[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 104 (Tuesday, June 15, 2021)]
[House]
[Pages H2761-H2765]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       PROMOTING UNITED GOVERNMENT EFFORTS TO SAVE OUR SOUND ACT

  Ms. NORTON. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the 
bill (H.R. 1144) to amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to 
provide assistance for programs and activities to protect the water 
quality of the Puget Sound, and for other purposes, as amended.
  The Clerk read the title of the bill.
  The text of the bill is as follows:

                               H.R. 1144

       Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
     the United States of America in Congress assembled,

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

       This Act may be cited as the ``Promoting United Government 
     Efforts to Save Our Sound Act'' or the ``PUGET SOS Act''.

     SEC. 2. PUGET SOUND COORDINATED RECOVERY.

       Title I of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 
     U.S.C. 1251 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the 
     following:

     ``SEC. 124. PUGET SOUND.

       ``(a) Definitions.--In this section:
       ``(1) Coastal nonpoint pollution control program.--The term 
     `Coastal Nonpoint Pollution Control Program' means the State 
     of Washington's Coastal Nonpoint Pollution Control Program 
     approved under section 6217 of the Coastal Zone Act 
     Reauthorization Amendments of 1990.
       ``(2) Director.--The term `Director' means the Director of 
     the Program Office.
       ``(3) Federal action plan.--The term `Federal Action Plan' 
     means the plan developed under subsection (c)(3)(B).
       ``(4) International joint commission.--The term 
     `International Joint Commission' means the International 
     Joint Commission established by the Treaty relating to the 
     boundary waters and questions arising along the boundary 
     between the United States and Canada, signed at Washington 
     January 11, 1909, and entered into force May 5, 1910 (36 
     Stat. 2448; TS 548; 12 Bevans 319).
       ``(5) Pacific salmon commission.--The term `Pacific Salmon 
     Commission' means the Pacific Salmon Commission established 
     by the United States and Canada under the Treaty concerning 
     Pacific salmon, with annexes and memorandum of understanding, 
     signed at Ottawa January 28, 1985, and entered into force 
     March 18, 1985 (TIAS 11091; 1469 UNTS 357) (commonly known as 
     the `Pacific Salmon Treaty').
       ``(6) Program office.--The term `Program Office' means the 
     Puget Sound Recovery National Program Office established by 
     subsection (b).
       ``(7) Puget sound action agenda; action agenda.--The term 
     `Puget Sound Action Agenda' or `Action Agenda' means the most 
     recent plan developed by the Puget Sound National Estuary 
     Program Management Conference, in consultation with the Puget 
     Sound Tribal Management Conference, and approved by the 
     Administrator as the comprehensive conservation and 
     management plan for the Puget Sound under section 320.
       ``(8) Puget sound federal leadership task force.--The term 
     `Puget Sound Federal Leadership Task Force' means the Puget 
     Sound Federal Leadership Task Force established under 
     subsection (c).
       ``(9) Puget sound federal task force.--The term `Puget 
     Sound Federal Task Force' means the Puget Sound Federal Task 
     Force established in 2016 under a memorandum of understanding 
     among 9 Federal agencies.
       ``(10) Puget sound national estuary program management 
     conference.--The term `Puget Sound National Estuary Program 
     Management Conference' means the management conference for 
     the Puget Sound convened pursuant to section 320.
       ``(11) Puget sound partnership.--The term `Puget Sound 
     Partnership' means the State agency created under the laws of 
     the State of Washington (section 90.71.210 of the Revised 
     Code of Washington), or its successor agency that has been 
     designated by the Administrator as the lead entity to support 
     the Puget Sound National Estuary Program Management 
     Conference.
       ``(12) Puget sound region.--
       ``(A) In general.--The term `Puget Sound region' means the 
     land and waters in the northwest corner of the State of 
     Washington from the Canadian border to the north to the 
     Pacific Ocean on the west, including Hood Canal and the 
     Strait of Juan de Fuca.
       ``(B) Inclusion.--The term `Puget Sound region' includes 
     all watersheds that drain into the Puget Sound.
       ``(13) Puget sound tribal management conference.--The term 
     `Puget Sound Tribal Management Conference' means the 20 
     treaty Indian tribes of western Washington and the Northwest 
     Indian Fisheries Commission.
       ``(14) Salish sea.--The term `Salish Sea' means the network 
     of coastal waterways on the west coast of North America that 
     includes the Puget Sound, the Strait of Georgia, and the 
     Strait of Juan de Fuca.
