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H.R.1684 / 114th Congress

Foreign Spill Protection Act of 2016

Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.

Official summary

Version 36 · Passed House amended · Apr 26, 2016

Foreign Spill Protection Act of 2016

(Sec. 2) This bill amends the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 to make foreign facilities that are located offshore and outside the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) liable for removal costs and damages that result from oil spills that reach (or threaten to reach) U.S. navigable waters, adjoining shorelines, or the EEZ. Specifically, the following parties may be held liable: (1) the owners or operators of the foreign facilities, and (2) the holders of a right of use and easement granted under applicable foreign law for the area in which the facility is located.

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Who introduced it

Rep. Curbelo, Carlos [R-FL-26] · R–FL

Committees

  • Environment and Public Works Committee
  • Transportation and Infrastructure Committee
46 cosponsorship records, including any withdrawals

Actions

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  1. Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.

  2. Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

  3. On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H1959)

  4. Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.(text: CR H1959)

  5. DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1684.

  6. Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H1959-1961)

  7. Mr. Curbelo (FL) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.

  8. Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 398.

  9. Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. H. Rept. 114-518.

  10. Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. H. Rept. 114-518.

  11. Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.

  12. Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.

  13. Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Discharged.

  14. Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment Discharged.

  15. Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment.

  16. Referred to the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation.

  17. Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.

  18. Introduced in House

  19. Introduced in House

Bill text & related measures

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Related bills identified by Congress.gov

Source last updated: Sep 8, 2026. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.

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Objective

Analyze H.R.1684 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.

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Fairness and public impact

Progressive lens

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Institutions and government scope

Conservative lens

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Individual rights and government power

Liberty lens

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