PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Referred to the Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands.
Congressional Research Service
Version 36 · Passed House amended · Oct 26, 1993
National Biological Survey Act of 1993 - Establishes in the Department of the Interior the National Biological Survey (NBS) office to provide a national focus for research on, inventorying, and monitoring of U.S. biological resources on an ecosystem basis. (Sec. 3) Includes among NBS functions: (1) plant, fish, and wildlife research; (2) ecosystem monitoring; (3) information dissemination; (4) collection and analysis of resource distribution, trends, and health; and (5) cooperative domestic and international activities, including those relating to biological diversity. Limits NBS authority to accept real property. Requires NBS project peer review to include review by independent referees and consideration of all relevant data. Provides for the continued performance of local-interest research. (Sec. 5) Establishes a National Biological Survey Science Council. (Sec. 6) Prohibits NBS information gathering activities on private land unless the owner has consented in writing and been notified. Requires that any data from the property be made available at no cost. Requires NBS to develop related policy guidelines for its employees and agents. Exempts owners from civil liability for related injuries to NBS personnel. Prohibits NBS use of such information unless the owner is given access to and opportunity to dispute its accuracy. Requires NBS to notify specified State and county committees of intended entry on non-Federal property over which they maintain agricultural-related responsibilities. (Sec. 7) Defines "biological resources" to mean plants, fish, invertebrates, and wildlife. (Sec. 9) Authorizes FY 1994 and 1995 appropriations. (Sec. 10) Provides for compliance with the Buy American Act. Prohibits contracts with an entity that has made fraudulent use of "Made in America" labels. States that the NBS shall: (1) not affect State authority over fish and wildlife management; and (2) maintain levels of scientific research, including migratory bird programs.
People & committees
Rep. Studds, Gerry E. [D-MA-10] · D–MA
Legislative record
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Referred to the Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands.
Received in the Senate and read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 255 - 165 (Roll no. 530).
House roll call 530 · Individual votesPassed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 255 - 165 (Roll no. 530).
House roll call 530 · Individual votesThe House adopted the amendment in the nature of a substitute as agreed to by the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union.
The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
The House rose from the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union to report H.R. 1845.
The House resolved into Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for further consideration.
Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H8461-8484)
Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union rises leaving H.R. 1845 as unfinished business.
LIMITATION OF DEBATE - Mr. Studds asked unanimous consent that all debate on the Taylor amendment and all amendments thereto, end at 6 p.m. Agreed to without objection.
GENERAL DEBATE - The Committee of the Whole proceeded with one hour and fifteen minutes of general debate.
The Speaker designated the Honorable Patsy T. Mink to act as Chairwoman of the Committee.
House resolved itself into the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union pursuant to H. Res. 262 and Rule XXIII.
Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 1845 with 1 hour of general debate. Previous question shall be considered as ordered without intervening motions except motion to recommit with or without instructions. In lieu of the committee amendments now printed in the bill, it shall be in order to consider as an original bill for the purpose of amendment under the five-minute rule the amendment in the nature of a substitute printed in the report of the Committee on Rules accompanying this resolution. Measure will be read by section. Bill is open to amendments.
Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 262. (consideration: CR H7474-7509)
Rule H. Res. 262 passed House.
Rules Committee Resolution H. Res. 262 Reported to House. Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 1845 with 1 hour of general debate. Previous question shall be considered as ordered without intervening motions except motion to recommit with or without instructions. In lieu of the committee amendments now printed in the bill, it shall be in order to consider as an original bill for the purpose of amendment under the five-minute rule the amendment in the nature of a substitute printed in the report of the Committee on Rules accompanying this resolution. Measure will be read by section. Bill is open to amendments.
Joint Hearings Held by the Subcommittee on Technology, Environment and Aviation and the Subcommittee on Investigations and Oversight, after the Committee was Discharged.
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 130.
Committee on Science, Space and Technology discharged.
Committee on Science, Space and Technology discharged.
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 103-193, Part II.
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 103-193, Part II.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Technology, Environment and Aviation.
House Committee on Science, Space and Technology Granted an extension for further consideration ending not later than Sept. 10, 1993.
House Committee on Natural Resources Granted an extension for further consideration ending not later than Sept. 10, 1993.
Joint Hearings Held by the Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands and by the Subcommittee on Environment and Natural Resources Prior to Referral (Jul 15, 93).
Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
Referred jointly and sequentially to the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology for a period ending not later than July 30, 1993 for consideration of such provisions of the bill and amendment as fall within the jurisdiction of the commitee pursuant to clause 1(r) of rule X.
Referred jointly and sequentially to the House Committee on Natural Resources for a period ending not later than July 30, 1993 for consideration of such provisions of the bill and amendment as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee pursuant to clause 1(n) of rule X.
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries. H. Rept. 103-193, Part I.
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries. H. Rept. 103-193, Part I.
Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee (Amended).
Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
Joint Hearings Held by the Subcommittee on Environment and Natural Resources and by Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands.
Executive Comment Requested from Interior.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Environment and Natural Resources.
Referred to the House Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries.
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E1018)
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Sep 8, 2026. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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Analyze H.R.1845 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.
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