       ``(15) Salmon recovery plans.--The term `Salmon Recovery 
     Plans' means the recovery plans for salmon and steelhead 
     species approved by the Secretary of the Interior under 
     section 4(f) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 that are 
     applicable to the Puget Sound region.
       ``(16) State advisory committee.--The term `State Advisory 
     Committee' means the advisory committee established by 
     subsection (d).
       ``(17) Treaty rights at risk initiative.--The term `Treaty 
     Rights at Risk Initiative' means the report from the treaty 
     Indian tribes of western Washington entitled `Treaty Rights 
     At Risk: Ongoing Habitat Loss, the Decline of the Salmon 
     Resource, and Recommendations for Change' and dated July 14, 
     2011, or its successor report that outlines issues and offers 
     solutions for the protection of Tribal treaty rights, 
     recovery of salmon habitat, and management of sustainable 
     treaty and nontreaty salmon fisheries, including through 
     Tribal salmon hatchery programs.
       ``(b) Puget Sound Recovery National Program Office.--
       ``(1) Establishment.--There is established in the 
     Environmental Protection Agency a Puget Sound Recovery 
     National Program Office, to be located in the State of 
     Washington.
       ``(2) Director.--
       ``(A) In general.--There shall be a Director of the Program 
     Office, who shall have leadership and project management 
     experience and shall be highly qualified to--
       ``(i) direct the integration of multiple project planning 
     efforts and programs from different agencies and 
     jurisdictions; and
       ``(ii) align numerous, and possibly competing, priorities 
     to accomplish visible and measurable outcomes under the 
     Action Agenda.
       ``(B) Position.--The position of Director of the Program 
     Office shall be a career reserved position, as such term is 
     defined in section 3132 of title 5, United States Code.
       ``(3) Delegation of authority; staffing.--Using amounts 
     made available pursuant to subsection (h), the Administrator 
     shall delegate to the Director such authority and provide 
     such staff as may be necessary to carry out this section.
       ``(4) Duties.--The Director shall--
       ``(A) coordinate and manage the timely execution of the 
     requirements of this section, including the formation and 
     meetings of the Puget Sound Federal Leadership Task Force;
       ``(B) coordinate activities related to the restoration and 
     protection of the Puget Sound across the Environmental 
     Protection Agency;
       ``(C) coordinate and align the activities of the 
     Administrator with the Action Agenda, Salmon Recovery Plans, 
     the Treaty Rights at Risk Initiative, and the Coastal 
     Nonpoint Pollution Control Program;
       ``(D) promote the efficient use of Environmental Protection 
     Agency resources in pursuit of the restoration and protection 
     of the Puget Sound;
       ``(E) serve on the Puget Sound Federal Leadership Task 
     Force and collaborate with, help coordinate, and implement 
     activities with other Federal agencies that have 
     responsibilities involving the restoration and protection of 
     the Puget Sound;
       ``(F) provide or procure such other advice, technical 
     assistance, research, assessments, monitoring, or other 
     support as is determined by the Director to be necessary or 
     prudent to most efficiently and effectively fulfill the 
     objectives and priorities of the Action Agenda, the Salmon 
     Recovery Plans, the Treaty Rights at Risk Initiative, and the 
     Coastal Nonpoint Pollution Control Program, consistent with 
     the best available science, to ensure the health of the Puget 
     Sound ecosystem;
       ``(G) track the progress of the Environmental Protection 
     Agency towards meeting the agency's specified objectives and 
     priorities within the Action Agenda and the Federal Action 
     Plan;
       ``(H) implement the recommendations of the Comptroller 
     General set forth in the report entitled `Puget Sound 
     Restoration: Additional Actions Could Improve Assessments of 
     Progress' and dated July 19, 2018;
       ``(I) serve as liaison and coordinate activities for the 
     restoration and protection of the Salish Sea with Canadian 
     authorities, the Pacific Salmon Commission, and the 
     International Joint Commission; and
       ``(J) carry out such additional duties as the Director 
     determines necessary and appropriate.
       ``(c) Puget Sound Federal Leadership Task Force.--
       ``(1) Establishment.--There is established a Puget Sound 
     Federal Leadership Task Force.
       ``(2) Membership.--
       ``(A) Composition.--The Puget Sound Federal Leadership Task 
     Force shall be composed of the following members:
       ``(i) The following individuals appointed by the Secretary 
     of Agriculture:

[[Page H2762]]

       ``(I) A representative of the National Forest Service.
       ``(II) A representative of the Natural Resources 
     Conservation Service.

