PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Congressional Research Service
Version 36 · Passed House amended · Sep 15, 1998
Oceans Act of 1998 - Requires that the Congress and the President, after considering the Commission report under this Act, develop a coordinated, comprehensive, and long-range national policy for the use and stewardship of ocean and coastal resources for the benefit of the United States, including a plan to meet the resource monitoring and assessment facilities and equipment requirements of Federal ocean and coastal programs. Mandates a biennial report by the President to the Congress listing all existing Federal programs relating to ocean and coastal activities. Requires each agency or department involved in ocean and coastal activities to include with its annual appropriations request a report identifying elements of its budget relating to ocean and coastal activities. Establishes the Commission on Ocean Policy and requires it to report to the Congress and the President regarding U.S. ocean policy. Requires opening the draft report for public comment before submitting the final report. Prohibits Commission recommendations regarding lands and waters within: (1) the boundary of any State north of 51 degrees North latitude; or (2) the State of Idaho. Terminates the Commission after submission of its final report. Authorizes appropriations.
People & committees
Rep. Saxton, Jim [R-NJ-3] · R–NJ
Legislative record
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Received in the Senate.
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate.
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H7753-7758)
Mr. Saxton moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
Referred jointly and sequentially to the House Committee on Science for a period ending not later than Sept. 15, 1998 for consideration of such provisions of the bill and amendment as fall within the jurisdiction of that committee pursuant to clause 1(n), rule X.
Referred jointly and sequentially to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure for a period ending not later than Sept. 15, 1998 for consideration of such provisions of the bill and amendment as fall within the jurisdiction of that committee pursuant to clause 1(q), rule X.
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Resources. H. Rept. 105-718, Part I.
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Resources. H. Rept. 105-718, Part I.
Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee (Amended) by Voice Vote.
Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
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.
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Apr 7, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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