Save Our Seas Amendments Act

Floor Speech

Mr. Speaker, I too rise in support of S. 216, the Save Our Seas 2.0 Amendments Act.

Mr. Speaker, before I express support for that, I will associate myself with the comments of my colleagues for the previous resolution, condemning the violence against members of the National Guard from West Virginia and condemning that horrific act that took the life of Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom and has left Air Force Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe gravely injured.

Mr. Speaker, as it relates to the Save Our Seas 2.0 Amendments Act, this bill will improve the administration of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Marine Debris Program and the Marine Debris Foundation so that it can respond more effectively to the growing threats facing our coastal regions, of which I represent one in Mobile, Alabama.

Each year, more than 11 million tons of plastic debris enters the oceans, endangering the livelihood of communities, small businesses, fishermen, and our food chain that rely on healthy waterways. Along Alabama's coastal communities, we understand how critically important reliable waterways are.

This legislation takes practical steps to support the Federal programs responsible for removing debris and protecting the safety and resilience of our coastal communities.

The bill improves NOAA's Marine Debris Program by giving the agency clear authority to use new and existing tools to address pollution more effectively and allowing NOAA to work faster and in closer partnership with State and local governments, as well as Tribal nations, nonprofits, and regional organizations.

The bill requires the Marine Debris Foundation to develop and implement best practices for engaging with Tribal Governments to ensure that they are included in the programs and funding designed to protect the water resources.

Finally, this legislation extends vital funding for marine debris removal efforts through 2029. It keeps programs running, supports long- term planning, and gives communities confidence that Federal partners are committed to protecting our waters and natural resources.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to support my colleagues who have worked on this important bipartisan legislation both here in the House, as well as the Senate. I look forward to seeing it passed into law, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota. Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers.

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Mr. FIGURES. Bonamici).

Mr. Speaker, in closing, passing this bill is an important step that we can take right now to help address the health and resilience of coastal communities like those that I represent. I support S. 216, the Save Our Seas 2.0 Amendments Act, and I urge my colleagues to do the same.

Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota.

Mr. Speaker, Ms. Bonamici said it right. This legislation will enable NOAA to continue addressing the adverse impacts of marine debris on our country's maritime economy and will ensure safe navigation on America's waterways. Importantly, this legislation will promote clean water and the protection of our natural resources without imposing new mandates on industry or local governments.

Mr. Speaker, I urge support of the bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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