       ``(ii) A representative of the National Oceanic and 
     Atmospheric Administration appointed by the Secretary of 
     Commerce.
       ``(iii) The following individuals appointed by the 
     Secretary of Defense:

       ``(I) A representative of the Corps of Engineers.
       ``(II) A representative of the Joint Base Lewis-McChord.
       ``(III) A representative of the Commander, Navy Region 
     Northwest.

       ``(iv) The Director of the Program Office.
       ``(v) The following individuals appointed by the Secretary 
     of Homeland Security:

       ``(I) A representative of the Coast Guard.
       ``(II) A representative of the Federal Emergency Management 
     Agency.

       ``(vi) The following individuals appointed by the Secretary 
     of the Interior:

       ``(I) A representative of the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
       ``(II) A representative of the United States Fish and 
     Wildlife Service.
       ``(III) A representative of the United States Geological 
     Survey.
       ``(IV) A representative of the National Park Service.

       ``(vii) The following individuals appointed by the 
     Secretary of Transportation:

       ``(I) A representative of the Federal Highway 
     Administration.
       ``(II) A representative of the Federal Transit 
     Administration.

       ``(viii) Representatives of such other Federal agencies, 
     programs, and initiatives as the other members of the Puget 
     Sound Federal Leadership Task Force determines necessary.
       ``(B) Qualifications.--Members appointed under this 
     paragraph shall have experience and expertise in matters of 
     restoration and protection of large watersheds and bodies of 
     water, or related experience that will benefit the 
     restoration and protection of the Puget Sound.
       ``(C) Co-chairs.--
       ``(i) In general.--The following members of the Puget Sound 
     Federal Leadership Task Force shall serve as Co-Chairs of the 
     Puget Sound Federal Leadership Task Force:

       ``(I) The representative of the National Oceanic and 
     Atmospheric Administration.
       ``(II) The Director of the Program Office.
       ``(III) The representative of the Corps of Engineers.

       ``(ii) Leadership.--The Co-Chairs shall ensure the Puget 
     Sound Federal Leadership Task Force completes its duties 
     through robust discussion of all relevant issues. The Co-
     Chairs shall share leadership responsibilities equally.
       ``(3) Duties.--
       ``(A) General duties.--The Puget Sound Federal Leadership 
     Task Force shall--
       ``(i) uphold Federal trust responsibilities to restore and 
     protect resources crucial to Tribal treaty rights, including 
     by carrying out government-to-government consultation with 
     Indian tribes when requested by such tribes;
       ``(ii) provide a venue for dialogue and coordination across 
     all Federal agencies represented by a member of the Puget 
     Sound Federal Leadership Task Force to align Federal 
     resources for the purposes of carrying out the requirements 
     of this section and all other Federal laws that contribute to 
     the restoration and protection of the Puget Sound, including 
     by--

       ``(I) enabling and encouraging such agencies to act 
     consistently with the objectives and priorities of the Action 
     Agenda, the Salmon Recovery Plans, the Treaty Rights at Risk 
     Initiative, and the Coastal Nonpoint Pollution Control 
     Program;
       ``(II) facilitating the coordination of Federal activities 
     that impact such restoration and protection;
       ``(III) facilitating the delivery of feedback given by such 
     agencies to the Puget Sound Partnership during the 
     development of the Action Agenda;
       ``(IV) facilitating the resolution of interagency conflicts 
     associated with such restoration and protection among such 
     agencies;
       ``(V) providing a forum for exchanging information among 
     such agencies regarding activities being conducted, including 
     obstacles or efficiencies found, during restoration and 
     protection activities; and
       ``(VI) promoting the efficient use of government resources 
     in pursuit of such restoration and protection through 
     coordination and collaboration, including by ensuring that 
     the Federal efforts relating to the science necessary for 
     such restoration and protection are consistent, and not 
     duplicative, across the Federal Government;

