PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Congressional Research Service
Version 49 · Public Law · Dec 21, 2018
Commercial Engagement Through Ocean Technology Act of 2018 or the CENOTE Act of 2018
(Sec. 3) This bill requires the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to direct the Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR) and the Office of Marine and Aviation Operations (OMAO) to coordinate the assessment and acquisition of unmanned maritime systems.
NOAA must coordinate with the Department of the Navy to leverage expertise in the development and operational transition of unmanned maritime systems. It may also coordinate with other federal agencies, the academic sector, and the private sector to maximize research opportunities and to support commercialization of unmanned maritime systems.
(Sec. 4) The OAR and OMAO must regularly assess publicly and commercially available unmanned maritime systems for potential use to support the missions of NOAA.
(Sec. 5) NOAA must coordinate and centralize its acquisition of unmanned maritime systems to meet the prioritized list of data requirements identified by the OAR and OMAO.
(Sec. 6) NOAA must submit to Congress a report on the usage of unmanned maritime systems for its mission.
People & committees
Sen. Wicker, Roger F. [R-MS] · R–MS
Legislative record
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Became Public Law No: 115-394.
Became Public Law No: 115-394.
Signed by President.
Signed by President.
Presented to President.
Presented to President.
Message on Senate action sent to the House.
Senate agreed to the House amendment to S. 2511 by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S7727)
Resolving differences -- Senate actions: Senate agreed to the House amendment to S. 2511 by Unanimous Consent.(consideration: CR S7727)
Message on House action received in Senate and at desk: House amendment to Senate bill.
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 voice vote. (text: CR H9790-9791)
Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.(text: CR H9790-9791)
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 2511.
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H9790-9792)
Mr. Young (AK) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Water, Power and Oceans.
Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committees on Science, Space, and Technology, and Armed Services, 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 the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committees on Science, Space, and Technology, and Armed Services, 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 the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committees on Science, Space, and Technology, and Armed Services, 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.
Received in the House.
Message on Senate action sent to the House.
Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S5937-5938; text: CR S5937-5938)
Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent.(consideration: CR S5937-5938; text: CR S5937-5938)
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 504.
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Reported by Senator Thune with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. With written report No. 115-291.
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Reported by Senator Thune with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. With written report No. 115-291.
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
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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