[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 93 (Tuesday, June 2, 2026)]
[House]
[Pages H3769-H3771]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
NORTHWEST STRAITS MARINE CONSERVATION INITIATIVE REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF
2025
Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the
bill (H.R. 2860) to reauthorize the Northwest Straits Marine
Conservation Initiative Act to promote the protection of the resources
of the Northwest Straits, and for other purposes, as amended.
The Clerk read the title of the bill.
The text of the bill is as follows:
H.R. 2860
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 ``Northwest Straits Marine
Conservation Initiative Reauthorization Act of 2025''.
SEC. 2. REAUTHORIZATION OF NORTHWEST STRAITS MARINE
CONSERVATION INITIATIVE ACT.
The Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Initiative Act
(title IV of Public Law 105-384; 112 Stat. 3458) is amended--
(1) in section 402, by striking ``Commission (in this title
referred to as the `Commission').'' and inserting
``Commission.'';
(2) by striking sections 403, 404, and 405; and
(3) by inserting after section 402 the following:
``SEC. 403. DEFINITIONS.
``In this title:
``(1) Commission.--The term `Commission' means the
Northwest Straits Advisory Commission established by section
402.
``(2) Marine resources committee.--The term `marine
resources committee' means a county government committee that
assists in assessing marine resource and conservation needs.
``(3) Northwest straits region.--The term `Northwest
Straits region' means the marine waters of the Strait of Juan
de Fuca and of Puget Sound from the Canadian border to the
south end of Snohomish County.
``(4) Tribal government.--The term `Tribal government'
means the recognized governing body of any Indian or Alaska
Native tribe, band, nation, pueblo, village, community,
component band, or component reservation individually
identified (including parenthetically) in the list published
most recently as of the date of enactment of the Northwest
Straits Marine Conservation Initiative Reauthorization Act of
2025 pursuant to section 104 of the Federally Recognized
Indian Tribe List Act of 1994 (25 U.S.C. 5131).
``(5) Under secretary.--The term `Under Secretary' means
the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere.
``SEC. 404. MEMBERSHIP OF THE COMMISSION.
``(a) Composition.--
``(1) In general.--The Commission shall be composed of 14
members, except as provided in paragraph (2), who shall be
appointed as follows:
``(A) One member appointed by a consensus of the members of
a marine resources committee for San Juan County, Washington.
``(B) One member appointed by a consensus of the members of
a marine resources committee for Island County, Washington.
``(C) One member appointed by a consensus of the members of
a marine resources committee for Skagit County, Washington.
``(D) One member appointed by a consensus of the members of
a marine resources committee for Whatcom County, Washington.
``(E) One member appointed by a consensus of the members of
a marine resources committee for Snohomish County,
Washington.
``(F) One member appointed by a consensus of the members of
a marine resources committee for Clallam County, Washington.
``(G) One member appointed by a consensus of the members of
a marine resources committee for Jefferson County,
Washington.
``(H) Two members appointed by the Secretary of the
Interior, in coordination with the Northwest Indian Fisheries
Commission and in consultation with the Tribal governments
affected by this title, to represent the interests of such
Tribal governments.
``(I) One member appointed by the Governor of the State of
Washington to represent the interests of the Puget Sound
Partnership.
``(J) Four members appointed by the Governor of the State
of Washington who--
``(i) are residents of the State of Washington; and
``(ii) are not employed by a Federal, State, or local
government, excluding an institution of higher education.
``(2) Additional members.--The Commission may, as
determined necessary to improve the ability of the Commission
to perform the duties of the Commission under section 405(b),
appoint members in addition to those appointed under
paragraph (1). Any such additional member shall be appointed
by a consensus of the members of a marine resources committee
that is not described in such paragraph.
``(b) Vacancies.--A vacancy in the Commission shall be
filled in the manner in which the original appointment was
made.
``(c) Chairperson.--The Commission shall select a
Chairperson from among its members.
``(d) Meeting.--The Commission shall meet at the call of
the Chairperson, but not less frequently than quarterly.
``(e) Liaison.--
``(1) In general.--The Under Secretary, in consultation
with the Commission, shall appoint an employee of the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration--
``(A) to serve as a liaison between the Commission and the
Department of Commerce;
``(B) to coordinate programs of the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration with activities related to the
goal of the Commission described in section 405(a); and
``(C) to perform additional liaison functions benefitting
the Commission and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, which may include, as agreed to by the
Commission and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, attending meetings and other events of the
Commission as a nonvoting participant.
``(2) Limitation.--Service as a member of the Commission by
the employee appointed under paragraph (1)--
``(A) is limited to the employee's service as a liaison;
and
``(B) does not obligate the employee to perform any duty of
the Commission under section 405(b).