       ``(iii) catalyze public leaders at all levels to work 
     together toward shared goals by demonstrating interagency 
     best practices coming from such agencies;
       ``(iv) provide advice and support on scientific and 
     technical issues and act as a forum for the exchange of 
     scientific information about the Puget Sound;
       ``(v) identify and inventory Federal environmental research 
     and monitoring programs related to the Puget Sound, and 
     provide such inventory to the Puget Sound National Estuary 
     Program Management Conference;
       ``(vi) ensure that Puget Sound restoration and protection 
     activities are as consistent as practicable with ongoing 
     restoration and protection and related efforts in the Salish 
     Sea that are being conducted by Canadian authorities, the 
     Pacific Salmon Commission, and the International Joint 
     Commission;
       ``(vii) ensure that Puget Sound restoration and protection 
     activities are consistent with national security interests;
       ``(viii) establish any working groups or committees 
     necessary to assist the Puget Sound Federal Leadership Task 
     Force in its duties, including relating to public policy and 
     scientific issues; and
       ``(ix) raise national awareness of the significance of the 
     Puget Sound.
       ``(B) Puget sound federal action plan.--
       ``(i) In general.--Not later than 5 years after the date of 
     enactment of this section, the Puget Sound Federal Leadership 
     Task Force shall develop and approve a Federal Action Plan 
     that leverages Federal programs across agencies and serves to 
     coordinate diverse programs and priorities for the 
     restoration and protection of the Puget Sound.
       ``(ii) Revision of puget sound federal action plan.--Not 
     less often than once every 5 years after the date of approval 
     of the Federal Action Plan under clause (i), the Puget Sound 
     Federal Leadership Task Force shall review, and revise as 
     appropriate, the Federal Action Plan.
       ``(C) Feedback by federal agencies.--In facilitating 
     feedback under subparagraph (A)(ii)(III), the Puget Sound 
     Federal Leadership Task Force shall request Federal agencies 
     to consider, at a minimum, possible Federal actions within 
     the Puget Sound region designed to--
       ``(i) further the goals, targets, and actions of the Action 
     Agenda, the Salmon Recovery Plans, the Treaty Rights at Risk 
     Initiative, and the Coastal Nonpoint Pollution Control 
     Program;
       ``(ii) as applicable, implement and enforce this Act, the 
     Endangered Species Act of 1973, and all other Federal laws 
     that contribute to the restoration and protection of the 
     Puget Sound, including those that protect Tribal treaty 
     rights;
       ``(iii) prevent the introduction and spread of invasive 
     species;
       ``(iv) protect marine and wildlife habitats;
       ``(v) protect, restore, and conserve forests, wetlands, 
     riparian zones, and nearshore waters;
       ``(vi) promote resilience to climate change and ocean 
     acidification effects;
       ``(vii) restore fisheries so that they are sustainable and 
     productive;
       ``(viii) preserve biodiversity;
       ``(ix) restore and protect ecosystem services that provide 
     clean water, filter toxic chemicals, and increase ecosystem 
     resilience; and
       ``(x) improve water quality, including by preventing and 
     managing stormwater runoff, incorporating erosion control 
     techniques and trash capture devices, using sustainable 
     stormwater practices, and mitigating and minimizing nonpoint 
     source pollution, including marine litter.
       ``(4) Participation of state advisory committee and puget 
     sound tribal management conference.--The Puget Sound Federal 
     Leadership Task Force shall carry out its duties with input 
     from, and in collaboration with, the State Advisory Committee 
     and the Puget Sound Tribal Management Conference, including 
     by seeking advice and recommendations on the actions, 
     progress, and issues pertaining to the restoration and 
     protection of the Puget Sound.
       ``(5) Meetings.--
       ``(A) Initial meeting.--The Puget Sound Federal Leadership 
     Task Force shall meet not later than 180 days after the date 
     of enactment of this section--
       ``(i) to determine if all Federal agencies are properly 
     represented;
       ``(ii) to establish the bylaws of the Puget Sound Federal 
     Leadership Task Force;
       ``(iii) to establish necessary working groups or 
     committees; and
       ``(iv) to determine subsequent meeting times, dates, and 
     logistics.
       ``(B) Subsequent meetings.--After the initial meeting, the 
     Puget Sound Federal Leadership Task Force shall meet, at a 
     minimum, twice per year to carry out the duties of the Puget 
     Sound Federal Leadership Task Force.
       ``(C) Working group meetings.--A meeting of any established 
     working group or committee of the Puget Sound Federal 
     Leadership Task Force shall not be considered a biannual 
     meeting for purposes of subparagraph (B).
       ``(D) Joint meetings.--The Puget Sound Federal Leadership 
     Task Force--
       ``(i) shall offer to meet jointly with the Puget Sound 
     National Estuary Program Management Conference and the Puget 
     Sound Tribal Management Conference, at a minimum, once per 
     year; and
       ``(ii) may consider such a joint meeting to be a biannual 
     meeting of the Puget Sound Federal Leadership Task Force for 
     purposes of subparagraph (B).
       ``(E) Quorum.--A simple majority of the members of the 
     Puget Sound Federal Leadership Task Force shall constitute a 
     quorum.
       ``(F) Voting.--For the Puget Sound Federal Leadership Task 
     Force to take an official action, a quorum shall be present, 
     and at least a two-thirds majority of the members present 
     shall vote in the affirmative.
       ``(6) Puget sound federal leadership task force procedures 
     and advice.--
       ``(A) Advisors.--The Puget Sound Federal Leadership Task 
     Force may seek advice and input from any interested, 
     knowledgeable, or affected party as the Puget Sound Federal 
     Leadership Task Force determines necessary to perform its 
     duties.

