PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment.
Congressional Research Service
Version 00 · Introduced in House · Feb 8, 1994
Waterways Obstruction Removal Act of 1994 - Amends Federal law to require the owner or operator of a sunken or grounded vessel obstructing a navigable waterway to begin the vessel's removal (or, if appropriate, secure it pending removal to allow navigation to resume) within 24 hours after the Secretary of the Department in which the Coast Guard is operating issues an order to stop or delay navigation in any U.S. navigable waters because of conditions relating to such sinking or grounding. Requires approval by the Secretary of the Army (Secretary) of the removal plan before removal may begin. Authorizes the Secretary to impose a civil penalty for each day the vessel owner or operator fails to begin removal. Requires the Secretary to remove or destroy the vessel using certain summary removal procedures if the owner or operator fails to begin removal or to secure the vessel pending removal, or fails to complete removal as soon as possible. Allows the Secretary to recover from the owner or operator the actual costs, including administrative costs, of any removal action taken.
People & committees
Rep. Fields, Jack [R-TX-8] · R–TX
Legislative record
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Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment.
Referred to the House Committee on Public Works + Transportation.
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E125)
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Aug 26, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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