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H.R.3952 / 117th Congress

NOAA Chief Scientist Act

Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Official summary

Version 53 · Passed House · Jul 27, 2022

NOAA Chief Scientist Act

This bill revises requirements concerning the qualifications and responsibilities of the Chief Scientist in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Specifically, the bill establishes new minimum qualification requirements for the position of the Chief Scientist. It also outlines new responsibilities of the Chief Scientist. For example, the Chief Scientist must follow NOAA's scientific integrity policies and ensure NOAA's employees and contractors adhere to the policies as well. In addition, the Chief Scientist must (1) provide policy and program direction for the science and technology priorities of NOAA, and (2) manage the Office of the Chief Scientist.

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Who introduced it

Rep. Sherrill, Mikie [D-NJ-11] · D–NJ

Committees

  • Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee
  • Natural Resources Committee
  • Science, Space, and Technology Committee
13 cosponsorship records, including any withdrawals

Actions

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  1. Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

  2. Pursuant to section 5 of H. Res. 1254, and the motion offered by Mr. Kildee, the following bills passed under suspension of the rules: H.R. 623, as amended; H.R. 3952, as amended; H.R. 3962, as amended; H.R. 4551; H.R. 5313, as amended; H.R. 6933; H.R. 7132, as amended; H.R. 7361; H.R. 7569; H.R. 7624, as amended; H.R. 7733, as amended; and H.R. 7981, as amended. (consideration: CR H7197-7211, H7219-7220, H7223-7237; text: 07/26/2022 CR H7095)

  3. Passed/agreed to in House: Pursuant to section 5 of H. Res. 1254, and the motion offered by Mr. Kildee, the following bills passed under suspension of the rules: H.R. 623, as amended; H.R. 3952, as amended; H.R. 3962, as amended; H.R. 4551; H.R. 5313, as amended; H.R. 6933; H.R. 7132, as amended; H.R. 7361; H.R. 7569; H.R. 7624, as amended; H.R. 7733, as amended; and H.R. 7981, as amended.(consideration: CR H7197-7211, H7219-7220, H7223-7237; text: 07/26/2022 CR H7095)

  4. Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 1254, proceedings on H.R. 3952 are considered vacated.

  5. 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.

  6. DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 3952.

  7. Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H7095-7097)

  8. Mr. Beyer moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.

  9. Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 284.

  10. Committee on Natural Resources discharged.

  11. Committee on Natural Resources discharged.

  12. Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. H. Rept. 117-373, Part I.

  13. Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. H. Rept. 117-373, Part I.

  14. Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.

  15. Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.

  16. Referred to the Subcommittee on Water, Oceans, and Wildlife.

  17. Referred to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, and in addition to the Committee on Natural Resources, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

  18. Referred to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, and in addition to the Committee on Natural Resources, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

  19. Introduced in House

  20. Introduced in House

Bill text & related measures

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Related bills identified by Congress.gov

Source last updated: Sep 8, 2026. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.

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Analyze H.R.3952 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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