[[Page H2763]]

       ``(B) Compensation.--A member of the Puget Sound Federal 
     Leadership Task Force shall receive no additional 
     compensation for service as a member on the Puget Sound 
     Federal Leadership Task Force.
       ``(C) Travel expenses.--Travel expenses incurred by a 
     member of the Puget Sound Federal Leadership Task Force in 
     the performance of service on the Puget Sound Federal 
     Leadership Task Force may be paid by the agency that the 
     member represents.
       ``(7) Puget sound federal task force.--
       ``(A) In general.--On the date of enactment of this 
     section, the 2016 memorandum of understanding establishing 
     the Puget Sound Federal Task Force shall cease to be 
     effective.
       ``(B) Use of previous work.--The Puget Sound Federal 
     Leadership Task Force shall, to the extent practicable, use 
     the work product produced, relied upon, and analyzed by the 
     Puget Sound Federal Task Force in order to avoid duplicating 
     the efforts of the Puget Sound Federal Task Force.
       ``(d) State Advisory Committee.--
       ``(1) Establishment.--There is established a State Advisory 
     Committee.
       ``(2) Membership.--The State Advisory Committee shall 
     consist of up to seven members designated by the governing 
     body of the Puget Sound Partnership, in consultation with the 
     Governor of Washington, who will represent Washington State 
     agencies that have significant roles and responsibilities 
     related to the restoration and protection of the Puget Sound.
       ``(e) Federal Advisory Committee Act.--The Puget Sound 
     Federal Leadership Task Force, State Advisory Committee, and 
     any working group or committee of the Puget Sound Federal 
     Leadership Task Force, shall not be considered an advisory 
     committee under the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. 
     App.).
       ``(f) Puget Sound Federal Leadership Task Force Biennial 
     Report on Puget Sound Restoration and Protection 
     Activities.--
       ``(1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     enactment of this section, and biennially thereafter, the 
     Puget Sound Federal Leadership Task Force, in collaboration 
     with the Puget Sound Tribal Management Conference and the 
     State Advisory Committee, shall submit to the President, 
     Congress, the Governor of Washington, and the governing body 
     of the Puget Sound Partnership a report that summarizes the 
     progress, challenges, and milestones of the Puget Sound 
     Federal Leadership Task Force relating to the restoration and 
     protection of the Puget Sound.
       ``(2) Contents.--The report submitted under paragraph (1) 
     shall include a description of the following:
       ``(A) The roles and progress of each State, local 
     government entity, and Federal agency that has jurisdiction 
     in the Puget Sound region relating to meeting the identified 
     objectives and priorities of the Action Agenda, the Salmon 
     Recovery Plans, the Treaty Rights at Risk Initiative, and the 
     Coastal Nonpoint Pollution Control Program.
       ``(B) If available, the roles and progress of Tribal 
     governments that have jurisdiction in the Puget Sound region 
     relating to meeting the identified objectives and priorities 
     of the Action Agenda, the Salmon Recovery Plans, the Treaty 
     Rights at Risk Initiative, and the Coastal Nonpoint Pollution 
     Control Program.
       ``(C) A summary of specific recommendations concerning 
     implementation of the Action Agenda and the Federal Action 
     Plan, including challenges, barriers, and anticipated 
     milestones, targets, and timelines.
       ``(D) A summary of progress made by Federal agencies toward 
     the priorities identified in the Federal Action Plan.
       ``(g) Crosscut Budget Report.--
       ``(1) Financial report.--As soon as practicable, but not 
     later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this 
     section, and every 5 years thereafter, the Director of the 
     Office of Management and Budget, in consultation with the 
