# Summary of H.R. 9802 — Marine Aquaculture Research for America Act of 2026 This bill directs the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to establish a new office and permitting system for commercial-scale offshore fish farming in federal waters. The legislation creates an assessment program to study the environmental and operational viability of offshore aquaculture through demonstration projects, with a focus on understanding how different farm designs can prevent fish escapes, protect marine wildlife, and coexist with existing commercial and recreational fishing. NOAA will issue permits for these demonstration projects, which can operate for up to 10 years with potential renewal, provided they meet strict environmental and safety standards including the use of native fish species and minimal reliance on wild-caught fish for feed. The bill establishes an Office of Aquaculture within NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service with staff in each regional office to coordinate implementation, provide technical assistance to operators, and develop best management practices. It prioritizes applications from individuals negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic or natural disasters. Within five years, NOAA must publish a public report on the assessment program's findings, and the bill requires independent studies by the National Academies of Sciences and the Government Accountability Office to examine the environmental, economic, and regulatory aspects of offshore aquaculture. The legislation also mandates a coordinated federal permitting process across multiple agencies to streamline approvals while maintaining compliance with existing environmental and marine protection laws, with the goal of completing reviews within 240 days of application submission.

The MARA Act of 2026 establishes a comprehensive regulatory framework to evaluate and permit offshore aquaculture operations in federal ocean waters while protecting marine ecosystems and coastal communities. The bill creates a five-year assessment program within the National Marine Fisheries Service to test whether fish and shellfish farming is viable given current technology and ocean conditions, followed by a permitting process for demonstration projects that must meet strict environmental standards and undergo public review by coastal states and tribes. To support industry development, the legislation provides funding for marketing and promotion grants, workforce training programs through academic institutions, regional technical assistance networks, and an aquaculture research database. The bill also mandates independent studies by the National Academies of Sciences and the Government Accountability Office to examine optimal operating methods, environmental impacts, and regulatory effectiveness over a five-year period, ensuring that any expanded aquaculture operations balance economic benefits with protection of endangered species, marine mammals, and existing fishing interests.

This bill directs the U.S. Coast Guard to establish a three-year pilot program to help prevent and control corrosion on Coast Guard ships and equipment. The Commandant must launch the program within 180 days and establish at least two teams of corrosion specialists who will visit Coast Guard field units, provide technical advice, develop best practices, assess conditions, and train personnel. The teams will work with the Department of Defense to adopt lessons learned from the Navy's existing corrosion control program and will include experts in marine coatings, cathodic protection systems, and corrosion engineering. The Coast Guard must submit an implementation plan within one year, an interim progress report within 18 months of starting operations, and a final report 90 days before the program ends, including recommendations on whether to make it permanent and what it would cost. The pilot program can be extended for up to two additional years if the Commandant determines it is working well and needs more time to gather data.

The Vessel Identification Protection Act of 2026 creates two new federal crimes related to vessel identification numbers. First, it makes it illegal for anyone to knowingly alter, remove, tamper with, or obscure hull identification numbers or other vessel identification markings, or to affix fake identification numbers to vessels engaged in interstate commerce. Second, it criminalizes trafficking in vessels with altered or missing identification numbers when someone knowingly buys or possesses such a vessel intending to sell it. The penalties are substantial: up to five years in prison and fines for tampering with identification numbers, and up to ten years in prison and fines for trafficking in vessels with compromised identification numbers. The law includes exceptions for authorized removals by the Coast Guard and for damage caused by collisions, allisions, or fire. The legislation targets interstate commerce in vessels and aims to combat vessel theft and the sale of stolen or illegally modified boats.

This concurrent resolution expresses congressional support for the nation's law enforcement professionals and acknowledges their contributions to public safety. The resolution highlights that over 840,000 police officers risk their lives daily to serve communities, and notes recent progress in crime reduction, including a 14.9 percent decline in homicides in 2024 and an unprecedented 18 to 20 percent drop in preliminary 2025 data. The resolution also documents challenges facing law enforcement, including increasing assaults on officers, low staffing levels across agencies, and elevated suicide rates among officers due to exposure to traumatic events. Congress calls for increased support through additional policing personnel, improved training and equipment, stronger penalties for assaulting or killing officers, and expanded mental health resources. This is a symbolic measure expressing support rather than legislation that creates new programs or allocates specific funding.

The Offshore Parity Act of 2026 would expand the offshore management authority of Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama by allowing these states to manage oil, gas, and fisheries in waters extending from 3 miles to 3 marine leagues (approximately 9 miles) from their coastlines. States that submit written requests within five years of the law's enactment and demonstrate they have adequate resources and will faithfully administer federal regulations could receive delegated authority to grant and manage energy leases in these expanded waters. The states would collect their own revenues from new leases granted after the law takes effect, though they would remain responsible for any legal liabilities related to lease management and must ensure existing federal leases are protected. The bill also expands state fisheries jurisdiction in these same extended waters while preserving federal authority over highly migratory species, endangered species, and matters involving national security or international treaties. No specific federal funding is authorized in the legislation, and states have a five-year window from enactment to request this expanded management authority.

