This bill revises provisions governing the administration of the Marine Debris Foundation and the Marine Debris Program.
Specifically, the bill allows the foundation to use up to 12% of appropriated funds for administrative expenses. Those expenses may include employee salaries for the two years following the bill's enactment. The bill also allows the foundation to locate its principal office outside of the District of Columbia and encourages the foundation to locate it in a coastal state.
In addition, the bill requires the foundation to develop best practices for conducting outreach to Indian tribes.
The bill also requires the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to approve appointments to the foundation's board of directors.
NOAA may enter into other agreements, outside of contracts, under the Marine Debris Program. NOAA may also accept in-kind contributions for the program.
Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S5967-5968; text: CR S5967-5968)
Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent.(consideration: CR S5967-5968; text: CR S5967-5968)
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 262.
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Reported by Senator Cantwell with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Reported by Senator Cantwell with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.
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
Bill text & related measures
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Source last updated: Sep 8, 2026. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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