To reauthorize the Integrated Coastal and Ocean Observation System Act of 2009.

Bill Number: H.R. 2294
Origin Chamber: House
Congress: 119th Congress, Session 2
Policy Area: Public Lands and Natural Resources
Status: Passed House
Latest Action: 2026-03-17: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
Last Updated: 2026-07-11T03:24:25Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

This legislation reauthorizes the Integrated Coastal and Ocean Observation System Act of 2009, which establishes a national system for monitoring and observing coastal and ocean conditions to support weather forecasting, environmental protection, and economic activities like fishing and shipping. The reauthorization extends the program's operations and funding through fiscal year 2030.

Key Provisions

Name Changes and Terminology Updates: Replaces "Council" with "Committee" throughout the Act, and updates references from the "National Ocean Research Leadership Council" to the "Ocean Policy Committee."
Expanded Scope in Definitions: Adds language to emphasize "operational oceanography measurements" (real-time data collection on ocean conditions) alongside existing goals.
Enhancements to System Operations:
Inserts "and ocean" after "weather" in relevant sections to broaden focus on ocean-related observations.
Requires the development of processes for regional offices and federally funded projects to collaborate with regional coastal observing systems for data sharing at local levels.
Funding Authorization: Allocates $47,500,000 annually for each fiscal year from 2026 through 2030 to support the program's activities.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

Administrative Restructuring: Shifts oversight from a "Council" to a "Committee," reflecting updates in federal ocean policy structures (e.g., aligning with the Ocean Policy Committee established under executive orders).
Operational Expansions: Introduces explicit requirements for collaboration and data sharing between federal entities and regional systems, which were not previously detailed. This includes redesignating clauses in the law to insert a new provision on regional collaboration.
Funding Extension: Extends and specifies annual funding levels beyond the original 2009 Act's expiration, providing predictable budgeting for the program's continuation without altering base amounts from prior authorizations.

Potential Impacts

On Government Agencies: Enhances coordination among federal agencies (e.g., NOAA and others in the Ocean Policy Committee) by mandating data-sharing protocols, potentially improving efficiency in ocean monitoring and reducing duplication of efforts.
On Citizens and Coastal Communities: Supports better predictions of coastal hazards like storms and sea-level rise, benefiting public safety, emergency response, and industries such as tourism and fisheries through more reliable data.
On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, but improved U.S. ocean observation capabilities could strengthen international collaborations on global issues like climate change and marine conservation.

Main Stakeholders Affected

Federal Agencies: Including the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), which leads the system, and members of the Interagency Ocean Observation Committee.
Regional Observing Systems: Non-federal entities operating coastal monitoring networks, now required to engage in formal data-sharing with federal projects.
Scientific and Research Communities: Researchers and universities benefiting from sustained funding for data collection and analysis.
Coastal Residents and Businesses: Indirectly affected through enhanced environmental monitoring that informs local decision-making on weather, ecosystems, and economic activities.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

Legal: Strengthens the statutory framework for interagency cooperation without creating new regulatory burdens; ensures compliance with existing environmental laws by extending observation capabilities.
Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's authority under the Commerce Clause to regulate interstate and coastal activities, with no apparent conflicts to federalism or individual rights.
Political: Represents bipartisan support for science-based environmental programs, as evidenced by House passage; the funding level signals commitment to long-term ocean policy amid growing climate concerns, potentially influencing future appropriations debates.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Ezell, Mike [R-MS-4]

Cosponsors (25)

Rep. Bonamici, Suzanne [D-OR-1], Rep. Weber, Randy K. Sr. [R-TX-14], Rep. Dingell, Debbie [D-MI-6], Del. Radewagen, Aumua Amata Coleman [R-AS-At Large], Rep. Davis, Danny K. [D-IL-7], Rep. Harder, Josh [D-CA-9], Rep. Casten, Sean [D-IL-6], Rep. Case, Ed [D-HI-1], Rep. Rutherford, John H. [R-FL-5], Rep. Smith, Adam [D-WA-9], Rep. Webster, Daniel [R-FL-11], Rep. Haridopolos, Mike [R-FL-8], Rep. Tokuda, Jill N. [D-HI-2], Rep. Amo, Gabe [D-RI-1], Rep. Pallone, Frank [D-NJ-6], Rep. Pingree, Chellie [D-ME-1], Rep. Stevens, Haley M. [D-MI-11], Rep. Castor, Kathy [D-FL-14], Rep. McBride, Sarah [D-DE-At Large], Rep. Begich, Nicholas J. [R-AK-At Large], Rep. Elfreth, Sarah [D-MD-3], Rep. DelBene, Suzan K. [D-WA-1], Rep. Magaziner, Seth [D-RI-2], Rep. Vindman, Eugene Simon [D-VA-7], Rep. Gillen, Laura [D-NY-4]

Recent Actions

2026-03-17: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
2026-03-16: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
2026-03-16: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H2513)
2026-03-16: Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H2513)
2026-03-16: DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2294.
2026-03-16: Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H2513-2514)
2026-03-16: Mr. Wittman moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
2026-02-09: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 417.
2026-02-09: Committee on Science, Space, and Technology discharged.
2026-02-09: Committee on Science, Space, and Technology discharged.
2026-02-09: Reported by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 119-489, Part I.
2026-02-09: Reported by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 119-489, Part I.
2025-07-23: Ordered to be Reported by Unanimous Consent.
2025-07-23: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
2025-07-23: Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries Discharged

Bill Versions

An Act To reauthorize the Integrated Coastal and Ocean Observation System Act of 2009. — issued 2026-03-16 — PDF (4 pages)
To reauthorize the Integrated Coastal and Ocean Observation System Act of 2009. — issued 2025-03-24 — PDF (3 pages)
An Act To reauthorize the Integrated Coastal and Ocean Observation System Act of 2009. — issued 2026-03-17 — PDF (3 pages)
To reauthorize the Integrated Coastal and Ocean Observation System Act of 2009. — issued 2026-02-09 — PDF (6 pages)