§2441 Federal Agency Cooperation

Summary

Requires the head of the National Science Foundation to keep supporting basic research on the Antarctic marine ecosystem as part of the U.S. Antarctic Program, after talking with the Secretary of State and other agencies. Makes the Secretary of Commerce responsible for planning and running a focused research program that supplements and coordinates with the U.S. Antarctic Program, after consulting with NSF, the Secretary of State, and other federal officials. Allows the Secretary of Commerce and the NSF director, with the Secretary of State, to provide staff and facilities to the Commission to help its work. Tells the Secretary of Commerce, working with the Secretary of State, NSF, and others, to prepare a plan (updated every year) for each three‑fiscal‑year period between October 1, 1985 and September 30, 1991. The plan must say which research is most needed, which needs the United States will carry out, and the research design plus the money, people, and facilities required, including any extra ship capacity. Commerce must seek productive results, avoid duplicate work, and include ways to monitor and evaluate projects. The plan must be sent to Congress every year; the part for fiscal years 1986–1988 was due by October 1, 1985, and each later three‑year part is due by February 1 before the first fiscal year it covers. The Secretary of State, Secretary of Commerce, and NSF director must consult, as appropriate, with the Marine Mammal Commission and other agencies. The Department of Homeland Security must help plan icebreakers for Antarctic research (design, buying, upkeep, deployment, and operation). All funds needed for icebreaking operations go to the U.S. Coast Guard, except for recurring extra costs tied to specific projects.