Floor Speech2026-06-02

NORTHWEST STRAITS MARINE CONSERVATION INITIATIVE REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2025

Context

On 2026-06-02, Representative Rick Larsen (D-WA-2) delivered a floor speech titled "NORTHWEST STRAITS MARINE CONSERVATION INITIATIVE REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2025" in the House.

Full Text

NORTHWEST STRAITS MARINE CONSERVATION INITIATIVE REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2025

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 93 (Tuesday, June 2, 2026) [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

Referenced legislation: HR2860, HR2860

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NORTHWEST STRAITS MARINE CONSERVATION INITIATIVE REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2025 Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 93 (Tuesday, June 2, 2026) [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 Referenced legislation: HR2860, HR2860