WASHINGTON, DC . . . This evening, the House of Representatives passed bipartisan legislation introduced by Rep. Ralph Hall (TX-04), H.R. 2431, the National Integrated Drought Information System Reauthorization Act of 2013. The bill, which passed 365-21, extends authorization of the critical drought-monitoring NIDIS program through 2018. NIDIS was established in 2006 by legislation introduced by Hall. 

“Drought is a continuing challenge that affects most regions of our country, and for significant periods over the last two years more than half the country experienced some degree of drought conditions,” stated Hall. “Drought directly impacts our water supply and agriculture production, can cause widespread wildfires, and can negatively impact tourism.  Constituents of the Fourth District have been personally affected by a season of drought, and while dry spells are nothing new to Texas, it makes it no less difficult. That is why I am pleased the House today passed the reauthorization of the National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS) program.”

Hall continued, “During such difficult economic times, the NIDIS program proactively and effectively works to minimize the personal and economic impacts of drought. Rather than creating a new government bureaucracy, NIDIS represents a collaborative framework between federal, state, and academic partners. It is for these reasons that the NIDIS program enjoys broad support.”

“As Chairman Emeritus of the Science, Space, and Technology Committee, I will continue to work with my Republican colleagues on the Committee and in the House to further responsible measures to address the needs of 4th District constituents, Texans, and Americans across the country.”

The NIDIS program has been highly effective in providing directly accessible, timely information and tools to monitor and predict droughts, assess the potential impacts, and better prepare for and mitigate the effects of droughts.  NIDIS established the U.S. Drought Portal, www.drought.gov, which has become a valuable resource for decision makers at the federal, state, and local levels, and for farmers, businesses and individuals. This website provides current data from weather observations, early warnings about droughts, and support services for managing droughts.  The website includes the U.S. Drought Monitor map, another valuable feature that is updated weekly.

The NIDIS Reauthorization will improve interagency coordination, early warnings, critical data sharing, and decision services related to drought.  The bill encourages further research, monitoring and forecasting, along with further development of regional early warning systems that will help state, local and federal officials, farmers, and water managers better prepare for and respond to drought.

###