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costs and widely dispersed benefits. But the benefits are real. 

 NOAA' s work enhances future opportunities for U.S. citizens, 

 promotes a healthy U.S. economy, protects our environment, and 

 fosters the sustainable use of our natural resources. What are 

 the next steps? I believe that we need action now, and am 

 prepared to sit down with our partners in government, Congress, 

 private industry and academia to set priorities. Jack Botzan 

 says that we are in the third wave of oceanography, and new 

 partnerships are the key. I strongly support that, and want to 

 help make it happen. 



I mentioned earlier that the Nation has benefited from the vision 

 of the Stratton Commission 25 years ago, but that a full 

 realization of that vision can only come about through a renewed 

 commitment to the development of a coherent national ocean 

 agenda. I also mentioned that ocean issues are more critical now 

 than they were 25 years ago. The critical resources of the ocean 

 are being depleted, and there is much to learn about the role of 

 the oceans in regulating climate. 



Rightfully, Congress is struggling to reduce or eliminate the 

 federal budget deficit and not burden future generations with 

 debt. Yet I urge Congress to ensure that we do not, in the 

 process of correcting fiscal woes, burden future generations with 

 other grave problems that can only be prevented by sound 

 investments to build the foundation for sustainable development. 

 Knowledge and understanding of the oceans will be vital to their 

 ability to solve problems they will encounter in the 21st 

 Century. I believe that Congress, federal 

 agencies, state agencies, academia, and non-governmental 

 organizations m.ust work together to improve our vision of and 

 infrastructure to deal with ocean issues. Beyond that, we must 

 work jointly to execute this vision in furtherance of the 

 national defense and the general welfare of our Nation. 



Thank you, Messrs. Chairmen. This concludes my testimony. I 

 will be pleased to answer any questions you may have. 



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