``(f) Administration.--The Commission may enter into
cooperative agreements with the State of Washington for
staffing and administrative services for the purposes of
supporting the duties of the Commission under section 405(b).
``SEC. 405. GOAL AND DUTIES OF THE COMMISSION.
``(a) Goal.--The goal of the Commission is to protect and
restore the marine waters, habitats, and species of the
Northwest Straits region to achieve ecosystem health and
sustainable resource use by--
``(1) designing and recommending projects that are driven
by the best available science, local priorities, community-
based decisions, and the ability to measure results;
``(2) building awareness and stewardship and making
recommendations to improve the health of the marine resources
of the Northwest Straits region;
``(3) maintaining and expanding diverse membership and
collaboration with partner organizations, such as the Puget
Sound Partnership;
``(4) expanding partnerships with Tribal governments and
continuing to support Tribal treaties, cultures, and
subsistence and Tribal treaty rights; and
``(5) recognizing the importance of economic and social
benefits that are dependent on marine environments and
sustainable marine resources.
``(b) Duties.--The duties of the Commission are the
following:
``(1) To provide resources and technical support for marine
resources committees.
``(2) To work with such marine resources committees and
appropriate entities of Federal, State, and local governments
and Tribal governments to provide advice in developing
regional programs to monitor the overall health of the marine
ecosystem of the Northwest Straits region.
``(3) To collect marine resources data and identify factors
adversely affecting or preventing the restoration of the
health of the marine ecosystem and coastal economies of the
Northwest Straits region to inform decisionmakers.
``(4) To develop scientifically sound restoration and
protection recommendations, informed by local priorities,
that address such factors.
``(5) To serve as a public forum for the informal
discussion of policies and actions, with respect to the
marine ecosystem of the Northwest Straits region, of Federal,
State, or local governments, Tribal governments, or the
Government of Canada.
``(6) To inform appropriate authorities and local
communities about the marine ecosystem of the Northwest
Straits region and about issues relating to the marine
ecosystem of the Northwest Straits region.
``(7) To consult with all affected Tribal governments in
the Northwest Straits region to ensure that the work of the
Commission does not violate Tribal treaty rights.
``(c) Coordination and Collaboration.--The Commission--
``(1) shall carry out the duties described in subsection
(b) in coordination and collaboration, as appropriate, with
Federal, State, and local governments and Tribal governments,
including by--
``(A) providing technical support and assistance to any
Tribal government seeking representation and participation on
the Commission; and
``(B) supporting the work and duties of the liaison to the
Commission under section 404(e); and
``(2) may enter into cooperative agreements with nonprofit
entities, such as the Northwest Straits Foundation, to
provide assistance, including financial assistance, in
carrying out the duties described in subsection (b).
``(d) Limitations.--Nothing in this title provides the
Commission with authority to issue regulations or implement
any Federal law or regulation.
``(e) Annual Report.--
``(1) In general.--Each year, the Commission shall prepare,
submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation and the Committee on Appropriations of the
Senate, the Committee on Natural Resources and the Committee
on Appropriations of the House of Representatives, and the
Under Secretary, and make available to the public a report
describing--
``(A) the activities carried out by the Commission during
the preceding year; and
[[Page H3770]]
``(B) the progress in achieving the benchmarks described in
paragraph (2).
``(2) Benchmarks.--The benchmarks described in this
paragraph are the following:
``(A) Protection and restoration of marine, coastal, and
nearshore habitats within the Northwest Straits region.
``(B) Protection and restoration of marine resources
populations to healthy, sustainable levels.
``(C) Improvement of the water quality of the Northwest
Straits region.
``(D) Collection of high-quality data and promotion of the
use and dissemination of such data for the purposes of
ecosystem monitoring.
``(E) Promotion of stewardship and understanding of marine
resources of the Northwest Straits region through education
and outreach, including by targeted outreach to
underresourced communities.
``SEC. 406. SUNSET.
``The authority to carry out this title shall terminate on
the date that is 7 years after the date of the enactment of
the Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Initiative
Reauthorization Act of 2025.''.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from
Arkansas (Mr. Westerman) and the gentlewoman from New Mexico (Ms.
Stansbury) each will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Arkansas.
General Leave
Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members
may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and
include extraneous material on H.R. 2860, the bill now under
consideration.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from Arkansas?
There was no objection.
Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may
consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the Northwest Straits Marine
Conservation Initiative Reauthorization Act of 2025.
The Northwest Straits Advisory Commission was first authorized by
Congress in 1998. Initially, it was created to respond to discussions
about a potential marine sanctuary that was proposed in that region of
Washington State.
In the years since, this commission has worked with local communities
to conserve marine resources.
