Opening Statement:
Full Committee Markup of:
H.R. 3168, National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program Reauthorization Act of 2025 - favorably reported to the House by voice vote
The National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program Reauthorization Act of 2026 reauthorizes NEHRP through FY 2031 and modernizes federal efforts to improve earthquake monitoring, early warning capabilities, hazard mapping, and seismic resilience. It also strengthens coordination among federal agencies and with state, local, and Tribal partners.
- Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute (ANS) to H.R. 3168, offered by Rep. Babin (R-TX) - passed by voice vote
Makes conforming and technical changes to the bill. - Amendment #049 to the ANS to H.R. 3168, offered by Rep. Webster (R-FL) - passed by voice vote
Coordinate with the Administrators of the FAA and NASA to study the feasibility of using earthquake monitor data to detect sonic booms caused by meteorites or uncontrolled space debris reentering Earth's atmosphere. - Amendment #116 to the ANS to H.R. 3168, offered by Rep. Bonamici (D-OR) - passed by voice vote
Directs NIST to conduct a national risk assessment of earthquake resilience gaps and progress with interagency, state, local, and Tribal partners. - Amendment #117 to the ANS to H.R. 3168, offered by Rep. Bonamici (D-OR) - passed by voice vote
Directs FEMA to evaluate the reliability and timeliness of earthquake early warning communications and provide recommendations.
H.R. 8437, Geo POWER Act - favorably reported to the House by voice vote
The Geo POWER Act establishes a milestone-based demonstration program to accelerate next-generation geothermal energy projects in new regions across the United States. The bill uses innovative financing to reduce project risk, attract private investment, and expand reliable domestic geothermal electricity generation.
- Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute (ANS) to H.R. 8437, offered by Rep. Begich (R-AK) - passed by voice vote
Makes conforming and technical changes to the bill. - Amendment #114 to the ANS to H.R. 8437, offered by Rep. Bonamici (D-OR) - passed by voice vote
Directs DOE to report on technical and financial milestones of selected projects and describe the innovative financing mechanisms used under the Program. - Amendment #115 to the ANS to H.R. 8437, offered by Rep. Bonamici (D-OR) - passed by voice vote
Includes geothermal projects sited where DOE has previously invested in EGS data collection and infrastructure in Program priority criteria.
H.R. 9326, USA Act - favorably reported to the House by voice vote
The USA Act strengthens American leadership in setting international technical standards for artificial intelligence and other critical and emerging technologies. It promotes a private sector-led approach, improves federal coordination, and helps ensure U.S. companies—not foreign competitors—shape the rules governing the technologies of the future.
- Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute (ANS) to H.R. 9326, offered by Rep. Webster (R-FL) - passed by voice vote
Makes conforming and technical changes to the bill. - Amendment #087 to the ANS to H.R. 9326, offered by Rep. Foushee (D-NC) - passed by voice vote
To increase the participation of U.S. stakeholders in the standards development process. - Amendment #086 to the ANS to H.R. 9326, offered by Rep. Foushee (D-NC) - passed by voice vote
To safeguard sensitive information against improper release - Amendment #113 to the ANS to H.R. 9326, offered by Rep. Bonamici (D-OR) - passed by voice vote
Includes an assessment and recommendations to address barriers for small- and medium-sized business, universities, and nonprofits to participate in AI standards development in briefing elements. - Amendment #112 to the ANS to H.R. 9326, offered by Rep. Bonamici (D-OR) - passed by voice vote
Includes consideration of entities that support improved access to participation in standards development meetings in NIST grant decisions.
H.R. 8981, Standards and Calibration for American Leadership in Engineering Biology Act - passed by voice vote
The Standards and Calibration for American Leadership in Engineering Biology (SCALE Biology) Act establishes a biometrology program at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to advance measurement science, technical standards, and research for engineering biology, biomanufacturing, and biotechnology. The bill aims to strengthen U.S. leadership in the bioeconomy by improving the reliability of biological data, supporting innovation and industrial competitiveness, and promoting the safe, secure, and responsible development of biotechnology.
- Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute (ANS) to H.R. 8981, offered by Rep. McClain Delaney (D-MD) - passed by voice vote
Makes conforming and technical changes to the bill. - Amendment #104 to the ANS to H.R. 8981, offered by Rep. McClain Delaney (D-MD) - withdrawn
This amendment would authorize funding for the biometrology program established by the bill.