This bill designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 825 Highway 198 in Beaumont, Mississippi, as the "Jeremy Malone Post Office".

The NFIP Retroactive Renewal and Reauthorization Act extends the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), the federal government's flood insurance program, through December 31, 2026. This extension affects millions of Americans who rely on NFIP policies to protect their homes and properties in flood-prone areas. The bill amends two key provisions of the 1968 National Flood Insurance Act to update the program's expiration date from September 30, 2023, to the end of 2026. Notably, if Congress passes this bill after September 30, 2025, the changes will be made retroactive to that earlier date, ensuring continuous program coverage without a lapse. The legislation does not specify new funding amounts but maintains the existing financial and operational framework of the NFIP through the extended deadline.

This bill creates a new program allowing companies to convert abandoned or inactive offshore oil and gas platforms and pipelines into artificial reefs instead of fully removing them. Under the program, a company can submit a request to convert an inactive structure into a reef, triggering a federal assessment process that includes evaluating existing marine life and comparing the cost savings of reefing versus removal. If the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement determines the structure is suitable for reefing and meets safety and environmental standards, it becomes approved for conversion. The bill protects companies from removal orders during this process, which can take up to three years, and allows states to assume long-term responsibility for maintaining the reefs in exchange for a portion of the company's cost savings (up to 50 percent). The goal is to create new fish habitats while reducing decommissioning expenses, though the bill preserves existing removal procedures and does not apply to structures posing navigation or environmental hazards.

H.R. 5746, the Marine Aquaculture Research for America Act of 2025, directs the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to establish an Office of Aquaculture and launch commercial-scale offshore aquaculture demonstration projects to gather scientific data on sustainable practices while reducing the U.S. seafood trade deficit and creating coastal jobs. The bill establishes a permit process for demonstration projects lasting up to 10 years with automatic approval if NOAA takes no action within 180 days, requires strict environmental and wildlife protections based on best science and Indigenous knowledge, and mandates annual operator reporting on production, environmental impacts, and community benefits. To build workforce capacity, the legislation provides $25 million annually (2026–2030) for Aquaculture Centers of Excellence at colleges, universities, and minority-serving institutions, and allocates $50 million annually (2025–2029) for grants to preserve working waterfronts in coastal communities. NOAA will coordinate permitting across federal agencies and provide technical assistance to operators, while independent studies commissioned from the National Academies of Sciences and the Government Accountability Office will assess the environmental feasibility and regulatory effectiveness of a domestic offshore aquaculture industry within five years.

H.R. 5574 would extend the National Flood Insurance Program, which provides federally backed flood insurance coverage, through November 21, 2025. Currently, the program's authorization was set to expire on September 30, 2023, but this bill pushes that deadline forward by roughly two years. The legislation affects millions of property owners across the United States who rely on the National Flood Insurance Program for coverage, particularly those in flood-prone areas where private insurance may be unavailable or prohibitively expensive. The bill does not establish new funding amounts but simply extends the program's existing authority to continue operating and issuing policies. By extending the program through late 2025, Congress would provide continued stability for homeowners and businesses dependent on this federal insurance option while allowing time for longer-term policy discussions.

The Fairness and Accountability of Appeals Act of 2025 amends federal disaster relief law to require the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to reimburse attorney's fees for disaster assistance applicants who win their appeals or arbitration cases. Currently, applicants who challenge FEMA's decisions on disaster aid must pay their own legal costs, even if they successfully prove FEMA was wrong. This bill would remove that financial barrier by making FEMA cover attorney's fees whenever an applicant prevails in an appeal or arbitration proceeding under the Stafford Act, the main federal law governing disaster assistance. The change affects disaster victims and survivors nationwide who dispute FEMA's decisions about their eligibility or the amount of aid they receive. The bill does not establish new funding allocations or timelines but creates an ongoing obligation for FEMA to pay these fees from its existing budget when applicants win their cases.

H.Res. 664 is a congressional resolution marking the 20th anniversary of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, which struck the Gulf Coast in August and September 2005. Hurricane Katrina killed 1,833 people and caused $161 billion in damage across Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida, while Hurricane Rita killed 120 people and caused $10 billion in damage in Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas, and Florida. The resolution acknowledges the massive scale of these disasters—which displaced over 1 million people each, destroyed hundreds of thousands of homes and businesses, and left millions without power—while also recognizing the significant recovery progress made since then, including population growth and increased tourism in cities like New Orleans and Gulfport-Biloxi. The resolution expresses support for hurricane victims, commends those who assisted in recovery efforts, and reaffirms Congress's commitment to continued rebuilding of the Gulf Coast region. This is a symbolic measure with no funding or specific timeline requirements; it simply documents the historical impact of these hurricanes and celebrates the resilience of affected communities.