H.R. 2860 reauthorizes this commission; establishes clear goals for
the commission's work; and modifies its membership, including two
representatives from the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the legislation, and I
reserve the balance of my time.
Ms. STANSBURY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may
consume.
Mr. Speaker, H.R. 2860 reauthorizes the Northwest Straits Marine
Conservation Initiative Act. This legislation promotes the protection
and restoration of marine ecosystems in the Northwest Straits region of
Washington State.
The Northwest Straits region is a special place. It encompasses the
marine waters of the Strait de Juan de Fuca and Puget Sound, a region
of priceless biodiversity that is home to iconic species such as
salmon, tufted puffins, and orcas. It has been stewarded by communities
for generations.
However, over the 20th century, the region's environmental health has
declined due to habitat loss, reductions in wildlife populations,
declining water quality, and the impacts of climate change. We must do
everything we can to address these issues.
This bill takes a comprehensive approach to restore and protect the
area. It leverages local knowledge and community engagement, while
providing Federal resources and technical assistance to support and
strengthen these ongoing efforts.
This bill provides funding for projects that strengthen and
proactively protect these ecosystems and support critical restoration.
It also fosters collaboration by utilizing and reinforcing partnerships
with Tribal Governments, local communities, and State and Federal
agencies. It supports local communities' efforts to address
environmental degradation, respond to the threats posed by climate
change, and protect marine ecosystems.
Mr. Speaker, I, therefore, urge my colleagues to support this
legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I am prepared to close, and I reserve the
balance of my time.
Ms. STANSBURY. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to
the gentleman from Washington (Mr. Larsen).
Mr. LARSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of my bill, H.R. 2860, the
Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Initiative Reauthorization Act.
The Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Initiative started as a
bipartisan, homegrown idea. Thanks to the foresight and hard work of
Democratic Senator Patty Murray and my predecessor here in the U.S.
House of Representatives, former Representative Jack Metcalf, and local
stakeholders, Congress created the Northwest Straits Marine
Conservation Commission in 1998.
The commission works with seven county-based marine resources
committees, or MRCs, in northwest Puget Sound. Five of these seven MRCs
are in the five counties I represent in northwest Washington State.
Over the past 20 years, the commission's bottom-up approach has
ensured that local communities and Tribes have the resources and
expertise that they need to keep marine habitats healthy and recover
endangered and threatened species, including the southern resident
killer whales and salmon.
My bill would reauthorize the Northwest Straits Marine Conservation
Commission for 7 years, ensuring the commission can continue its work
to restore the marine ecosystem of the Northwest Straits region,
including by restoring shoreline in Skagit County, conserving Olympia
oysters in Whatcom County, monitoring kelp beds in Island County,
removing derelict vessels in San Juan County, and surveying forage fish
eggs in Snohomish County.
Mr. Speaker, all of these projects work in tandem, or work together,
throughout the Puget Sound in order to increase the whole health of the
Puget Sound. Not only do these projects restore the environment, but
they are also supporting local jobs.
According to the commission, the Northwest Straits region creates
16,000 jobs in Washington's commercial and recreational fishing
industries and $150 million in economic input for the State's
aquaculture industry.
The commission partners with ports, local authorities, State
agencies, marine-based businesses, and Tribes on everything from
trapping invasive European green crab that threaten local shellfish
economies, to helping boaters identify and communicating eelgrass
locations, which are poor anchorage sites but important for commercial
and recreational marine species.
This is locally driven, job-creating work that Congress should
continue to support.
I thank Representative Emily Randall for co-leading this bill;
Senators Murray and Cantwell for their partnership in the Senate; and
Representatives Marilyn Strickland, Suzan DelBene, Adam Smith, Pramila
Jayapal, and Kim Schrier, all my colleagues here in the House, for
cosponsoring this bill.
I thank the many partner organizations in our State, whose advocacy
and hard work got the bill to this point, particularly the Northwest
Straits Advisory Commission and the Puget Sound Partnership.
Finally, I thank Ranking Member Huffman, Chair Westerman, and the
entire House Natural Resources Committee--the members of the committee
and the staff--for working with my office to move this bill forward.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill to keep the
momentum going to restore marine habitat, protect Washington State's
environment, and create more jobs in northwest Washington State.
Ms. STANSBURY. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this
legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I support this bill to reauthorize the
Northwest Straits Advisory Commission.
I commend my colleague, the gentleman from the State of Washington
(Mr. Larsen), not only for his work on this bill but for his leadership
to pass the successful highway transportation reauthorization bill
recently.
Again, I support the legislation. I yield back the balance of my
time.
[[Page H3771]]
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the
gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Westerman) that the House suspend the
rules and pass the bill, H.R. 2860, 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. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
The yeas and nays were ordered.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, further
proceedings on this motion will be postponed.
____________________