Technical corrections only. The later version (v4) adds the name of the Clerk, Kevin F. McCumber, to the attestation section after the bill passed the House of Representatives. No substantive policy changes were made to the bill text itself.
To reauthorize the Integrated Coastal and Ocean Observation System Act of 2009.
- Sponsor
- Rep. Ezell, Mike [R-MS-4]
- Committees
- Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Mar 17, 2026
Bottom line
This bill updates the governance, clarifies the scope, and extends funding for the national system that monitors coastal and ocean conditions, ensuring continued data collection vital for weather forecasting, climate research, and maritime safety.
What it actually does
This bill reauthorizes the Integrated Coastal and Ocean Observation System Act of 2009, making several administrative and substantive updates. It renames the primary oversight body from 'Council' to 'Committee,' explicitly includes 'operational oceanography measurements' within the system's mandate, and requires enhanced regional data sharing collaboration. Crucially, it reauthorizes appropriations for the system at $47,500,000 for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2030.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that the Integrated Coastal and Ocean Observation System (ICOOS) is crucial for national safety, economic prosperity, and environmental stewardship by providing essential data for predicting severe weather, managing coastal resources, and supporting maritime industries. Reauthorization ensures the continuity of these vital services, updates the system to reflect current needs and organizational structures, and strengthens regional data integration.
Opponents contend
No significant opposition is typically raised against the reauthorization of established scientific observation systems like ICOOS, especially when they are deemed critical for public safety and economic interests. Potential concerns, if any, might revolve around the overall level of federal spending or the efficiency of the system's operations, but these are not explicitly addressed in the provided bill text.
The bill is very short and easily digestible, allowing ample time for review and understanding of its provisions.
Section 1(1), 1(2)(A), 1(3)(B)(i)
Renaming the Oversight Body
This provision consistently replaces the term 'Council' with 'Committee' throughout the Integrated Coastal and Ocean Observation System Act of 2009. Specifically, it changes 'National Ocean Research Leadership Council' to 'Ocean Policy Committee' and updates other references to 'Council' to 'Committee.' This change reflects an administrative update to the official name of the coordinating body responsible for the system.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue this change reflects current governmental organizational structures and ensures the legal text aligns with the actual operational name of the coordinating body, improving clarity and administrative efficiency for all involved parties.
Critics contend
No specific opposition is typically raised against this provision as it is an administrative update to reflect current organizational naming conventions without altering the core mission or functions of the system.
Tradeoffs
None apparent, as this is primarily an administrative update to reflect current naming conventions.
Section 1(2)(B) and 1(3)(A)
Clarifying and Expanding Observation Mandate
This provision amends the Act to explicitly include 'operational oceanography measurements' as part of the system's purpose. Additionally, it inserts 'and ocean' after 'weather' in several places within the Act, such as 'weather and ocean' observations. These changes clarify and slightly expand the types of data collected and the overall scope of the system's activities to ensure comprehensive coverage of both atmospheric and marine conditions.
Section 1(3)(B)(ii)
Enhancing Regional Data Sharing Collaboration
This provision adds a new requirement for the Interagency Ocean Observation Committee. It mandates that the Committee develop specific requirements and processes to ensure that regional offices and federally funded projects of its agencies actively collaborate with regional coastal observing systems for data sharing at regional levels. The goal is to improve coordination, integration, and accessibility of data across various entities within the national observation system.
Section 1(4)
Funding Reauthorization for ICOOS
This provision reauthorizes appropriations for the Integrated Coastal and Ocean Observation System Act of 2009. It allocates $47,500,000 for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2030. This ensures continued federal financial support for the system's operations, maintenance, and development over the next five fiscal years, providing stability for its critical functions.
This provision requires the Interagency Ocean Observation Committee to develop requirements and processes for regional offices and federally funded projects of its agencies to collaborate with regional coastal observing systems for data sharing at regional levels.
Section 1(3)(B)(ii)
Why it matters:This is standard legislative practice for amending existing statutes by inserting new text into specific locations. It is a precise way to modify the law rather than an attempt to conceal the provision.
Case for: Supporters argue this strengthens regional data integration, making the overall system more effective and responsive to local needs, and ensuring federal investments in observation lead to broadly accessible and usable data.
Case against: Critics might argue that mandating specific collaboration processes could create administrative burdens or stifle innovation if not implemented flexibly, potentially leading to bureaucratic hurdles rather than seamless data exchange.
Estimated impact: Enhances data utility and accessibility across regional and federal entities, potentially improving localized decision-making, research, and emergency response capabilities.