Regional Ocean Partnerships Reauthorization Act of 2026

Bill Number: S. 3791
Origin Chamber: Senate
Congress: 119th Congress, Session 2
Policy Area: Transportation and Public Works
Status: Introduced
Latest Action: 2026-04-14: Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
Last Updated: 2026-05-27T20:20:25Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

The Regional Ocean Partnerships Reauthorization Act of 2026 aims to extend the authorization and funding for Regional Ocean Partnerships, which are collaborative programs focused on coordinated ocean planning, conservation, and management across U.S. regions. These partnerships involve federal, state, local, and tribal entities to address ocean-related issues like ecosystem health and resource use.

Key Provisions

Reauthorization Period: Extends the programs through fiscal year 2031, updating the timeframe from the original 2023-2027 period.
Reporting Requirements: Mandates reports on partnership activities, with a new requirement for a report no later than five years after the Act's enactment.
Funding Authorization: Allocates specific annual funding levels for fiscal years 2028-2031:
$11,572,444 for FY 2028
$11,688,168 for FY 2029
$11,805,050 for FY 2030
$11,923,101 for FY 2031
These funds support the operations of the partnerships, including coordination and implementation of ocean policies.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

The bill amends Section 10202 of the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (codified at 16 U.S.C. 1468):

Updates reporting language to require multiple reports ("Each report") instead of a single one, and adds a deadline tied to this Act's enactment.
Replaces prior funding authorizations for earlier years with new amounts for 2028-2031, effectively extending and adjusting the budget to account for inflation or increased needs.
Shifts the overall authorization window to 2026-2031, providing continuity beyond the original expiration.

Potential Impacts

Government Agencies: Enhances coordination among federal agencies (e.g., NOAA and EPA) with regional partners, potentially streamlining ocean policy implementation and reducing fragmented efforts.
Citizens and Communities: Supports sustainable ocean use, which could benefit coastal residents through improved environmental protection, fisheries management, and resilience to climate change, though direct citizen impacts depend on regional implementation.
International Relations: Minimal direct effects, but stronger U.S. regional ocean partnerships could indirectly support international ocean conservation efforts, such as those under UN treaties, by bolstering domestic capabilities.

Main Stakeholders Affected

Federal Government: Agencies like the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), which oversees partnerships.
State, Local, and Tribal Governments: Key collaborators in regional planning, gaining continued funding for joint initiatives.
Environmental and Industry Groups: Non-profits, fishing industries, and conservation organizations involved in ocean management.
Coastal Communities: Residents and businesses reliant on ocean resources, indirectly affected through policy outcomes.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

Legal: Strengthens statutory support for intergovernmental cooperation without creating new regulatory burdens; funding levels are advisory (authorizations, not appropriations), requiring separate congressional approval for actual spending.
Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's commerce clause authority over interstate waters and environmental policy; no apparent conflicts with federalism, as it promotes voluntary regional partnerships.
Political: Bipartisan sponsorship (from senators across parties) suggests broad support for ocean conservation; extends programs amid growing climate concerns, potentially influencing future environmental legislation without major controversy.

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

Sponsor

Sen. Wicker, Roger F. [R-MS]

Cosponsors (13)

Sen. Blunt Rochester, Lisa [D-DE], Sen. Murphy, Christopher [D-CT], Sen. Britt, Katie Boyd [R-AL], Sen. Coons, Christopher A. [D-DE], Sen. Kennedy, John [R-LA], Sen. Collins, Susan M. [R-ME], Sen. Hassan, Margaret Wood [D-NH], Sen. Markey, Edward J. [D-MA], Sen. Cassidy, Bill [R-LA], Sen. Hyde-Smith, Cindy [R-MS], Sen. Blumenthal, Richard [D-CT], Sen. Alsobrooks, Angela D. [D-MD], Sen. Cantwell, Maria [D-WA]

Recent Actions

2026-04-14: Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
2026-02-05: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
2026-02-05: Introduced in Senate

Bill Versions

Regional Ocean Partnerships Reauthorization Act of 2026 — issued 2026-02-05 — PDF (2 pages)