HARPOON Act

Bill Number

S. 2674

Origin Chamber

Senate

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

International Affairs

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-08-01: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

Last Updated

2026-06-16T15:01:22Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

The HARPOON Act (S. 2674) aims to authorize the U.S. Department of Defense to support foreign security forces in combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. IUU fishing refers to fishing activities that violate national or international laws, go unreported to authorities, or occur in unregulated areas without proper oversight. The legislation seeks to enhance global maritime security, reduce transnational crimes like piracy linked to overfishing, and promote cooperation with international partners.

Key Provisions

• Definitions: Establishes clear terms, including "Commandant" (head of the U.S. Coast Guard), "Secretary" (Secretary of the Navy), and "IUU fishing" (based on a 2001 international agreement by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization).
• Capacity-Building Authority: Amends existing U.S. law (10 U.S.C. § 333) to explicitly allow the Secretary of Defense to train, equip, or support foreign security forces in countering IUU fishing operations.
• Joint Patrols and Engagements: Directs the Secretary of the Navy and the Commandant of the Coast Guard to collaborate with foreign partners on joint patrols. These efforts focus on countering IUU fishing, fighting related transnational crimes (e.g., smuggling or human trafficking), and improving regional security.
• Reporting Requirements: Requires the Secretary and Commandant to submit annual reports to Congress starting one year after enactment. Reports must cover:
• Regions and countries interested in cooperation.
• Resource limitations hindering partnerships.
• Recommendations to improve program effectiveness.
• Assessments of ongoing operations' success.
• Any other relevant details.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Adds "counter-illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing operations" as a new authorized activity under 10 U.S.C. § 333(a), which previously allowed capacity-building for foreign forces in areas like counterterrorism and maritime security but did not specifically address IUU fishing.
• Introduces mandatory joint engagements and reporting, expanding the scope of U.S. military involvement in environmental and fisheries enforcement without creating entirely new programs.

Potential Impacts

• Government Agencies: Increases responsibilities for the Department of Defense (especially the Navy), Coast Guard, and congressional committees (e.g., Armed Services and Commerce, Science, and Transportation). This may require additional funding or resources for training and patrols, potentially straining budgets if not allocated.
• Citizens: Indirectly benefits U.S. citizens by protecting global fish stocks, which supports sustainable seafood supplies and reduces economic losses from overfishing (estimated at billions annually worldwide). No direct impact on individual rights.
• International Relations: Strengthens U.S. alliances with countries facing IUU threats (e.g., in the Indo-Pacific or West Africa), fostering goodwill and joint operations. Could enhance U.S. leadership in global environmental security but risks diplomatic tensions if partnerships involve sensitive regions.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• U.S. Government Entities: Department of Defense, Navy, Coast Guard, and specified congressional committees overseeing implementation and funding.
• Foreign Governments and Security Forces: Partner nations interested in joint patrols, particularly those in regions vulnerable to IUU fishing, who gain training and operational support.
• International Organizations and Industries: Fisheries management bodies (e.g., UN agencies), commercial fishing sectors, and environmental groups benefiting from reduced illegal activities.
• Broader Affected Parties: Coastal communities and global economies reliant on sustainable fisheries, as IUU fishing depletes resources and enables crimes like forced labor on fishing vessels.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: Builds on existing defense authorities without overriding international treaties, aligning with U.S. commitments to global fisheries agreements. The annual reporting ensures congressional oversight, promoting accountability.
• Constitutional: No apparent conflicts; it falls under Congress's power to regulate foreign affairs and military activities (Article I, Section 8). Enhances executive branch flexibility in defense policy.
• Political: Positions the U.S. as a proactive player in "blue economy" issues (protecting ocean resources), potentially appealing across party lines for national security and environmental reasons. However, it may spark debates on military involvement in non-combat environmental roles or resource allocation amid competing defense priorities.

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

Sponsor

Sen. Young, Todd [R-IN]

Cosponsors (1)

Sen. Booker, Cory A. [D-NJ]

Recent Actions

• 2025-08-01: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
• 2025-08-01: Introduced in Senate

Bill Versions

• Helping Allies Respond to Piracy, Overfishing, and Oceanic Negligence Act — issued 2025-08-01 — PDF (4 pages)