The Port Crane Tax Credit Act of 2025 establishes two new tax credits to encourage domestic manufacturing of port cranes—the large equipment used to load and unload cargo at shipping terminals. The first credit allows manufacturers to claim 25 percent of their investment in port crane manufacturing facilities as a tax credit, while the second provides production credits equal to 40 percent of the sale price for domestically-produced port cranes, or 60 percent if 90 percent of component materials are made in the U.S. Both credits apply to facilities and products located anywhere in the United States, including territories, and can be transferred or paid out directly to eligible taxpayers. The credits sunset after December 31, 2035, with a phase-out period in 2035-2036, and apply to property placed in service after the bill's enactment.

H.R. 4018 aims to accelerate American exploration and mining of critical minerals from ocean seabeds, particularly those found along the U.S. continental shelf and in international waters. The bill directs federal agencies to streamline permitting processes for seabed mining operations within 60 days, establish a plan to map mineral-rich ocean areas, and identify which seabed minerals are essential for defense, manufacturing, and energy needs. The legislation affects companies interested in seabed mineral exploration and processing, as well as federal agencies including the Departments of Commerce, Interior, State, and Energy, which must coordinate these efforts and engage with allied nations about resource development opportunities. While the bill does not specify direct federal funding, it mandates various reports and planning activities aimed at reducing American dependence on foreign sources of minerals like cobalt, nickel, and rare earth elements that are critical for military equipment, batteries, and infrastructure. The stated goal is to position the United States as a global leader in responsible seabed mineral development while countering China's influence over these strategic resources.

H.R. 3842 expands the types of investments allowed through Capital Construction Funds—tax-advantaged savings accounts used by maritime businesses—to now include cargo handling equipment at U.S. ports, in addition to the existing provisions for ship construction and reconstruction. The bill defines cargo handling equipment as vehicles and land-based equipment used to move cargo at marine terminals, with a preference for U.S.-manufactured equipment but allowing foreign-made alternatives if comparable U.S. products are unavailable. The legislation affects marine terminal operators and shipping companies by allowing them to set aside pre-tax earnings in Capital Construction Funds specifically for replacing, purchasing, or reconstructing cargo handling equipment at U.S. ports. The bill includes two key restrictions on withdrawals: funds cannot be used for fully automated cranes that would cause net job losses at terminals, and funds cannot be used to purchase cranes made in China. The Secretary of Transportation is required to annually publish information about the availability of U.S.-manufactured cargo handling equipment to help fund holders make informed purchasing decisions, though no specific funding appropriations are outlined in the bill.

H.R. 3585 creates a new Capacity Building for Business Districts Pilot Program within the Economic Development Administration to help revitalize business districts in low-income, rural, minority, and Native communities. The program will award competitive grants to intermediary nonprofit organizations ("specified recipients") that will then provide technical assistance, training, and capacity-building support to local business district organizations serving small and underserved businesses. Grant awards will be made to multiple organizations with priority given to applicants serving distressed communities and capable of working across multiple states or geographies, with initial grants lasting at least two years. Recipients must submit annual reports documenting the businesses they serve, funding use, jobs created and retained, and other metrics. The bill amends the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 to authorize this pilot program but does not specify total funding amounts or an end date for the pilot.

H.Con.Res. 31 is a concurrent resolution expressing congressional support for America's law enforcement professionals. The resolution acknowledges the dangers officers face daily, citing statistics such as over 79,000 police assaults in 2023, 172 officer deaths over three years, and a suicide rate 54 percent higher than other American workers. The resolution honors fallen officers and calls for increased government support at all levels, including more police personnel, improved training and equipment, tougher penalties for assaulting or killing officers, and expanded mental health resources. This is a symbolic measure that does not authorize funding or create new programs, but rather expresses Congress's position that law enforcement deserves enhanced resources and support to protect communities and officers themselves.

