not pass the Senate. Today, we will discuss the possible framework 

 for establishing NURP by statute. 



Throughout the hearing today, we will examine the NURP pro- 

 gram and the need to continue undersea research to better under- 

 stand ocean and large lake ecosystems as well as our planet as a 

 whole. The subcommittee will also consider the possible need to 

 expand the program. We will attempt to determine whether the 

 current center structure adequately meets our nation's research 

 needs, or if we need to establish additional centers to ensure geo- 

 graphic balance and research exposure. Additionally, we will con- 

 sider the need for more deep submergence research platforms and 

 a national strategy in this important field. 



Congress has recognized the value of NURP for over a decade. I 

 hope this hearing will enlighten us to ways to continue to get the 

 maximum benefit from this program. 



Before I go any further, I would like to welcome the ranking 

 member of this subcommittee, my good friend, Mr. Weldon. I yield 

 to him to make any comments or statements he wishes to share 

 with us today. 



STATEMENT OF HON. CURT WELDON, A U.S. REPRESENTATIVE 



FROM PENNSYLVANIA 



Mr. Weldon. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. To begin with, it is an 

 honor and a pleasure to serve with you. I think we will have an 

 excellent working relationship this session of Congress on issues af- 

 fecting our oceans and undersea research. 



The hearing that you are holding today, which I think is very 

 important, will focus on the National Undersea Research Program. 

 Programs, such as NURP, played a vital role in developing a better 

 understanding of our marine ecosystem. I certainly appreciate your 

 leadership in this area. This includes both global and coastal ocean- 

 ic processes, mineral resources, submersible platform technology, 

 and marine pollution issues. 



While Pennsylvania, my home state, does not have a NURP 

 Center, the New York Bight NURP headquartered at Rutgers Uni- 

 versity in New Jersey has done a very commendable job especially 

 for the Mid Atlantic region in dealing with the issue of sewage 

 sludge and the dumpsite that is 106 miles offshore of New York 

 City. 



I am particularly looking forward to hearing from our witnesses 

 today and learning about the ongoing research underway. Mr. 

 Chairman, I propose that we consider trips for members and staffs 

 to visit some of the sites where ongoing research is taking place. 

 This will provide members of Congress a better understanding of 

 the importance of programs like NURP so that when we have to 

 vote on the House floor, members can't trivialize the importance of 

 the efforts underway through these types of programs. Today's 

 hearing and the excellent panel of witnesses that we have sched- 

 uled for today should serve as a beginning to this process. I want to 

 thank you for holding this hearing. 



I apologize for our colleagues who will be in and out during the 

 afternoon. Besides floor votes, there is a very heavy schedule of 

 work today and tomorrow for the members. You will be seeing us 



