Results for

  • Inland Waters Security Review Act

    HR #4402 | Last Action: 12/9/2019
    Inland Waters Security Review Act This bill directs the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to submit to Congress an inland waters threat analysis that includes current and potential terrorism and criminal threats, security challenges and mitigation efforts, vulnerabilities that hinder effective security, counterterrorism, anti-trafficking efforts, and trade flow in inland waters, and metrics and performance measures. In preparing the threat analysis, DHS shall consider * technology and personnel needs and challenges; * the roles of state, local, tribal, and territorial law enforcement, as well as private sector partners and the public, relating to inland waters security; * the need for cooperation among federal, state, local, tribal, territorial, and international partner law enforcement, as well as private sector partners and the public, relating to such security; and * the challenges posed by geography with respect to such security.
  • Commemorating the unofficial start of the inland waterway system navigation season and the role of the Corps of Engineers in facilitating access and increasing efficiencies in the American agricultural and trade economy.

    HRES #484 | Last Action: 7/11/2019
    This resolution (1) recognizes the start of the inland waterway system navigation season, (2) acknowledges the work of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in maintaining the inland waterway system as vital to the nation's economy, (3) recognizes that more than 78% of the locks and dams operated by the Corps on the system are well beyond their 50-year design life, and (4) expresses that investment in the inland waterway system is needed and would significantly impact the competitiveness of American commodities in international markets.
  • Honoring Our WWII Merchant Mariners Act of 2019

    HR #154 | Last Action: 1/3/2019
    Honoring Our WWII Merchant Mariners Act of 2019 This bill distributes a payment of $25,000 to U.S. merchant marines who engaged in qualified service during World War II. To be eligible, an individual must apply for the benefit and must not have received benefits under the Servicemen's Readjustment Act of 1944. The bill sets forth what constitutes qualified service, including time frame of service and licensing requirements.
  • Marine Energy Research and Development Act of 2019

    S #1821 | Last Action: 6/12/2019
    Marine Energy Research and Development Act of 2019 This bill directs the Water Power Technologies Office of the Department of Energy (DOE) to carry out a program to accelerate the introduction of marine energy production into the United States energy supply while fostering accelerated research, development, demonstration, and commercial application of technology, including programs to to identify and study critical short- and long-term needs to create a sustainable marine energy supply chain based in the United States. DOE must award grants to institutions of higher education for (1) the continuation and expansion of research, development, and testing activities at National Marine Energy Centers established as of January 1, 2019; and (2) the establishment of new centers. DOE must also conduct a study to examine opportunities for research and development in advanced marine energy technologies to (1) support the maritime transportation sector to enhance job creation, economic development, and competitiveness; (2) support associated maritime energy infrastructure; and (3) enable scientific missions at sea and in extreme environments, including the Arctic.
  • Water Power Research and Development Act

    HR #6084 | Last Action: 3/4/2020
    Water Power Research and Development Act This bill directs the Department of Energy (DOE) to carry out programs of research, development, demonstration, and commercial application for water power technologies, hydropower, and marine energy technologies. Additionally, DOE must award grants to institutions of higher education for the continuation and expansion of research and development at the National Marine Energy Centers and the establishments of new centers.
  • Marine Energy Research and Development Act of 2019

    HR #3203 | Last Action: 6/11/2019
    Marine Energy Research and Development Act of 2019 This bill directs the Water Power Technologies Office of the Department of Energy to carry out a program to accelerate the introduction of marine energy production into the United States energy supply while fostering accelerated research, development, demonstration, and commercial application of technology, including programs to to identify and study critical short- and long-term needs to create a sustainable marine energy supply chain based in the United States.
  • Water Resources Development Act of 2020

    HR #7575 | Last Action: 7/29/2020
    Water Resources Development Act of 2020 This bill modifies water resources infrastructure funding and addresses Army Corps of Engineers projects for navigation, flood damage reduction, and ecosystem restoration. The bill removes certain funds appropriated for harbor operations and maintenance from annual discretionary spending limits. This allows additional funds to be appropriated for these purposes without the amounts counting against annual discretionary spending limits. Further, the bill increases the percentage of available funds allocated annually to emerging harbors (i.e., those that handle less than 1 million tons of cargo annually). Additionally, the bill modifies cost-sharing requirements for the construction of inland waterway projects for FY2021-FY2027. Further, the Corps of Engineers must establish a pilot program to address the flood and storm damage risk reduction needs of economically disadvantaged communities. The Corps of Engineers may also construct projects for flood and coastal storm risk management in areas that have had been impacted by repetitive flooding. The Corps of Engineers must also identify any engineering or maintenance defects for levees in the national database. The bill also creates a process to de-authorize projects that are no longer viable for construction and authorizes new projects, including projects for navigation, flood damage reduction, shoreline protection, and ecosystem restoration. In addition, the Government Accountability Office must study (1) consideration by the Corps of Engineers of natural and nature-based features during project planning, (2) mitigation of the impact of water resources development projects, and (3) the operation and maintenance needs of federally authorized harbors and inland harbors.
  • Save Our Seas 2.0: Enhanced Global Engagement to Combat Marine Debris Act

