PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Congressional Research Service
Version 00 · Introduced in Senate · Sep 24, 1997
Oceans Act of 1997 - Directs the President to develop and maintain a coordinated, comprehensive, and long-range national policy on ocean and coastal activities and, regarding Federal agencies and departments, to review ocean and coastal activities, plan and implement an integrated and cost-effective program of ocean and coastal activities, designate responsibility for funding and conducting ocean and coastal activities, and ensure cooperation and resolve differences arising from laws and regulations. (Sec. 5) Establishes the National Ocean Council to serve as the forum for developing a policy and program, improve coordination and cooperation among Federal agencies, work with academic, State, industry, public interest, and other groups, and cooperate with the Secretary of State. (Sec. 6) Establishes the Commission on Ocean Policy, requiring it to report to the President and the Congress on a comprehensive national ocean and coastal policy to carry out the purpose and objectives of this Act. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 7) Requires the Council to report to the Congress biennially and to annually provide general guidance to each Federal agency or department involved in coastal activities regarding the preparation of appropriations requests. Requires each such agency or department to include with its annual appropriations request a report identifying budget elements relating to ocean and coastal activities and specifying how each element contributes to the implementation of a national ocean and coastal policy. Directs the President to identify in each budget submitted to the Congress those elements of each agency or department that contribute to the implementation of a national ocean and coastal policy. (Sec. 8) Repeals the Marine Resources and Engineering Development Act of 1966.
People & committees
Sen. Hollings, Ernest F. [D-SC] · D–SC
Legislative record
A procedural vote is different from passage. Passage in one chamber does not establish enactment. Explore the glossary.
Subcommittee Hearings Held.
Subcommittee Hearings Held.
Executive Comment Requested from DOD.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Environment.
Executive Comment Requested from Commerce.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Fisheries Conservation, Wildlife and Oceans.
Referred to House Transportation and Infrastructure
Referred to House Science
Referred to the Committee on Resources, and in addition to the Committees on Science, and Transportation and Infrastructure, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Referred to House Resources
Message on Senate action sent to the House.
Received in the House.
Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent.
Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent.
Measure laid before Senate by unanimous consent. (consideration: CR S12697-12704)
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 288.
Committee on Commerce. Reported to Senate by Senator McCain with an amendment. With written report No. 105-151.
Committee on Commerce. Reported to Senate by Senator McCain with an amendment. With written report No. 105-151.
Committee on Commerce. Ordered to be reported with amendments favorably.
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce.
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S9888-9890)
Introduced in Senate
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Sep 8, 2026. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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