Detailed Summary

Oceans and Human Health Reauthorization Act of 2009 - Amends the Oceans and Human Health Act to expand the interagency oceans and human health research program to include coasts and the Great Lakes and to direct the President, through the National Science and Technology Council, to deliver information, products, and services to reduce public health risks, including those related to climate change, and enhance health benefits from the ocean. Revises the program's scope.

Requires (current law authorizes) establishment of an oceans and human health advisory panel to assist in the development and implementation of the Oceans and Human Health Initiative.

Revises the focus areas of centers of excellence that strengthen the capabilities of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to carry out its activities related to the ocean's role in human health.

Requires extramural research grants under existing provisions to support research to improve understanding of processes within the ocean that may affect human and marine animal health and to explore the potential contribution of marine organisms to medicine and research.

Authorizes establishment of a competitive program to recognize highly distinguished external scientists in any area of oceans and human health research and to involve those scientists in collaborative work with NOAA's Oceans and Human Health Initiative.

Revises requirements for dissemination of information, and for reporting on the results of the research, assessments, and findings, developed under the Initiative.

Extends funding to carry out the Initiative.

Status of the Legislation

Latest Major Action: 6/11/2009: Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Points in Favor

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Points Against

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