MARITIME Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 3748
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- International Affairs
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-06-05: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
- Last Updated
- 2025-07-22T12:32:17Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The MARITIME Act (H.R. 3748) aims to address the threats posed by sea level rise—driven by climate change—to the statehood and maritime zones (areas of ocean under a country's control for resources like fishing) of low-lying island nations, particularly in the Pacific. It establishes a U.S. policy on preserving these rights and requires a report to Congress on U.S. diplomatic efforts to promote similar policies internationally.
Key Provisions
- Findings:
- Sea level rise threatens the existence of Pacific island states.
- Maritime zones are vital for their economies, providing exclusive access to ocean resources.
- Emerging international trends, led by groups like the Pacific Islands Forum and the Alliance of Small Island States, emphasize maintaining stable maritime zones despite rising seas.
- Statement of Policy:
- Sea level rise should not lead to the loss of a country's statehood, United Nations membership, or participation in other international organizations.
- The U.S. commits to collaborating with other nations on these issues.
- Maritime zones should remain unchanged by sea level rise, preserving rights under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS, an international treaty outlining ocean boundaries and resource rights).
- The U.S. supports efforts by island states to formally document their coastal baselines (starting points for measuring maritime zones) under UNCLOS.
- The U.S. will urge other countries to adopt matching policies.
- Report Requirement:
- The Secretary of State, consulting other federal agencies, must submit a report to Congress within 120 days of enactment.
- Contents:
- Review of U.S. initiatives to promote these policies abroad.
- Assessment of bilateral (between two countries) and multilateral (involving multiple countries) efforts in international forums.
- Identification of barriers (legal, policy, logistical, financial, or administrative) to promotion.
- List of countries and organizations that have adopted similar policies.
- The report will be unclassified but may include a classified (restricted-access) section.
- It goes to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This bill introduces a new reporting mandate for the State Department, with no explicit amendments to prior laws. It codifies a specific U.S. policy on sea level rise and maritime zones, building on existing international frameworks like UNCLOS (which the U.S. has signed but not ratified), without altering domestic statutes.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: The State Department and related agencies (e.g., those handling climate or ocean policy) will need to coordinate and produce the report, potentially increasing diplomatic workload and resource allocation for international advocacy.
- Citizens: Minimal direct impact on U.S. citizens, though it could indirectly support global stability in ocean resource access, benefiting industries like fishing or shipping.
- International Relations: Strengthens U.S. ties with Pacific island nations by aligning with their priorities, potentially enhancing U.S. leadership on climate issues. It may encourage broader adoption of stable maritime policies, reducing conflicts over shrinking ocean territories.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- U.S. Government: State Department (lead on report and diplomacy), Congress (receives report and oversees policy), and agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency or National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (for consultations).
- Foreign Governments and Organizations: Pacific island states (e.g., members of the Pacific Islands Forum), Alliance of Small Island States, and other coastal nations reliant on maritime zones; international bodies like the United Nations.
- Broader Groups: Small island and coastal communities facing sea level rise, whose economic and sovereignty rights are at stake.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Reinforces adherence to international law (e.g., UNCLOS principles) without creating new enforceable obligations; the report could inform future U.S. positions in global negotiations on climate and oceans.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's oversight role in foreign policy (Article I) and the executive's diplomatic authority (Article II), posing no apparent conflicts.
- Political: Signals U.S. support for vulnerable allies amid climate challenges, potentially boosting bipartisan cooperation on environmental diplomacy. It highlights tensions between climate action and territorial stability, without mandating U.S. ratification of UNCLOS.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (6)
Del. Moylan, James C. [R-GU-At Large], Rep. Case, Ed [D-HI-1], Del. Radewagen, Aumua Amata Coleman [R-AS-At Large], Rep. Krishnamoorthi, Raja [D-IL-8], Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1], Del. King-Hinds, Kimberlyn [R-MP-At Large]
Recent Actions
- 2025-06-05: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
- 2025-06-05: Introduced in House
- 2025-06-05: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Maintaining Area Rights and Integrity Through International Maritime Enforcement Act — issued 2025-06-05 — PDF (5 pages)