Bills · 119th Congress · Transportation and Public Works

Modernizing Access to Our Public Oceans Act

Passed by voice vote or unanimous consent — no individual positions were recorded.

Official summary (CRS)

This bill directs the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to publish geospatial data related to public recreational use of federal waterways (e.g., boating and fishing).

Under the bill, NOAA must consult with relevant stakeholders (including state and local governments, Indian tribes, and Native Hawaiian organizations) to develop and adopt standards for the coordination and dissemination of geospatial data relating to fishing restrictions and recreational vessels' use of federal waterways, including the exclusive economic zone of the United States (EEZ). (The EEZ generally includes waters between 3 and 200 miles seaward from the U.S. coastline.)

Sponsor
Sen. Ted Cruz ( Republican · TX)

Cosponsors
1

Introduced
2/26/25

Policy area
Transportation and Public Works

Status

2/26/25Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

2/26/25Introduced in Senate

3/12/25Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.

7/16/25Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 117.

7/16/25Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Reported by Senator Cruz with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. With written report No. 119-40.

9/10/25Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S6556; text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR S6556)

9/10/25Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent.

9/11/25Held at the desk.

9/11/25Received in the House.

9/11/25Message on Senate action sent to the House.

9/14/26Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

9/14/26On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H5559)

9/14/26Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H5559)

9/14/26DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 759.

9/14/26Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H5559-5560)

9/14/26Mr. Westerman moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.

9/22/26Presented to President.

9/25/26Became Public Law No: 119-116.

9/25/26Signed by President.