PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Became Public Law No: 113-34.
Congressional Research Service
Version 49 · Public Law · Sep 18, 2013
(This measure has not been amended since it was reported to the Senate on June 27, 2013. The summary of that version is repeated here.)
Conveys to the government of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) submerged lands surrounding such Islands and extending three geographical miles outward from their coastlines.
Includes the CNMI among the islands where the President may establish naval defensive sea areas and airspace reservations when necessary for national defense.
Amends the Fair Minimum Wage Act to provide for no CNMI minimum wage increases in 2013 and 2015.
People & committees
Sen. Wyden, Ron [D-OR] · D–OR
Legislative record
A procedural vote is different from passage. Passage in one chamber does not establish enactment. Explore the glossary.
Became Public Law No: 113-34.
Became Public Law No: 113-34.
Signed by President.
Signed by President.
Presented to President.
Presented to President.
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 415 - 0 (Roll no. 454). (text: CR H5453)
House roll call 454 · Individual votesPassed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 415 - 0 (Roll no. 454).(text: CR H5453)
House roll call 454 · Individual votesConsidered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H5458-5459)
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 S. 256.
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H5453-5454)
Mr. Hastings (WA) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committee on Education and the Workforce, 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 Committee on Education and the Workforce, 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.
Message on Senate action sent to the House.
Received in the House.
Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S6257; text of measure as reported in House: CR S6258; text as passed Senate: CR S6257)
Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent.(consideration: CR S6257; text of measure as reported in House: CR S6258; text as passed Senate: CR S6257)
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 109.
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Reported by Senator Wyden with an amendment. With written report No. 113-55.
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Reported by Senator Wyden with an amendment. With written report No. 113-55.
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Ordered to be reported with an amendment favorably.
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on Public Lands, Forests, and Mining. Hearings held. With printed Hearing: S.Hrg. 113-28.
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. (text of measure as introduced: CR S525)
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S524-525)
Introduced in Senate
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Sep 8, 2026. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
AI Conversation Starters
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Analyze S.256 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.
Examine S.256 through a progressive lens, focusing on fairness, access, economic inequality, and effects on vulnerable communities. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and distinguish stated goals from demonstrated outcomes.
Examine S.256 through a conservative lens, focusing on fiscal responsibility, institutional stability, federalism, and the scope of government. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and any provisions that challenge this perspective.
Examine S.256 through a civil-liberties and limited-government lens. Consider individual rights, privacy, voluntary choice, accountability, and government power. Explain tradeoffs, possible safeguards, and the strongest counterarguments without assuming the proposal is beneficial or harmful.