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H.R.3487 / 104th Congress

National Marine Sanctuaries Preservation Act

Received in the Senate and read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce.

Official summary

Version 36 · Passed House amended · Sep 4, 1996

National Marine Sanctuaries Preservation Act - Amends the National Marine Sanctuaries Act to authorize appropriations to carry out the Act. (Sec. 4) Mandates a long-range, comprehensive plan for the management, stabilization, preservation, and recovery of artifacts and materials of the U.S. Ship Monitor using, to the extent feasible, the resources of Federal and private entities with expertise and capabilities that are helpful. (Sec. 5) Modifies national marine sanctuary advisory committee meeting notice requirements. (Sec. 6) Authorizes adoption of a symbol for the national marine sanctuary program (NMSP) or any individual sanctuary and the related designation of official sponsors, the selling of products to promote the NMSP, and the collection of monetary or in-kind contributions for symbol use. Requires contributions raised through the sale or use of symbols or products related to a specific sanctuary to be used to support that sanctuary. (Sec. 7) Amends the Hawaiian Islands National Marine Sanctuary Act to modify requirements regarding: (1) the inclusion in the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary of the marine environment near Kahoolawe Island; and (2) the effect of an objection by the Governor of Hawaii. Prohibits any user fee applicable to the Hawaiian Islands National Marine Sanctuary. (Sec. 8) Amends, notwithstanding specified provisions of the National Marine Sanctuaries Act, the boundaries of the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary to include a described area popularly known as Stetson Bank. (Sec. 10) Mandates various actions regarding a sanctuary in the Northwest Straits of the State of Washington, including: (1) requiring the establishment of the Northwest Straits Marine Resources Protection Advisory Committee; and (2) concerning an environmental impact statement. Prohibits a designation of an area in the Northwest Straits as a national marine sanctuary from taking effect unless the designation is specifically authorized by a law enacted after a specified date. (Sec. 11) Designates the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary as the Gerry E. Studds Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary.

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Who introduced it

Rep. Saxton, Jim [R-NJ-3] · R–NJ

Committees

  • Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee
  • Natural Resources Committee
18 cosponsorship records, including any withdrawals

Actions

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  1. Received in the Senate and read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce.

  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.

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

  5. DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate.

  6. Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H9974-9979)

  7. Mr. Saxton moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.

  8. Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 382.

  9. Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Resources. H. Rept. 104-717.

  10. Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Resources. H. Rept. 104-717.

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

  12. Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.

  13. Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee (Amended) by Voice Vote.

  14. Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.

  15. Executive Comment Requested from Commerce.

  16. Referred to the Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife and Oceans.

  17. Referred to the House Committee on Resources.

  18. Introduced in House

  19. Introduced in House

Bill text & related measures

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Related bills identified by Congress.gov

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

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Objective

Analyze H.R.3487 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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