    S #2372 | Last Action: 9/25/2019
    Save Our Seas 2.0: Enhanced Global Engagement to Combat Marine Debris Act This bill directs the Department of State and the President to make efforts to reduce marine debris. The State Department shall implement the U.S. policy to cooperate with foreign governments and the private sector to combat marine debris, which includes support for (1) strengthening systems for processing and reusing waste plastic, (2) developing and using reusable alternatives to disposable plastic products, and (3) deploying technology for capturing value from post-consumer materials and municipal solid waste streams. The President shall direct U.S. representatives to various international bodies to support U.S. marine debris policies. The Environmental Protection Agency is authorized to build partnerships in support such policies. The State Department shall report to Congress on the potential for entering into new agreements or creating a new forum to reduce land-based sources of marine debris and derelict fishing gear.
  • To authorize the Maritime Administrator to use certain appropriated funds to purchase duplicate medals authorized under Merchant Mariners of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2020, and for other purposes.

    HR #8825 | Last Action: 11/30/2020
    This bill authorizes the Maritime Administrator of the Department of Transportation to purchase duplicate medals for U.S. merchant mariners who engaged in qualified service during World War II. To be eligible, a merchant mariner must submit an application to the Maritime Administrator. The bill sets forth what constitutes qualified service, including time frame of service and licensing requirements.
  • Marine Highway Promotion Act

    S #3816 | Last Action: 3/10/2022
  • Marine Oil Spill Prevention Act

    HR #2352 | Last Action: 4/22/2019
    Marine Oil Spill Prevention Act This bill address issues related to preventing and responding to oil spills. Among other things, the bill * requires the Department of the Interior to consult with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) before approving an oil and gas lease program; * authorizes the Department of Commerce to make grants to states to ensure sufficient oil spill planning and response capabilities; * prohibits oil and gas leasing in certain areas of the Eastern Gulf of Mexico Planning Area, the South Atlantic Planning area, and the Straits of Florida Planning Area; * sets forth provisions concerning Coast Guard responsibilities, including designating areas that are at heightened risk of oil spills and implementing measures to ameliorate that risk; * establishes a Gulf Coast Regional Citizens' Advisory Council to advise on facilities and tank vessels; * permits the U.S. Coast Guard or Commerce to request a National Transportation Safety Board investigation of certain accidents occurring in the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS); * establishes inspection fees for OCS facilities; * requires a comprehensive review of NOAA's capacity to respond to oil spills; * directs the Coast Guard to evaluate and validate oil pollution containment and removal methods and technologies; * requires NOAA to carry out a long-term marine environment monitoring and research program for the Gulf of Mexico; and * directs the Coast Guard to publish within 12 hours an Incident Action Plan in response to an oil spill.
  • Merchant Mariners of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2020

    HR #5671 | Last Action: 3/13/2020
    Merchant Mariners of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act of2020 This bill provides for a Congressional Gold Medal to be awarded to the U.S. Merchant Mariners of World War II, in recognition of their service during World War II. Following the award of the medal, it shall be given to the American Merchant Marine Museum, where it shall be available for display and research.
  • Save Our Seas 2.0 Act

    S #1982 | Last Action: 1/13/2020
    Save Our Seas 2.0 Act or the SOS 2.0 Act This bill establishes requirements and incentives to reduce, recycle, and prevent marine debris (e.g., plastics), including requirements to establish a Marine Debris Response Trust Fund, a Marine Debris Foundation, a Genius Prize for Save Our Seas Innovations, a strategy to improve waste management and recycling infrastructure, a Waste Management Revolving Fund for states, a Waste Management Infrastructure Grant program, a Drinking Water Infrastructure Grant program, a Wastewater Infrastructure Grant program, and a Trash-Free Water Grant program.
  • Save Our Seas 2.0: Improving Domestic Infrastructure to Prevent Marine Debris Act

    S #2260 | Last Action: 9/25/2019
    Save Our Seas 2.0: Improving Domestic Infrastructure to Prevent Marine Debris Act This bill seeks to address plastic waste in water by establishing grants and strategies for states, units of local government, Indian tribes, public water systems, nonprofit organizations, and local postconsumer materials management entities.
  • Save Our Seas 2.0: Enhancing the Domestic Marine Debris Response Act

    S #2364 | Last Action: 7/31/2019
    Save Our Seas 2.0: Enhancing the Domestic Marine Debris Response Act This bill generally addresses efforts to reduce marine debris and establishes (1) the Marine Debris Response Trust Fund for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to respond to marine debris events, (2) the Marine Debris Foundation nonprofit organization, and (3) the Genius Prize for Save Our Seas Innovations.
  • Marine Mammal Research and Response Act of 2019

