PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Referred to the Subcommittee on Environment, Technology, and Standards.
Congressional Research Service
Version 35 · Passed Senate amended · Mar 24, 2004
Oceans and Human Health Act - (Sec. 2) Provides for coordination and support of Federal interagency ocean science programs, including research on and monitoring of the role of oceans in human health.
(Sec. 3) Directs the President, through the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC), to coordinate and support a national interagency oceans in human health research program to improve understanding of the role of oceans in human health.
Directs the NSTC to submit to Congress a plan for coordinated action under the national research program. Requires the NSTC to report annually to the President and Congress on program activities.
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(Sec. 4) Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce (Secretary), as part of the interagency program , to establish an Oceans and Human Health Initiative to coordinate and implement NOAA research and activities related to the role of the oceans, the coasts, and the Great Lakes in human health. Authorizes the Secretary to establish an advisory panel. Authorizes the Secretary to provide financial assistance to: (1) one or more national centers of excellence to strengthen NOAA's oceans and human health programs and activities; and (2) support distinguished scholars from academic institutions, industry, State governments, or other Federal agencies for collaborative work with NOAA scientists and facilities. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) provide grants for critical research and projects on oceans and human health; and (2) establish an oceans in human health traineeship program for scientists at the beginning of their careers.
(Sec. 5) Directs the Secretary to design and implement a national information and outreach program on potential ocean-related human health risks, including those associated with seafood.
(Sec. 6) Authorizes appropriations to the Secretary for: (1) FY 2005 through 2008, for the NOAA Oceans and Human Health Initiative; and (2) FY 2005 through 2007, for the public information and outreach program on potential ocean-related human health risks.
People & committees
Sen. Hollings, Ernest F. [D-SC] · D–SC
Legislative record
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Referred to the Subcommittee on Environment, Technology, and Standards.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Health, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Chairman.
Referred to the Committee on Science, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, 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.
Referred to the Committee on Science, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, 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.
Referred to the Committee on Science, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, 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.
Message on Senate action sent to the House.
Received in the House.
Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent.
Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent.
The committee substitute as amended agreed to by Unanimous Consent.
Measure laid before Senate by unanimous consent. (consideration: CR S3110-3115; text of measure as reported in Senate: CR S3110-3113)
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 403.
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Reported by Senator McCain with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. With written report No. 108-203.
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Reported by Senator McCain with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. With written report No. 108-203.
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. (text of measure as introduced: CR S7623-7625)
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S7621-7623)
Introduced in Senate
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Sep 8, 2026. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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