S. 346 · 115th Congress
National Volcano Early Warning and Monitoring System Act
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Passed the Senate without a recorded vote, then expired. It passed by voice vote or unanimous consent, which don't record how each member voted, but didn't become law before the 115th Congress ended.
2 cosponsors · 2 D
2 signed on when it was introduced; the rest joined later. Cosponsors who withdrew aren't shown.
- Senate Introduced Feb 8, 2017
- Senate Passed May 17, 2018
The purposes of the system are to: (1) organize, modernize, standardize, and stabilize the monitoring systems of U.S. volcano observatories; and (2) unify such systems into a single interoperative system. The objective of the system is to monitor all U.S.
What it does: CRS summary · Passed Senate amended · May 17, 2018
National Volcano Early Warning and Monitoring System Act
(Sec. 3) This bill directs the United States Geological Survey (USGS) to establish the National Volcano Early Warning and Monitoring System to monitor, issue warnings of, and protect U.S. citizens from undue and avoidable harm from, volcanic activity.
The purposes of the system are to: (1) organize, modernize, standardize, and stabilize the monitoring systems of U.S. volcano observatories; and (2) unify such systems into a single interoperative system. The objective of the system is to monitor all U.S. volcanoes at a level commensurate with the threat posed by the volcanoes by: (1) upgrading existing networks on monitored volcanoes, (2) installing new networks on unmonitored volcanoes, and (3) employing geodetic and other components when applicable.
The system shall include: (1) a national volcano watch office that is operational 24 hours a day and 7 days a week, (2) a national volcano data center, (3) an external grants program to support research in volcano monitoring science and technology, and (4) modernization activities including the comprehensive application of emerging technologies.
The USGS must: (1) submit to Congress a five-year management plan for establishing and operating the system, (2) establish an advisory committee to assist in implementing the system, and (3) report to Congress annually describing the activities carried out under this bill.
The USGS may enter into cooperative agreements designating institutions of higher education and state agencies as volcano observatory partners for the system.
(Sec. 4) The bill authorizes appropriations for FY2019-FY2023.
Written by the nonpartisan Congressional Research Service. All summary versions on Congress.gov
About this bill and sources
Official title: National Volcano Early Warning and Monitoring System Act
Latest action (May 21, 2018): Held at the desk.
Policy area: Emergency Management · Origin: Senate · Introduced: Feb 8, 2017
Official page on Congress.gov · Bill text (GovInfo) · Status record (XML)
- Senate Introduced Feb 8, 2017
- Senate Passed May 17, 2018
No recorded floor vote found.