    S #2802 | Last Action: 11/6/2019
    Marine Mammal Research and Response Act of 2019 This bill reauthorizes through FY2025 and generally revises the John H. Prescott Marine Mammal Rescue Assistance Grant Program, including by renaming the program as the John H. Prescott Marine Mammal Rescue and Response Grant Program. The bill also establishes the John H. Prescott Marine Mammal Rescue and Rapid Response Fund for providing emergency financial assistance for certain stranded or entangled marine mammals and otherwise provides support for marine mammals.
  • SOS 2.0 Act

    HR #3969 | Last Action: 7/25/2019
    Save Our Seas 2.0 Act or the SOS 2.0 Act This bill establishes requirements and incentives to reduce, recycle, and prevent marine debris (e.g., plastics), including requirements to establish a Marine Debris Response Trust Fund, a Marine Debris Foundation, a Genius Prize for Save Our Seas Innovations, a strategy to improve waste management and recycling infrastructure, a Waste Management Revolving Fund for states, a Waste Management Infrastructure Grant program, a Drinking Water Infrastructure Grant program, a Wastewater Infrastructure Grant program, and a Trash-Free Water Grant program.
  • Merchant Mariners of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2019

    S #133 | Last Action: 1/15/2019
    Merchant Mariners of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2019 This bill provides for a Congressional Gold Medal to be awarded to the U.S. Merchant Mariners of World War II, in recognition of their service during World War II. Following the award of the medal, it shall be given to the American Merchant Marine Museum, where it shall be available for display and research.
  • America's Water Infrastructure Act of 2020

    S #3591 | Last Action: 11/9/2020
    America's Water Infrastructure Act of 2020 This bill modifies water resources development projects operated by the Army Corps of Engineers and clean water programs operated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The bill modifies cost share requirements for the construction and major rehabilitation of certain inland waterways navigation projects. Additionally, the nonfederal cost share for certain projects may be reduced if a small or disadvantaged community's sustainability would be threatened without the project. Similarly, the Corps of Engineers may recommend a project without national economic development benefits if the project is necessary for an underserved, economically distressed, or rural community's sustainability. The Corps of Engineers must also construct small water storage projects in rural states. The bill authorizes new projects, including projects for ecosystem restoration, flood risk management, and navigation. The bill also establishes programs for the prevention and control of certain invasive species. Additionally, the EPA must provide specified assistance to small and medium publicly owned treatment works. Further, the EPA must award grants to small publicly owned treatment works for activities including those related to improving energy and waste efficiency. The EPA must also award grants to reduce emissions at ports from vessels. Further, the bill reauthorizes through FY2024 the Clean Water State Revolving Fund, which provides financing for water quality infrastructure projects. The bill also reauthorizes through FY2030 the Indian Irrigation Fund, which provides funds to maintain and repair Indian irrigation projects. The Government Accountability Office must report on federal dams and reservoirs in western states.
  • Coastal and Marine Economies Protection Act

    HR #1941 | Last Action: 9/11/2019
    Coastal and Marine Economies Protection Act This bill revises provisions related to oil and gas leasing on the Outer Continental Shelf. (Sec. 2)The Department of the Interior must publicize reports regarding onsite inspections of each facility on the Outer Continental Shelf that is subject to safety and environmental regulations. Interior must also publicize information about each payment made into the Ocean Energy Safety Fund, including the facility name, operator name, and the payment amount. (Sec. 3)The bill prohibits Interior from offering any tract for oil and gas leasing or preleasing in the Atlantic Outer Continental Shelf planning area (North Atlantic, Mid-Atlantic, South Atlantic, and the Straits of Florida) or the Pacific Outer Continental Shelf planning area (Washington/Oregon, Northern California, Central California, and Southern California). (Sec. 4)Interior must collect non-refundable fees from the operators of facilities subject to inspection under this bill, including inspection fees for offshore energy facilities and oil drilling rigs. All fees collected must be deposited into the Ocean Energy Safety Fund. (Sec. 6)Interior must report to Congress on whether this bill poses a risk to national security due to potential increase in dependence on foreign oil. (Sec. 7)The Government Accountability Office must report on the impacts of offshore drilling on coastal communities and coastal economies. (Sec. 8)The bill prohibits conducting geological or geophysical activities in support of oil, gas, or methane hydrate exploration and development in any area located in the North Atlantic, Mid-Atlantic, South Atlantic, and Straits of Florida planning areas of the Outer Continental Shelf. (Sec. 9)The Department of Commerce must conduct a study to determine the potential economic impact of offshore drilling on tourism, commercial fishing, recreational fishing, boating, transportation, and other waterfront-related and coastal-related businesses.
  • To redesignate the Department of the Navy as the Department of the Navy and Marine Corps.

    HR #311 | Last Action: 1/8/2019
    This bill redesignates: (1) the Department of the Navy as the Department of the Navy and Marine Corps, and (2) the Secretary of the Navy as the Secretary of the Navy and Marine Corps. The bill makes similar redesignations with respect to the Department Under Secretary, the Department Assistant Secretaries, and the General Counsel.