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The Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Initiative Reauthorization Act of 2025 aims to extend and fund a unique, citizen-driven conservation program in northwestern Washington. The initiative focuses on protecting the marine waters of the Strait of Juan de Fuca and northern Puget Sound, covering seven counties from the Canadian border to southern Snohomish County. By reauthorizing this program, the bill would continue federal support for local efforts to restore shellfish populations, protect vulnerable ecosystems, and recover iconic species like salmon and orcas.
If enacted, the bill would authorize approximately $3 million in annual funding through 2031 to support the Northwest Straits Commission and its seven county-based Marine Resources Committees. These committees are composed of local volunteers, tribal representatives, and scientific experts who prioritize conservation projects based on the specific needs of their communities. This "bottom-up" approach allows residents to lead environmental efforts such as removing derelict fishing gear, monitoring water quality, and restoring nearshore habitats that are vital to the region's fishing and tourism economies.
For everyday citizens, the bill proposes to maintain a framework where local voices—rather than just federal agencies—direct how marine resources are managed. It would support volunteer opportunities for residents to participate in hands-on science and restoration work. Additionally, the legislation aims to foster collaboration between tribal, state, and local governments to address modern environmental challenges like sea-level rise and invasive species, ensuring the long-term health of the region's coastal environment.
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Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Ordered to be reported with amendments favorably.
Apr 30, 2025
Apr 30, 2025 · 14:00
The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation convened on April 30, 2025, for a business meeting to consider multiple pieces of legislation and nominations. The bills addressed diverse policy areas under the committee's jurisdiction, including transportation, communications, commerce, and science. Notable measures included S. 29, the Sunshine Protection Act to make daylight saving time permanent; S. 191 on commercial driver's license testing requirements; S. 196 on online ticket sales consumer protections; and S. 1081, the Comprehensive NASA Reporting Act requiring NASA to submit reports to Congress. The committee also considered bills addressing foreign ownership in telecommunications, earthquake hazards reduction, human rights abuses including those against Uyghurs, fishing regulations, disaster communications, and weather forecasting improvements, among others. The committee also considered the nominations of Olivia Trusty of Maryland to be a Member of the Federal Communications Commission and Jared Isaacman of Pennsylvania to be Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, along with routine Coast Guard nominations. No witnesses were listed for this business meeting, which was a procedural session focused on advancing bills and nominations for further consideration. As a business meeting rather than a hearing with testimony, this session represents a step in the legislative process but does not guarantee that any of these bills will advance to a floor vote. The committee's action would typically move these measures to the next stage of consideration, whether through markup sessions, floor debate, or other procedural steps.
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Reported by Senator Cruz with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. With written report No. 119-67.
Sep 29, 2025
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Reported by Senator Cruz with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. With written report No. 119-67.
Sep 29, 2025
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Ordered to be reported with amendments favorably.
Apr 30, 2025
Apr 30, 2025 · 14:00
The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation convened on April 30, 2025, for a business meeting to consider multiple pieces of legislation and nominations. The bills addressed diverse policy areas under the committee's jurisdiction, including transportation, communications, commerce, and science. Notable measures included S. 29, the Sunshine Protection Act to make daylight saving time permanent; S. 191 on commercial driver's license testing requirements; S. 196 on online ticket sales consumer protections; and S. 1081, the Comprehensive NASA Reporting Act requiring NASA to submit reports to Congress. The committee also considered bills addressing foreign ownership in telecommunications, earthquake hazards reduction, human rights abuses including those against Uyghurs, fishing regulations, disaster communications, and weather forecasting improvements, among others. The committee also considered the nominations of Olivia Trusty of Maryland to be a Member of the Federal Communications Commission and Jared Isaacman of Pennsylvania to be Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, along with routine Coast Guard nominations. No witnesses were listed for this business meeting, which was a procedural session focused on advancing bills and nominations for further consideration. As a business meeting rather than a hearing with testimony, this session represents a step in the legislative process but does not guarantee that any of these bills will advance to a floor vote. The committee's action would typically move these measures to the next stage of consideration, whether through markup sessions, floor debate, or other procedural steps.
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Reported by Senator Cruz with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. With written report No. 119-67.
Sep 29, 2025
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Reported by Senator Cruz with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. With written report No. 119-67.
Sep 29, 2025
Congress
119th Congress
Introduced
Apr 10, 2025
