To amend the John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act to reauthorize the National Volcano Early Warning and Monitoring System.

Bill Number: H.R. 3176
Origin Chamber: House
Congress: 119th Congress, Session 1
Policy Area: Emergency Management
Status: Passed House
Latest Action: 2025-12-16: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
Last Updated: 2026-07-11T01:39:15Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

This legislation, H.R. 3176, aims to reauthorize and extend funding for the National Volcano Early Warning and Monitoring System (NVEWS), a program established under the John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act. The system provides early warnings and monitoring for volcanic activity to protect public safety and infrastructure.

Key Provisions

Authorization Extension: Reauthorizes the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) to carry out NVEWS activities through fiscal years 2026–2029.
Funding Allocation: Authorizes $470,000 annually for the Secretary of Commerce (overseeing the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or NOAA) to support NVEWS for fiscal years 2026–2029.
Administrative Updates: Replaces specific agency names (USGS and NOAA) with references to their respective Secretaries (of the Interior and Commerce) for broader departmental authority.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

Extends the previous authorization period (originally 2019–2023 for USGS and 2023–2024 for NOAA) to 2026–2029, preventing a lapse in the program.
Shifts from vague funding language ("such sums as may be necessary") to a fixed annual amount of $470,000 for NOAA's involvement, providing more predictable budgeting.
Simplifies references by using "Secretary" instead of naming agencies directly, allowing flexibility in departmental administration without altering core responsibilities.

Potential Impacts

On Government Agencies: Ensures continued operation of NVEWS by USGS and NOAA, enabling sustained monitoring of U.S. volcanoes (e.g., in Alaska, Hawaii, and the Pacific Northwest) with dedicated federal funding.
On Citizens: Enhances public safety by maintaining early warning capabilities, potentially reducing risks from eruptions, ashfall, or lahars (volcanic mudflows) in affected regions.
On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, though improved monitoring could support data-sharing with international partners in volcanic regions like the Pacific Ring of Fire.

Main Stakeholders

Federal Agencies: USGS (under the Department of the Interior) and NOAA (under the Department of Commerce), responsible for implementing and funding the system.
Scientific and Emergency Communities: Volcano researchers, emergency responders, and local governments in volcanic areas (e.g., states like Alaska, California, Hawaii, Oregon, and Washington).
Citizens and Communities: Residents near active volcanoes who benefit from warnings to evacuate or prepare for hazards.
Congress and Taxpayers: Involved in oversight and funding allocation for natural hazard mitigation.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

Legal: Strengthens continuity of an existing federal program without introducing new mandates, aligning with congressional authority over appropriations (Article I, Section 9 of the U.S. Constitution). The fixed funding amount may streamline budget processes but could limit flexibility if costs rise.
Constitutional: No significant challenges; it supports the federal government's role in public safety and disaster preparedness under the Commerce Clause and general welfare provisions.
Political: Represents bipartisan support for science-based hazard mitigation (passed the House in 2025), potentially setting a precedent for targeted reauthorizations of environmental monitoring programs amid budget constraints. No major controversies noted in the bill text.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Begich, Nicholas J. [R-AK-At Large]

Recent Actions

2025-12-16: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
2025-12-15: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
2025-12-15: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H5882)
2025-12-15: Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H5882)
2025-12-15: DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 3176.
2025-12-15: Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H5882-5883)
2025-12-15: Mr. Stauber moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
2025-09-15: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 247.
2025-09-15: Reported by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 119-291.
2025-09-15: Reported by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 119-291.
2025-06-25: Ordered to be Reported by Unanimous Consent.
2025-06-25: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
2025-06-25: Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources Discharged
2025-05-20: Subcommittee Hearings Held
2025-05-13: Referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources.

Bill Versions

An Act To amend the John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act to reauthorize the National Volcano Early Warning and Monitoring System. — issued 2025-12-15 — PDF (4 pages)
To amend the John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act to reauthorize the National Volcano Early Warning and Monitoring System. — issued 2025-05-05 — PDF (2 pages)
An Act To amend the John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act to reauthorize the National Volcano Early Warning and Monitoring System. — issued 2025-12-16 — PDF (2 pages)
To amend the John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act to reauthorize the National Volcano Early Warning and Monitoring System. — issued 2025-09-15 — PDF (4 pages)