S-376 : Still Just a Bill


Drought Information Act of 2013 - Amends the National Integrated Drought Information System Act of 2006 to specify that: (1) the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere shall continue to support the National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS) Program, and (2) the program's purpose shall be to better inform and provide for more timely decisionmaking to reduce drought related impacts and costs.

Revises NIDIS functions to require the NIDIS to, among other things: (1) provide certain information, forecasts, and assessments described in the Act on both national and regional levels; (2) build upon existing forecasting and assessment programs and partnerships, such as those with specified programs of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), extension system and economist offices of the Department of Agriculture (USDA), the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, and the Farm Service Agency; and (3) continue ongoing research activities related to drought and the role of extreme weather events and climate variability in drought.

Requires the Under Secretary to provide a report to Congress concerning the NIDIS Program that includes a list of persons in the private sector with whom the Under Secretary collaborates on NIDIS implementation and a description of NIDIS outreach activities.

Authorizes appropriations to carry out the Act through FY2018.

Action Timeline

Action DateTypeTextSource
2014-02-04FloorHeld at the desk.House floor actions
2014-02-04FloorMessage on Senate action sent to the House.Senate
2014-02-04FloorReceived in the House.House floor actions
2014-02-03FloorPassed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent. (text: CR S704)Senate
2014-02-03FloorThe committee substitute as amended agreed to by Unanimous Consent. (text of committee substitute: CR S703-704)Senate
2014-02-03FloorMeasure laid before Senate by unanimous consent. (consideration: CR S703-704)Senate
2013-10-28CalendarsPlaced on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 222.Senate
2013-10-28CommitteeCommittee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Reported by Senator Rockefeller with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. With written report No. 113-114.Senate
2013-07-30CommitteeCommittee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.Senate
2013-02-25IntroReferralRead twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.Senate
2013-02-25IntroReferralIntroduced in SenateLibrary of Congress

Policy Area :

Science, Technology, Communications
Related Subjects
  • Atmospheric science and weather
  • Congressional oversight
  • Emergency planning and evacuation
  • Farmland
  • Government information and archives
  • Natural disasters
  • Public-private cooperation
  • Water use and supply
Related Geographic Entities
Related Organizations

Related Bills

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