Signed into law
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.)
- Measure
- S. 216 · 119th Congress
- Latest action
- December 26, 2025
- Policy changes
- 4
- Source
- CRS summary (Passed Senate) · Congress.gov
Became Public Law No: 119-65.
Who wrote it
Sponsor
Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-AK)Joined by 1 cosponsor, 1 of them from the day it was introduced. Introduced January 23, 2025.
All 1 cosponsors
- Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) · original
How Congress voted
No recorded vote: this bill moved by voice vote or unanimous consent, so there is no record of how individual members voted.
Your delegation
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In their own words
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What it changes — and your vote
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Provision 1
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.
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Provision 2
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.
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Provision 3
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.
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Provision 4
Finally, the bill authorizes the foundation to match contributions from regional organizations, Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and foreign governments.
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