Captain Accursio “Gus” Sanfilippo Young Fishermen’s Development Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 3692
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Public Lands and Natural Resources
- Status
- Passed House
- Latest Action
- 2026-03-04: Received in the Senate.
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-11T20:56:41Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This legislation reauthorizes the Young Fishermen's Development Act, a program aimed at supporting young individuals entering the commercial fishing industry through training, mentorship, and business development opportunities. The reauthorization extends the program's authority and funding availability.
Key Provisions
- Amends Section 5(a) of the Young Fishermen's Development Act (codified at 33 U.S.C. 1144(a)).
- Changes the expiration date of the program's authorization from 2026 to 2031.
- Named the "Captain Accursio 'Gus' Sanfilippo Young Fishermen's Development Act" in honor of a notable figure in the fishing community.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Extends the sunset provision (the date when the program's legal authority ends) by five years, from fiscal year 2026 to fiscal year 2031.
- No other substantive changes to the program's structure, eligibility, or operations are introduced; it maintains the existing framework for grants and support.
Potential Impacts
- On government agencies: Allows the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and other federal entities to continue allocating funds and administering grants without interruption, potentially stabilizing fisheries workforce development programs.
- On citizens: Provides ongoing access to resources for young aspiring fishermen (typically under 25 years old), helping to address workforce shortages in the commercial fishing sector and supporting rural coastal communities.
- On international relations: Minimal direct impact, though it indirectly bolsters U.S. fishing industry sustainability, which could influence trade and resource management discussions with international partners.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Young fishermen and trainees: Primary beneficiaries, gaining extended access to education, safety training, and mentorship to start or grow fishing businesses.
- Commercial fishing industry: Supports recruitment and retention of new talent, potentially improving long-term economic viability of fishing operations.
- Federal agencies: NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service, which oversees grant distribution, continues program implementation.
- Coastal communities: Local economies reliant on fishing may see sustained job growth and industry innovation.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: A straightforward reauthorization that avoids lapsed authority, ensuring compliance with federal funding rules; no challenges to constitutional authority as it falls under Congress's commerce clause powers over interstate fisheries.
- Constitutional: Reinforces federal support for economic development without infringing on state rights, as the program collaborates with state and local entities.
- Political: Represents bipartisan support for maritime workforce initiatives, with minimal controversy; the naming honors a specific individual, adding a commemorative element but not altering policy substance.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (8)
Rep. Begich, Nicholas J. [R-AK-At Large], Rep. Tokuda, Jill N. [D-HI-2], Del. Radewagen, Aumua Amata Coleman [R-AS-At Large], Rep. Golden, Jared F. [D-ME-2], Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1], Rep. Wittman, Robert J. [R-VA-1], Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17], Rep. Nunn, Zachary [R-IA-3]
Recent Actions
- 2026-03-04: Received in the Senate.
- 2026-03-03: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- 2026-03-03: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H2358)
- 2026-03-03: Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H2358)
- 2026-03-03: DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 3692.
- 2026-03-03: Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H2358-2359)
- 2026-03-03: Mr. Westerman moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
- 2025-10-31: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 308.
- 2025-10-31: Reported by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 119-356.
- 2025-10-31: Reported by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 119-356.
- 2025-09-17: Ordered to be Reported by Unanimous Consent.
- 2025-09-17: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- 2025-09-17: Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries Discharged
- 2025-09-03: Subcommittee Hearings Held
- 2025-08-29: Referred to the Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries.
Bill Versions
- Captain Accursio “Gus” Sanfilippo Young Fishermen’s Development Act — issued 2026-03-03 — PDF (4 pages)
- To reauthorize the Young Fishermen’s Development Act. — issued 2025-06-03 — PDF (1 pages)
- To reauthorize the Young Fishermen’s Development Act. — issued 2025-10-31 — PDF (4 pages)