North Pacific Research Board Enhancement Act
Sponsored By: Senator Dan Sullivan
In Committee
Summary
Would strengthen governance and funding flexibility for the North Pacific Research Board (NPRB). It would speed funding, add Alaska Native representation, and create an adjustable cap on administrative expenses.
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- Adds a new Board seat for an Alaska Native with personal knowledge of subsistence uses, to be nominated by the NPRB and appointed by the Secretary. Members appointed under the specified seats would serve 3-year terms and may be reappointed once.
- Requires funds under subsection (c)(2) to be made available not later than 14 days after the start of each fiscal year to anchor timely support for NPRB operations and research.
- Sets administrative expenses at "not more than 15 percent" but authorizes the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to increase that cap in years when funding is lower than the previous fiscal year, with priority to continue NPRB operations, maximize funds for research, and maintain grant quality. It would also create a five-year waiver that suspends the 15 percent cap beginning at enactment to allow short-term flexibility.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Faster release of North Pacific funds
If enacted, funds made available under subsection (c)(2) for the North Pacific Research Board would have to be available no later than 14 days after each fiscal year starts. This would aim to reduce delays in Board operations and grant decisions.
New Alaska Native board seat
If enacted, the bill would add one North Pacific Research Board member who must be an Alaska Native with personal knowledge of and direct experience with subsistence uses. That member would be nominated by the Board and appointed by the Secretary. The named seats covered by the change would have three-year terms and may be reappointed once.
Temporary lift of North Pacific admin cap
If enacted, NOAA could suspend or raise the 15% limit on administrative spending that supports the North Pacific Research Board and its grants. The suspension would start on the date of enactment and last five years. For any year when subsection (c)(2) funding falls from the prior year, NOAA could raise the cap that year. NOAA must prioritize keeping the Board running, maximizing funds for research, and maintaining high grant quality. This change would not by itself add new money.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Dan Sullivan
AK • R
Cosponsors
Sen. Murkowski, Lisa [R-AK]
AK • R
Sponsored 1/22/2025
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
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