     Puget Sound Federal Leadership Task Force, shall, in 
     conjunction with the annual budget submission of the 
     President to Congress for the year under section 1105(a) of 
     title 31, United States Code, submit to Congress and make 
     available to the public, including on the internet, a 
     financial report that is certified by the head of each agency 
     represented by a member of the Puget Sound Federal Leadership 
     Task Force.
       ``(2) Contents.--The report shall contain an interagency 
     crosscut budget relating to Puget Sound restoration and 
     protection activities that displays--
       ``(A) the proposed funding for any Federal restoration and 
     protection activity to be carried out in the succeeding 
     fiscal year, including any planned interagency or intra-
     agency transfer, for each of the Federal agencies that carry 
     out restoration and protection activities;
       ``(B) the estimated expenditures for Federal restoration 
     and protection activities from the preceding 2 fiscal years, 
     the current fiscal year, and the succeeding fiscal year; and
       ``(C) the estimated expenditures for Federal environmental 
     research and monitoring programs from the preceding 2 fiscal 
     years, the current fiscal year, and the succeeding fiscal 
     year.
       ``(3) Included recovery activities.--With respect to 
     activities described in the report, the report shall only 
     describe activities that have a total Federal cost of more 
     than $100,000.
       ``(h) Authorization of Appropriations.--In addition to any 
     other funds authorized to be appropriated for activities 
     related to the Puget Sound, there is authorized to be 
     appropriated to carry out this section $50,000,000 for each 
     of fiscal years 2022 through 2026.
       ``(i) Tribal Rights and Consultation.--
       ``(1) Preservation of tribal treaty rights.--Nothing in 
     this section affects, or is intended to affect, any right 
     reserved by treaty between the United States and one or more 
     Indian tribes.
       ``(2) Consultation.--Nothing in this section affects any 
     authorization or obligation of a Federal agency to consult 
     with an Indian tribe under any other provision of law.
       ``(j) Consistency.--
       ``(1) In general.--Actions authorized or implemented under 
     this section shall be consistent with--
       ``(A) the Salmon Recovery Plans;
       ``(B) the Coastal Nonpoint Pollution Control Program; and
       ``(C) the water quality standards of the State of 
     Washington approved by the Administrator under section 303.
       ``(2) Federal actions.--All Federal agencies represented on 
     the Puget Sound Federal Leadership Task Force shall act 
     consistently with the protection of Tribal, treaty-reserved 
     rights and, to the greatest extent practicable given such 
     agencies' existing obligations under Federal law, act 
     consistently with the objectives and priorities of the Action 
     Agenda, the Salmon Recovery Plans, the Treaty Rights at Risk 
     Initiative, and the Coastal Nonpoint Pollution Control 
     Program, when--
       ``(A) conducting Federal agency activities within or 
     outside the Puget Sound that affect any land or water use or 
     natural resources of the Puget Sound region, including 
     activities performed by a contractor for the benefit of a 
     Federal agency;
       ``(B) interpreting and enforcing regulations that impact 
     the restoration and protection of the Puget Sound;
       ``(C) issuing Federal licenses or permits that impact the 
     restoration and protection of the Puget Sound; and
       ``(D) granting Federal assistance to State, local, and 
     Tribal governments for activities related to the restoration 
     and protection of the Puget Sound.''.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from 
the District of Columbia (Ms. Norton) and the gentleman from North 
Carolina (Mr. Rouzer) each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from the District of Columbia.


