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H.R.656 / 103rd Congress

Marine Mammal Capture, Export, and Public Display Protection Act of 1993

Executive Comment Requested from USDA, Commerce, Marine Mammal Comm.

Official summary

Version 00 · Introduced in House · Jan 27, 1993

Marine Mammal Capture, Export, and Public Display Protection Act of 1993 - Amends the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) to require, instead of the penalty applicable under the AWA for a violation regarding a marine mammal, that a person be liable for a civil or criminal penalty under specified provisions of the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 (MMPA). Mandates review and, if appropriate, modifications to AWA standards regarding the care and habitat of marine mammals in captivity. Amends the MMPA to direct the Secretaries of Commerce and Agriculture to jointly establish a system for tracking marine mammals taken in waters under U.S. jurisdiction or imported. Makes it unlawful to take any marine mammal before establishment of the system. Makes it unlawful to export a marine mammal without a permit under this Act. Requires regulations under the MMPA for exporting as well as for taking and importing marine mammals. Authorizes issuance of export permits under the same requirements as taking and importing permits. Allows issuance of an export permit only: (1) to maintain or improve the health and well-being of the mammal; and (2) if the permit prohibits use of the mammal for any other purpose. Modifies scientific research permit requirements regarding issuance, takings involving surgical procedures, lethal takings, release requirements, permanent marking of released mammals, and permit effective periods.

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Who introduced it

Rep. Bilirakis, Michael [R-FL-9] · R–FL

Committees

  • Merchant Marine and Fisheries Committee
43 cosponsorship records, including any withdrawals

Actions

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  1. Executive Comment Requested from USDA, Commerce, Marine Mammal Comm.

  2. Referred to the Subcommittee on Environment and Natural Resources.

  3. Referred to the House Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries.

  4. Introduced in House

  5. Introduced in House

Bill text & related measures

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Related bills identified by Congress.gov

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Source last updated: Aug 26, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.

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Objective

Analyze H.R.656 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

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Individual rights and government power

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