Save Our Seas 2.0 Amendments Act
- Bill Number
- S. 216
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Public Lands and Natural Resources
- Status
- Became Law
- Became Law
- Public Law 119-65
- Latest Action
- 2025-12-26: Became Public Law No: 119-65.
- Last Updated
- 2026-01-06T19:38:45Z
Official Summary
Save Our Seas 2.0 Amendments Act
This bill reauthorizes and modifies administration of Marine Debris Program (MDP) activities and the Marine Debris Foundation. (The program and the foundation support efforts to assess, prevent, and otherwise address marine debris and its adverse impacts on the U.S. economy, the marine environment, and navigation safety.)
First, the bill reauthorizes the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA's) Marine Debris Program through FY2029. The bill authorizes NOAA to provide contributions for MDP project costs on an in-kind basis in an amount that NOAA determines represents the value it derives from the project. The bill also authorizes NOAA to enter into agreements other than cooperative agreements, contracts, and grant agreements for projects.
Next, the bill modifies requirements for the Marine Debris Foundation and reauthorizes it for FY2025. Among other changes, the bill designates the current Chief Operating Officer (i.e., the first officer or employee appointed by the board) as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and specifies that the board has the authority to appoint, review the performance of, and remove the CEO. The bill authorizes the CEO to appoint, supervise, and remove foundation employees and officers.
Further, the bill directs the foundation to develop and implement best practices for conducting outreach to Indian tribes and tribal governments. The foundation must locate its principal office in the National Capital Region or a coastal shoreline community.
Finally, the bill authorizes the foundation to match contributions from regional organizations, Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and foreign governments.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (1)
Sen. Whitehouse, Sheldon [D-RI]
Recent Actions
- 2025-12-26: Became Public Law No: 119-65.
- 2025-12-26: Became Public Law No: 119-65.
- 2025-12-26: Signed by President.
- 2025-12-26: Signed by President.
- 2025-12-18: Presented to President.
- 2025-12-18: Presented to President.
- 2025-12-15: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- 2025-12-15: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
- 2025-12-15: Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
- 2025-12-15: DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 216.
- 2025-12-15: Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H5867-5869)
- 2025-12-15: Mr. Johnson (SD) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
- 2025-05-26: Held at the desk.
- 2025-05-26: Received in the House.
- 2025-05-23: Message on Senate action sent to the House.
Bill Versions
- Save Our Seas 2.0 Amendments Act — issued 2025-12-17 — PDF (6 pages)
- Save Our Seas 2.0 Amendments Act — issued 2025-05-20 — PDF (16 pages)
- Save Our Seas 2.0 Amendments Act — issued 2025-01-23 — PDF (14 pages)
- Save Our Seas 2.0 Amendments Act — issued 2025-04-08 — PDF (16 pages)