The Daily Astorian - Bonamici's Tsunami Bills to Receive Hearing Thursday

News Article

Both of Rep. Suzanne Bonamici's proposed tsunami debris bills will get a hearing this week. On Thursday, the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife, Oceans and Insular Affairs will hear testimony from Bonamici on the importance of the tsunami legislation. After the hearing, the committee will determine whether to mark-up and vote on the legislation.

The Debris Cleanup Reimbursement Act would give the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration the authority to use the $5 million provided to the U.S. government by the government of Japan for the purpose of assisting state, local and tribal governments with funding marine debris cleanup activities they have already undertaken, in response to the tsunami that struck Japan in March 2011.

The Marine Debris Emergency Act would help communities that have been impacted by a "severe marine debris event" secure federal assistance. The bill would expedite the current grant award process made through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Marine Debris Program and give preference in these grants to communities facing severe debris events.

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