual is an individual who is-- (A) a citizen of the United States;
(6) Fellowship term.--A fellowship under the program shall be for a period of up to 2 years.
(6) <<NOTE:
(7) Fellowship research priorities.--The Assistant Administrator, in consultation with representatives from the NOAA line offices, the United States Geological Survey, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and the Army Corps of Engineers, as appropriate, shall develop and publish priorities for the conduct of research by fellows, which may include the following:
Time period.>> Fellowship term.--A fellowship under the program shall be for a period of up to 2 years.
(7) <<NOTE:
Publication.>> Fellowship research priorities.-- The Assistant Administrator, in consultation with representatives from the NOAA line offices, the United States Geological Survey, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and the Army Corps of Engineers, as appropriate, shall develop and publish priorities for the conduct of research by fellows, which may include the following:
(c) Direct Hiring.-- (1) Authority.--During fiscal year 2022 and any fiscal year thereafter, the head of any Federal agency may appoint, without regard to the provisions of subchapter I of chapter 33 of title 5, United States Code, other than sections 3303 and 3328 of that title, to a position with the Federal agency a recipient of a fellowship under the program who-- (A) earned a degree from a program described in subsection (b)(2)(B);
(c) Direct Hiring.-- [[Page 136 STAT.
4417]] (1) Authority.--During fiscal year 2022 and any fiscal year thereafter, the head of any Federal agency may appoint, without regard to the provisions of subchapter I of chapter 33 of title 5, United States Code, other than sections 3303 and 3328 of that title, to a position with the Federal agency a recipient of a fellowship under the program who-- (A) earned a degree from a program described in subsection (b)(2)(B);
(2) Exercise of authority.--The direct hire authority provided by this subsection shall be exercised with respect to an individual described in paragraph (1) not later than 2 years after the date on which the individual completed the fellowship under the program.
(2) <<NOTE:
Deadline.>> Exercise of authority.--The direct hire authority provided by this subsection shall be exercised with respect to an individual described in paragraph (1) not later than 2 years after the date on which the individual completed the fellowship under the program.
IDENTIFICATION AND SUPPORT OF CONSISTENT, FEDERAL SET OF FORWARD-LOOKING, LONG-TERM METEOROLOGICAL INFORMATION.
<<NOTE:
15 USC 9710.>> IDENTIFICATION AND SUPPORT OF CONSISTENT, FEDERAL SET OF FORWARD-LOOKING, LONG-TERM METEOROLOGICAL INFORMATION.
GAP ANALYSIS ON AVAILABILITY OF SNOW-RELATED DATA TO ASSESS AND PREDICT FLOOD AND FLOOD IMPACTS.
<<NOTE:
15 USC 9711.>> GAP ANALYSIS ON AVAILABILITY OF SNOW-RELATED DATA TO ASSESS AND PREDICT FLOOD AND FLOOD IMPACTS.
(2) Snow depth.
[[Page 136 STAT.
4418]] (2) Snow depth.
AVAILABILITY TO THE PUBLIC OF FLOOD-RELATED DATA.
<<NOTE:
(a) In General.--The Administrator shall make flood-related data available to the public on the website of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
15 USC 9712.>> AVAILABILITY TO THE PUBLIC OF FLOOD-RELATED DATA.
(a) <<NOTE:
Web posting.>> In General.--The Administrator shall make flood-related data available to the public on the website of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Passed the Senate September 30, 2021.
Approved December 27, 2022.
Attest:
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY--S.
Secretary.
558:
117th CONGRESS 1st Session S.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------- CONGRESSIONAL RECORD:
558 _______________________________________________________________________ AN ACT To establish a national integrated flood information system within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and for other purposes.
Vol.
167 (2021):
Sept.
30, considered and passed Senate.
Vol.
168 (2022):
Dec.
12, considered in House.
Dec.
14, prior proceedings vacated;
considered and passed House.
<all>
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Action History

  1. Signed by President.

  2. Signed by President.

  3. Became Public Law No: 117-316.

  4. Became Public Law No: 117-316.

  5. Presented to President.

  6. Presented to President.

  7. Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 1518, proceedings on S. 558 are considered vacated.

  8. Passed/agreed to in House: Pursuant to section 5 of H. Res. 1518, and the motion offered by Mr. Hoyer, the following bills passed under suspension of the rules: H.R. 1082, as amended; H.R. 5349; H.R. 6218; H.R. 6220; H.R. 6221; H.R. 6611, as amended; H.R. 6630; H.R. 6725; H.R. 7077, agreed to Senate amendment; H.R. 7832; H.R. 8665; S. 558; and S. 789. S. 558; and S. 789.

  9. Pursuant to section 5 of H. Res. 1518, and the motion offered by Mr. Hoyer, the following bills passed under suspension of the rules: H.R. 1082, as amended; H.R. 5349; H.R. 6218; H.R. 6220; H.R. 6221; H.R. 6611, as amended; H.R. 6630; H.R. 6725; H.R. 7077, agreed to Senate amendment; H.R. 7832; H.R. 8665; S. 558; and S. 789. S. 558; and S. 789. (consideration: CR H9803-9810; text: CR H9805-9809)

  10. Mr. Beyer moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.

  11. Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H9653, H9656-9658; text: CR H9653-9656)

  12. DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 558.

  13. 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.

  14. Message on Senate action sent to the House.

  15. Received in the House.

  16. Held at the desk.

  17. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation discharged by Unanimous Consent.

  18. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation discharged by Unanimous Consent.

  19. Measure laid before Senate by unanimous consent. (consideration: CR S6856-6860)

  20. Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent.(text: CR S6857-6860)

  21. Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent. (text: CR S6857-6860)

  22. Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.

  23. Introduced in Senate

  24. Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Sponsors

Sponsorship breakdown

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1 sponsors · 0 co-sponsors · 546 not signed on

Sponsors (1)

Co-sponsors (0)

None.

Not signed on (546)

546 members have not signed on to this bill.

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"Not signed on" means a member has not sponsored or co-sponsored this bill — it does not imply opposition. Members flagged Voted No have a recorded No vote on this bill.

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Frequently asked questions

Who sponsors S 558?
S 558 is sponsored by Wicker, Roger F. (Republican).
What is the current status of S 558?
This bill has been enacted into law. Introduced March 03, 2021. Enacted.
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