Stop NOAA Closures Act
Summary
The "Stop NOAA Closures Act" (H.R. 4482) aims to prevent the closure, suspension, or limitation of access to facilities of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). It imposes a moratorium on such actions, with exceptions for emergencies. The bill also requires a report to Congress justifying any future actions regarding NOAA facilities.
Expected Effects
The bill would temporarily prevent NOAA from closing or limiting access to its facilities, providing a period for Congress to review the justification for such actions. After the moratorium, any future closures or limitations would require a report to Congress 30 days in advance. This could lead to greater oversight of NOAA facility management.
Potential Benefits
- Ensures continued operation of NOAA facilities, supporting ongoing research and data collection.
- Provides transparency through required reports to Congress regarding facility closures or limitations.
- Allows for emergency actions to protect personnel safety without being hindered by the moratorium.
- Could prevent disruptions in NOAA services that rely on these facilities.
- May lead to a more thorough evaluation process for facility management decisions.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Could hinder NOAA's ability to efficiently manage its resources and facilities.
- May delay necessary closures or consolidations that could save taxpayer money.
- The reporting requirements could create additional administrative burden for NOAA and other agencies.
- The moratorium could prevent NOAA from adapting to changing needs or priorities.
- Could potentially lead to maintaining underutilized or outdated facilities.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with Congress's power to legislate and oversee government agencies, as granted by Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution, which provides Congress with the power to make all laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into execution the foregoing powers, and all other powers vested by this Constitution in the government of the United States, or in any department or officer thereof. The bill's reporting requirements also support transparency and accountability.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).