Supporting the designation of October 23, 2025, as "National Marine Sanctuary Day".
- Bill Number
- H.Res. 822
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Public Lands and Natural Resources
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-10-21: Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
- Last Updated
- 2025-12-19T09:07:46Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This House Resolution (H. Res. 822) aims to support the designation of October 23, 2025, as "National Marine Sanctuary Day." It commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972, which established protections for marine and Great Lakes environments. The resolution highlights the role of national marine sanctuaries—underwater protected areas—in conserving natural resources, supporting economies, preserving history, and promoting public engagement.
Key Provisions
- Support for Designation: The House of Representatives endorses October 23, 2025, as National Marine Sanctuary Day to celebrate America's maritime heritage, wildlife, and recreational opportunities in oceans and Great Lakes.
- Encouragement for Public Participation: Urges people in the U.S. and worldwide to visit, recreate in, and support national marine sanctuaries responsibly.
- Recognition of Benefits: Acknowledges the sanctuaries' contributions to recreation, local and national economies (e.g., through fishing, tourism, and jobs), conservation, public access to waters, and cultural preservation.
- Celebration of Protection Efforts: Praises the National Marine Sanctuary System for safeguarding significant ocean and Great Lakes sites, including habitats, shipwrecks, and cultural resources.
- Call for Federal Collaboration: Encourages federal agencies to prioritize and cooperate on goals of the 1972 Act, such as resource management and innovation in technology and partnerships.
The resolution includes extensive "Whereas" clauses detailing the sanctuaries' ecological, economic, cultural, and community values, such as generating billions in economic activity, enhancing coastal resilience against storms, and fostering education and stewardship.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This is a non-binding resolution, so it introduces no changes to existing laws. It does not amend the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972 or create new legal requirements. Instead, it expresses congressional support and raises awareness.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: May encourage agencies like the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), which manages the sanctuary system, to emphasize conservation and public outreach, potentially leading to better coordination without new mandates.
- On Citizens: Promotes greater public awareness and participation in marine conservation, recreation, and education, potentially increasing tourism and community involvement in coastal areas.
- On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, though it could indirectly boost U.S. leadership in global ocean conservation by highlighting shared maritime heritage and inviting worldwide engagement.
- Broader Effects: Symbolic recognition could inspire local events, funding proposals, or volunteer efforts, supporting economies in fishing, tourism, and recreation sectors that rely on healthy marine environments.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Coastal Communities and Businesses: Fishing, tourism, recreation, and scientific industries that benefit from sanctuary-generated jobs and economic activity (billions of dollars annually).
- Conservationists and Environmental Groups: Organizations focused on protecting marine habitats, wildlife, and cultural sites like shipwrecks.
- General Public: U.S. citizens and visitors who use sanctuaries for recreation, education, and stewardship, especially in ocean and Great Lakes regions.
- Federal Agencies: NOAA and other entities involved in marine management, encouraged to align priorities with conservation goals.
- Indigenous and Cultural Groups: Those connected to sacred or historical sites preserved in sanctuaries, aiding in cultural storytelling ahead of the U.S.'s 250th anniversary.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: As a simple resolution, it has no force of law and requires no presidential approval; it passed referral to the House Committee on Natural Resources but is symbolic rather than enforceable.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's power to express policy preferences and promote public welfare under Article I, without infringing on executive or state authority.
- Political: Demonstrates bipartisan support (introduced by representatives from both parties) for environmental and economic issues, potentially influencing future legislation on ocean conservation. It underscores a non-partisan emphasis on maritime heritage and resilience, avoiding controversy by focusing on celebration and encouragement rather than regulation.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (12)
Rep. Bergman, Jack [R-MI-1], Rep. Bonamici, Suzanne [D-OR-1], Rep. Nadler, Jerrold [D-NY-12], Rep. Carbajal, Salud O. [D-CA-24], Rep. Case, Ed [D-HI-1], Rep. Panetta, Jimmy [D-CA-19], Rep. Tokuda, Jill N. [D-HI-2], Rep. Smith, Adam [D-WA-9], Rep. Salazar, Maria Elvira [R-FL-27], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Jacobs, Sara [D-CA-51], Rep. McDonald Rivet, Kristen [D-MI-8]
Recent Actions
- 2025-10-21: Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
- 2025-10-21: Submitted in House
- 2025-10-21: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- Supporting the designation of October 23, 2025, as "National Marine Sanctuary Day". — issued 2025-10-21 — PDF (4 pages)