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* Questions have been raised by some in the academic community 

 about the fairness of NURP's current research grant peer review 

 and distribution process. Are these questions legitimate? If 

 so, what changes are necessary? 



* Is NURP's current level of funding (about $16,000,000 in FY 

 93) adequate to meet the needs of the U.S. civilian undersea 

 research community? 



* The National Science Foundation spends about $160 million per 

 year on oceanographic research and Sea Grant spends about $40 

 million per year on research and extension activities. Is NURP's 

 funding adequate in comparison with these progrsuns? What is an 

 adequate level of funding? 



* Does Congress need to establish NURP by Statute? 



* Is the current NURP program functioning properly? Does the 

 program need a statute framework? If so, what should that 

 framework be? 



