Save Our Seas 2.0 Amendments Act
Where it stands
- Introduced1/23/25
- Passed SenatePassed 5/20/25
- HousePassed 12/15/25
- PresidentSigned 12/26/25
- LawPublic Law 119-65
Passed the Senate by voice vote on May 20, 2025. Passed the House by voice vote on December 15, 2025. Became Public Law 119-65 on December 26, 2025.
Passed by voice vote or unanimous consent — no individual positions were recorded.
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.)
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.
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.
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.
Finally, the bill authorizes the foundation to match contributions from regional organizations, Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and foreign governments.
1
1/23/25
What happens next
Became Public Law 119-65.
All actions (19)
- 1/23/25Introduced in Senate
- 1/23/25Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- 2/5/25Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.
- 4/8/25Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Reported by Senator Cruz without amendment. With written report No. 119-12.
- 4/8/25Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 40.
- 5/20/25Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate without amendment by Voice Vote.
- 5/20/25Passed Senate without amendment by Voice Vote. (consideration: CR S3001-3002; text: CR S3001-3002)
- 5/23/25Message on Senate action sent to the House.
- 5/26/25Received in the House.
- 5/26/25Held at the desk.
- 12/15/25Mr. Johnson (SD) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
- 12/15/25Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H5867-5869)
- 12/15/25DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 216.
- 12/15/25Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
- 12/15/25On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
- 12/15/25Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- 12/18/25Presented to President.
- 12/26/25Signed by President.
- 12/26/25Became Public Law No: 119-65.