PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Congressional Research Service
Version 55 · Passed Senate · Jul 30, 2020
National Landslide Preparedness Act
This bill directs the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) to establish a National Landslide Hazards Reduction Program to identify and understand landslide hazards and risks, reduce losses from landslides, protect communities at risk of landslide hazards, and help improve communication and emergency preparedness.
The USGS shall, among other things
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develop and publish a national strategy for landslide hazards, risk reduction, and response in the United States (including territories);
develop and maintain a publicly accessible national landslide hazard and risk inventory database;
expand the early warning system for debris flow; and
establish emergency response procedures for the rapid deployment of federal scientists, equipment, and services to areas impacted by a significant landslide event.
The USGS may provide grants to research, map, assess, and collect data on landslide hazards.
The National Science Foundation may provide grants to eligible entities for landslide research.
The USGS (1) shall establish the 3D Elevation Program and the 3D Elevation Federal Interagency Coordinating Committee, and (2) may make grants and enter into cooperative agreements to facilitate the improvement of nationwide coverage of 3D elevation data.
People & committees
Sen. Cantwell, Maria [D-WA] · D–WA
Legislative record
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Held at the desk.
Received in the House.
Message on Senate action sent to 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. (text: CR S4644-4647)
Measure laid before Senate by unanimous consent. (consideration: CR S4644-4647)
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 315.
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Reported by Senator Wicker with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. With written report No. 116-165.
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Reported by Senator Wicker with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. With written report No. 116-165.
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.
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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