H.R. 663 directs the U.S. government to oppose deep seabed mining both domestically and internationally until stronger protections for ocean ecosystems are in place. The bill requires the President to instruct U.S. representatives at international organizations to call for a moratorium on deep seabed mining permits and to oppose financing for such activities. The ban on U.S. support would remain in effect until the International Seabed Authority establishes comprehensive mining regulations informed by scientific consensus and the President certifies these regulations will effectively protect the marine environment. The legislation stems from congressional concerns that deep seabed mining threatens ocean biodiversity, marine food sources, and carbon storage, with insufficient current scientific understanding of its full impacts. The bill affects environmental policy, fishing communities, international ocean governance, and U.S. positions in global forums, with no specific funding or implementation timeline specified.
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