PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
Congressional Research Service
Version 07 · Reported to House · Jun 27, 2024
Alabama Underwater Forest National Marine Sanctuary and Protection Act
This bill designates an ancient cypress forest in the Gulf of Mexico as the Alabama Underwater Forest National Marine Sanctuary under the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972.
In the sanctuary, the following activities are prohibited:
Showing the opening paragraphs of the official summary.
cutting, removing, or any kind of subsurface salvage of the cypress trees;
lowering certain devices (e.g., dredging) below the surface of the water;
detonating explosives below the surface of the water;
drilling or coring the seabed; and
lowering, laying, positioning, or raising any type of seabed cable or cable-laying device.
However, the prohibitions do not apply to
fishing, diving, mooring, or similar recreational or commercial activities;
necessary operations of public vessels;
construction or placement of artificial reef structures for the purpose of enhancing fishery resources, fishing opportunities, or recreational diving opportunities;
exploration, development, or production of oil or gas projects authorized before this bill's enactment; and
certain other activities authorized by the Office of National Marine Sanctuaries.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) must develop a comprehensive management plan for the sanctuary. NOAA must also establish an advisory council for the sanctuary.
People & committees
Rep. Carl, Jerry L. [R-AL-1] · R–AL
Legislative record
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Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
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 the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 349 - 19 (Roll no. 336). (text: CR H4463)
House roll call 336 · Individual votesPassed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 349 - 19 (Roll no. 336). (text: CR H4463)
House roll call 336 · Individual votesConsidered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H4470-4471)
At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 897.
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H4463-4464)
Mr. Westerman moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 462.
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 118-560.
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 118-560.
Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Unanimous Consent.
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife, and Fisheries Discharged
Subcommittee Hearings Held
Referred to the Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife, and Fisheries.
Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Sep 8, 2026. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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