PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Congressional Research Service
Version 00 · Introduced in House · Sep 25, 1997
Oceans Act of 1997 - Directs the President to develop and maintain a coordinated, comprehensive, and long-range national policy on ocean and coastal activities and, regarding Federal agencies and departments, to review ocean and coastal activities, plan and implement an integrated program of ocean and coastal activities, designate responsibility for funding and conducting ocean and coastal activities, and ensure cooperation and resolve differences arising from laws and regulations. (Sec. 5) Establishes the Commission on Ocean Policy, requiring it to report to the President and the Congress on a comprehensive national ocean and coastal policy to carry out the purpose and objectives of this Act. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 6) Directs the President to report to the Congress biennially, describing ocean and coastal activities of all independent agencies and departments and evaluating those activities in terms of the purpose and objectives of this Act. Requires each department or independent agency to include with its annual appropriations request a report identifying budget elements relating to ocean and coastal activities and specifying how each element contributes to implementation of the national ocean and coastal policy. Directs the President to identify in each budget submitted to the Congress those elements of each agency or department budget that contribute to the implementation of the national ocean and coastal policy. (Sec. 7) Repeals the Marine Resources and Engineering Development Act of 1966.
People & committees
Rep. Farr, Sam [D-CA-17] · D–CA
Legislative record
A procedural vote is different from passage. Passage in one chamber does not establish enactment. Explore the glossary.
Subcommittee Hearings Held.
Executive Comment Requested from Commerce.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Fisheries Conservation, Wildlife and Oceans.
Referred to the House Committee on Resources.
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E1866-1867)
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Aug 21, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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