                             General Leave

  Ms. NORTON. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members 
have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks 
and include extraneous material on H.R. 1144, as amended.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentlewoman from the District of Columbia?
  There was no objection.
  Ms. NORTON. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1144. The bill establishes a 
new regional program within the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to 
address water pollution concerns in the Puget Sound and authorizes $50 
million annually for fiscal years 2022 through 2026.
  The Puget Sound has seen significant degradation of water quality and 
habitat as a result of human development. This legislation builds on 
the successes Puget Sound has seen while part of the National Estuary 
Program and incorporates the recommendations of a July 2018 report of 
the U.S. Government Accountability Office on the Federal and State 
efforts to restore the Sound.
  This legislation is vitally important to ensure long-term health of a 
watershed that helps provide food, water, and other ecosystem services 
for 4.5 million people and contributes to the State's economy.
  Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 1144, and I 
reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. ROUZER. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Madam Speaker, H.R. 1144, the PUGET SOS Act, codifies the 
Environmental Protection Agency's existing restoration work in the 
Puget Sound and establishes a Puget Sound program office.
  Puget Sound was one of the first estuaries designated within the 
National Estuary Program in 1987, and EPA has worked with Federal and 
non-Federal entities to coordinate restoration efforts. This bill 
ensures this important work will continue.
  Madam Speaker, I urge support of this legislation, and I reserve the 
balance of my time.

[[Page H2764]]

  

  Ms. NORTON. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from 
Washington (Mr. Kilmer).
  Mr. KILMER. Madam Speaker, I am proud to rise in support of the 
Promoting United Government Efforts to Save Our Sound Act, or the PUGET 
SOS Act, and I thank my good friend and colleague, Representative 
Strickland, for her partnership on this important legislation.
  Madam Speaker, those of us who are lucky to call the better 
Washington home know that Puget Sound is our most iconic body of water. 
Generations of our friends and neighbors have built their lives and 
earned their livelihoods on the Sound.
  We know the Puget Sound is critical to the environmental and economic 
future of our region. And some of our region's most iconic species, 
including salmon, orca, and Dungeness crab, rely on a healthy Puget 
Sound.
  But despite years of efforts to protect and restore Puget Sound, we 
still have a lot of work to do to address the significant challenges, 
including storm water runoff, habitat loss, and harmful algal blooms, 
that continue to threaten this crown jewel of our region's identity and 
economy.
  That is why I am proud to see the House advance this critical bill, 
which will finally bring to bear the coordinated Federal resources 
necessary to save our Sound. If we are going to recover our salmon and 
orca populations, if we are going to ensure future generations can dig 
for clams, if we are going to respect and uphold Tribal treaty rights, 
we need the Federal Government to step up and support the work already 
being done by the State, Tribes, local communities, and businesses that 
all depend on a vibrant and healthy Puget Sound.
  Madam Speaker, I am proud that this bill represents meaningful 
progress toward these goals. If future generations, including my two 
kiddos, are going to have the opportunities to enjoy these treasures 
and to build their livelihoods in our region, we have to act now to 
protect and restore the Sound.
  Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this critical bill.
  Mr. ROUZER. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Ms. NORTON. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from 
Washington (Ms. Strickland).
  Ms. STRICKLAND. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1144, 
the PUGET SOS Act, which I am honored to co-lead with Congressman 
Kilmer, who I thank for working on this bill over the years. I also 
thank the Puget Sound Partnership and Northwest Indian Fisheries 
Commission for all their help. I am proud to work with you to restore 
Puget Sound.
  Madam Speaker, as a western Washington native, I know how critical 
the health of the Puget Sound is to our region--economically, 
culturally, and environmentally.
  The Sound is an economic engine creating over $30 billion in economic 
activity and supporting nearly 150,000 jobs. It is a biodiversity 
hotspot, home to over 7,000 different species, including 200 different 
types of fish. It is a sacred resource for Tribal nations throughout 
the region who rely on the flora and fauna the Sound supports for their 
lives and livelihoods. And it is a cultural treasure, with the salmon, 
shellfish, orca, and others which live in the ecosystem, that is 
fundamental to the history and identity of the Pacific Northwest.

