PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Congressional Research Service
Version 82 · Passed Senate without amendment · Nov 16, 2004
(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The expanded summary of the Senate reported version is repeated here.)
National Ocean Exploration Program Act - (Sec. 2) Directs the Secretary of Commerce to establish within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) a coordinated national ocean exploration program.
(Sec. 4) Directs the Administrator of NOAA, in carrying out the program, to: (1) conduct interdisciplinary exploration voyages; (2) give priority attention to deep ocean regions, with a focus on surveying deep water marine systems; (3) promote development of oceanographic research, communication, and data collections systems; (4) conduct public education and outreach activities that improve public understanding of ocean science; and (5) establish an ocean exploration forum.
Showing the opening paragraphs of the official summary.
(Sec. 5) Requires NOAA to convene an ocean technology and infrastructure task force to develop and implement a strategy to: (1) facilitate the transfer of new exploration technology to the program; (2) improve the availability of communications infrastructure (including satellite) to the program; (3) develop a data management information processing system for information obtained under the program; and (4) encourage cost-sharing partnerships with governmental and non-governmental entities to assist in transferring exploration technology and technical expertise to the program.
(Sec. 6) Authorizes NOAA, the National Science Foundation, and other Federal agencies involved in the program to participate in interagency financing in carrying out program activities.
(Sec. 7) Authorizes appropriations from FY 2005 through 2016.
People & committees
Sen. Stevens, Ted [R-AK] · R–AK
Legislative record
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Held at the desk.
Received in the House.
Message on Senate action sent to the House.
Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S11389-11390; text as passed Senate: CR S11389-11390)
Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent.(consideration: CR S11389-11390; text as passed Senate: CR S11389-11390)
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 791.
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Reported by Senator McCain without amendment. With written report No. 108-400.
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Reported by Senator McCain without amendment. With written report No. 108-400.
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S3632-3633)
Introduced in Senate
Primary sources
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No related bills are listed in this snapshot. This does not establish whether the proposal has appeared in earlier Congresses.
Source last updated: Sep 8, 2026. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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