Safer Shrimp Imports ActThis bill prohibits the importation of shrimp from countries that do not have food inspection systems equivalent to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) inspection system for shrimp, or that have not entered into an agreement with the FDA facilitating U.S. inspection of their food facilities. Specifically, the FDA must seek to enter into arrangements and agreements with the government of each country with at least one facility that manufactures, processes, packs, or holds shrimp for consumption in the United States to facilitate FDA inspection of such facilities. The bill prohibits the importation of shrimp that is manufactured, processed, packed, or held in a country (1) that has not entered into an inspection arrangement or agreement with the FDA, or (2) the food inspection system of which is not equivalent to the FDA’s food inspection system with respect to shrimp. To be considered equivalent, a country’s food inspection system must include staffing that ensures uniform enforcement of applicable laws and regulations, and must provide for the enforcement of laws and regulations that address conditions under which shrimp are raised and transported to processing facilities. Further, shrimp imported or offered for import into the United States that have been manufactured, processed, packed, or held in a country that is not compliant with these requirements are deemed adulterated, and thus may not be introduced into interstate commerce.

This concurrent resolution formally expresses Congress's support and appreciation for local law enforcement officers across the United States. The measure recognizes the dedication and sacrifices of police officers and their families, honors fallen officers who died in the line of duty, and acknowledges the dangerous situations officers face while protecting their communities. The resolution also encourages stronger collaboration between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve to build public safety and trust. As a concurrent resolution, this is a symbolic statement of congressional support that does not create new programs, provide funding, or establish legal requirements, but rather serves to formally recognize the contributions of local police officers nationwide.

H.R. 3177 would require FEMA to use state-licensed professionals—such as engineers, architects, and builders—to perform cost estimates, material purchases, and related work on disaster recovery projects funded under federal emergency assistance programs. The bill would significantly limit FEMA's authority to reject or delay decisions made by these licensed professionals, requiring FEMA to approve material purchases and construction plans suggested by them unless fraud is evident. States would be responsible for hiring the appropriate licensed professionals to oversee the scope of work, and any FEMA employees directly managing these rebuilding projects would also need to be licensed professionals in their field. The legislation would apply to disaster relief projects eligible for assistance under specific sections of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, and FEMA would need to update its regulations and policies to comply with these new requirements. No specific funding or implementation timeline is outlined in the bill text.

The BRIDGE Production Act of 2025 mandates aggressive expansion of offshore oil and gas leasing in the Gulf of Mexico and Alaska's Cook Inlet over the next decade. The bill requires the Department of Interior to conduct at least 26 lease sales—20 in the Gulf offering at least 80 million acres each and 6 in Cook Inlet offering at least 1 million acres each—with the first sales beginning August 31, 2025, and leases issued to the highest bidder within 90 days. The legislation reduces royalty rates oil companies must pay from a minimum of 16⅔ percent to 12.5 percent in the Gulf and caps them at 16.75% in Cook Inlet, while waiving key environmental reviews and tribal consultation requirements under federal law. The bill includes enforcement provisions allowing industry to sue the Interior Secretary for delays, with courts empowered to impose fines and force compliance within 120 days, and it includes a fallback schedule of automatic annual sales if deadlines are missed. Critically, leases already issued cannot be invalidated by legal challenges, effectively locking in energy development once sales occur.

This bill creates a new position of Secretary of the Coast Guard, to be appointed by the President with Senate approval. Currently, the Coast Guard operates under the Department of Homeland Security without a dedicated secretary at the cabinet level. The new Secretary would have direct authority over Coast Guard operations, report only to the Secretary of the department where the Coast Guard operates (removing intermediate reporting requirements), and would oversee the Commandant, who would report directly to the Secretary. The bill also makes technical updates to federal law to define this new position within the Coast Guard's statutory framework. No specific funding or implementation timeline is included in the legislation.

Cormorant Relief Act of 2025This bill requires the Department of the Interior to reissue the depredation order for double-crested cormorants at aquaculture facilities in certain states. (The previous order was vacated in 2016 by court order.)Depredation orders allow for the taking (i.e., capturing, killing, dispersing, or transport of the carcass) of a specified species without a permit, generally to reduce damage caused by the species or to protect interests like health or property. Reissuing this order authorizes landowners, operators, tenants, and employees of entities engaged in aquaculture to take double-crested cormorants that are causing or threatening harm at aquaculture facilities and state and federal fish hatcheries.Interior must reissue the depredation order with updates, including an expansion of (1) the number of states covered by the order, and (2) the entities to whom the order applies (i.e., private lake and pond managers who are licensed by the state).Under the bill, Interior must renew the depredation order every five years.

This bill reauthorizes and modifies the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Integrated Ocean Observation System (IOOS). (The IOOS is made up of radar, gliders, buoys, vessels, and different models and forecasts that collect data points to monitor and report on conditions along the nation's coasts and in marine waters.)Specifically, the bill reauthorizes the IOOS through FY2030. The bill also directs the Interagency Ocean Observation Committee (which coordinates interagency planning, budgeting, and assessments for the system) to develop requirements and processes for regional offices and federally funded projects of the agencies of the committee to collaborate with the regional coastal observing systems for data sharing at regional levels.