  For years, this ecosystem has been on the brink of danger, and we are 
at a tipping point. As the human population continues to grow 
significantly, the risks and strain on Puget Sound intensify.
  This legislation takes much-needed, timely steps to secure the health 
of the Puget Sound now and into the future by establishing a dedicated 
program office within the EPA and codifying the Puget Sound Federal 
Task Force. Together, these groups will develop a Federal action plan 
to preserve and restore this most critical national maritime treasure.
  Washingtonians view and use Puget Sound the way Marylanders view the 
Chesapeake Bay and how Michiganders view the Great Lakes. It is well 
past time the Federal Government does as well.
  If we really want to make an impact, and support hundreds of 
thousands of jobs while trying to save orcas and salmon, we must act 
now.
  Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.
  Mr. ROUZER. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

                              {time}  1300

  Ms. NORTON. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Madam Speaker, the Puget Sound watershed has long provided food, 
clean water, and other ecosystem benefits for 4.5 million people and a 
wide variety of species as well. The region is essential to the State's 
economy. Human development and other actions have degraded the water 
quality and habitat of the Sound, including that of critical species 
like salmon and orca whales.
  The Puget Sound was deemed an Estuary of National Significance in 
1988, and in 2018, GAO determined that further investment and a program 
with clear leadership and coordination of objectives is crucial to 
achieving the long-term restoration and protection goals of this 
diverse and dynamic ecosystem.
  Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. ROUZER. Madam Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to 
the gentlewoman from Washington (Mrs. Rodgers), the ranking member on 
the Energy and Commerce Committee.
  Mrs. RODGERS of Washington. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for 
yielding, and I want to also thank my colleague from Washington State 
(Mr. Kilmer) for his attention to the Puget Sound, and his commitment 
to putting us on a better path.
  The Puget Sound is in crisis. The salmon in Puget Sound, the salmon 
that are most crucial to the orcas, are in crisis. You can see right 
here; this is the State of Salmon report. This is the graphic 
Washington State of Salmon report, and it says that the Puget Sound 
Chinook, the Puget Sound steelhead--over here--are in crisis.
  And I might just point out, the Snake River Chinook are actually 
approaching goal. The Snake River steelhead are making progress. It is 
part of the reason that I believe the Puget Sound SOS Act is so 
important, to bring much needed oversight and enforcement of Federal 
pollution standards in Puget Sound. But we must do more.
  Despite NOAA's research indicating that these salmon stocks are the 
most critical to our orcas, the State of Washington continues to allow 
outdated sewage treatment plants to illegally dump raw sewage into the 
Sound, creating conditions that are literally suffocating the salmon.
  Over the years, 80 sewage treatment plants have illegally dumped 
toxins into the Sound, and now the Washington State Department of 
Ecology is considering permits to allow 58 plants to continue poisoning 
the water. It is unacceptable.
  By establishing a Puget Sound Recovery National Program Office, I 
hope this bill will finally push the EPA to hold the State of 
Washington accountable for the damage that unchecked pollution in the 
Sound is doing for our endangered salmon and orcas.
  It is also critically important that we stop this pollution at its 
source so that the money we are authorizing for the Puget Sound 
Recovery Act is actually effective.
  Madam Speaker, I am urging leadership in my State, stop the sewage, 
save our Sound, save our salmon, save our orcas.
  Mr. ROUZER. Madam Speaker, in closing, H.R. 1144 would continue the 
EPA's management of a competitive grant program to support projects 
that protect and restore the Puget Sound.
  Madam Speaker, I urge support of this legislation, and I yield back 
the balance of my time.
  Ms. NORTON. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this 
legislation, I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentlewoman from the District of Columbia (Ms. Norton) that the House 
suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 1144, as amended.
  The question was taken.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds 
being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
  Mr. PERRY. Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

[[Page H2765]]

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to section 3(s) of House Resolution 
8, the yeas and nays are ordered.
  Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, further proceedings on this motion 
are postponed.

                          ____________________