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House Science Committee approves reauthorization of National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program
Summary
The House Science Committee adopted amendments and ordered HR 3168, the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program Reauthorization Act of 2025, favorably reported after votes to add agencies and strengthen early warning coordination; members highlighted funding to finish a national seismic system.
The House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology on Thursday adopted an amendment to HR 3168 that expands the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program to include the National Science Foundation, the National Institute of Standards and Technology and the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and ordered the bill favorably reported to the House.
Committee Chair Babin introduced the amendment in the nature of a substitute and said it "amends the underlying bill to include the National Science Foundation, the National Institute of Standards and Technology, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency to the reauthorization of the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program." He described the changes as technical and conforming and urged support.
The bill drew bipartisan backing from members representing seismically active states. "For Alaska, that coordination has shown results," Rep. Begich said, urging passage and noting the legislation dedicates "at least $30,000,000 a year" through fiscal year 2030 to finish an advanced national seismic system and expand ShakeAlert. Rep. Gallagher of California described the bill as critical for early warning and for helping hospitals and other facilities meet costly seismic retrofit needs.
Members approved several amendments by voice vote. Rep. Webster’s amendment directed NASA to consult with USGS and FAA on leveraging earthquake monitors for detecting atmospheric re-entry events; Rep. Bonamici secured amendments requiring NIST to complete a national earthquake risk assessment and directing FEMA, USGS and the FCC to shore up ShakeAlert delivery pathways and timeliness.
The committee adopted the amendment in the nature of a substitute as amended and, by voice vote, ordered HR 3168 favorably reported to the House; the record does not contain a roll-call tally. The chair asked staff to make technical and conforming changes and laid the motion to reconsider on the table.
Next steps: The bill, as amended, is now on the House calendar for further consideration. The committee allowed two calendar days for members to submit supplemental or minority views.
