Aumua Amata Radewagen (R-AS)
South Pacific Tuna Treaty Act of 2025
A Republican bill with 1 Democratic cosponsor · See the cosponsor
Last activity — Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
In the other chamber's committee
Passed one chamber and has been handed to a committee in the other.
The committee decides whether it goes any further, and most bills that reach a committee never leave it. A committee that simply does nothing kills a bill without anyone ever voting against it, so no news from here is usually the news.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- Passed House voice vote
- In Senate committee
The House by voice vote (members called out yes or no together): no member's position on it was recorded.
What this bill would do
This bill amends the South Pacific Tuna Act of 1988 to update rules regarding tuna fishing operations in the Pacific. It changes definitions related to fishing areas, updates prohibited acts, and modifies civil and criminal penalties for violations. The legislation also adjusts how vessel licenses are handled and sets rules for keeping certain submitted information confidential. Additionally, it allows the Secretary and the Secretary of State to provide technical assistance and training to Pacific Island Parties.
Yes· 3 of 5
- Scored +4
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?
The bill prohibits vessels from intentionally deploying nets to encircle dolphins or other marine mammals.
- Scored +3
Does this strengthen ties with allied countries?
The bill strengthens the framework for cooperation and technical assistance with Pacific Island Parties.
- Scored +1
Would farmers be better off under this?
The bill provides for technical assistance and training to develop resource industries.
The opposite
- Scored -3
Would business owners be better off under this?
The bill allows the Secretary to refuse license applications from owners undergoing bankruptcy without financial assurances.
- Scored -2
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?
The bill allows the Secretary to disclose certain information for enforcement and national security purposes.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Protection of Marine Life: Section 8(c) amends previous provisions to explicitly state that no licensed U.S. vessel may intentionally deploy a purse seine net to encircle any dolphin or other marine mammal while fishing. This directly protects marine mammals from harmful netting practices.
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Support and Training for Partner Nations: Section 14 updates Section 15 of the Act to allow the Secretary and the Secretary of State to provide technical assistance, training, and capacity-building opportunities to Pacific Island Parties. This helps these nations develop their fisheries resources and operate licensed fishing vessels properly.
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Safeguarding Personal and Business Privacy: Section 11 replaces Section 12 of the Act to require the Secretary to keep certain submitted information confidential, including observer data and documents provided by individuals. This protects sensitive business and personal data from public disclosure while still allowing federal use for law enforcement and national security.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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New Operational Restrictions for Fishers: Section 4 amends Section 5(a) of the Act to add new prohibited acts, making it illegal to violate any regional terms and conditions or any limits placed on authorized fishing effort or catch. This could place stricter operational burdens on vessel owners and commercial fishers.
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Stricter License Denial Rules: Section 8 modifies Section 9 of the Act to give the Secretary the power to refuse to forward a license application if the owner or charterer is going through bankruptcy proceedings without reasonable financial assurances, does not have full maritime liability insurance, or has unpaid final penalties. This creates additional hurdles for vessel owners trying to secure fishing licenses.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this better protect air, water and wildlife? — The bill prohibits vessels from intentionally deploying nets to encircle dolphins or other marine mammals.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this strengthen ties with allied countries? — The bill strengthens the framework for cooperation and technical assistance with Pacific Island Parties.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would farmers be better off under this? — The bill provides for technical assistance and training to develop resource industries. Would business owners be better off under this? — The bill allows the Secretary to refuse license applications from owners undergoing bankruptcy without financial assurances.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The bill allows the Secretary to disclose certain information for enforcement and national security purposes.
- Economy And Finance
- Does this make it easier to run a small business? — The bill provides for technical assistance and capacity building to help develop fisheries resources.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Does this tighten control of the border? — The bill includes provisions for the Coast Guard to use information for national security missions.
- 5/14/2025
- Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- 5/13/2025
- Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H1977-1978)
- On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H1977-1978)
- Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H1977-1979)
- DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 531.
- Mr. Westerman moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
- 1/16/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Ed CaseDemocrat · Hawaii