A Republican bill with no cosponsors
Last activity — Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committees on the Judiciary, Foreign Affairs, 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.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The "Fighting Foreign Illegal Seafood Harvests Act of 2026" aims to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing at its global sources. The bill establishes an IUU Vessel List to identify foreign vessels and beneficial owners engaged in these activities. It implements visa sanctions against foreign persons listed on this registry, making them inadmissible to the United States. Additionally, the act directs the Coast Guard to increase vessel observations and boardings on the high seas. It also mandates various studies regarding new technology, the influence of Russian and Chinese fishing industries, and the economic impacts of IUU fishing.
Yes· 3 of 13
- Scored +6
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?
The bill focuses on protecting ocean ecosystems by combating illegal and unregulated fishing.
- Scored +4
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?
The bill mandates the public release of the IUU Vessel List and related procedures.
- Scored +3
Does this give the federal government more power?
The bill expands the authority of the Secretary of Commerce and the Coast Guard regarding maritime enforcement.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Increased Accountability for Illegal Fishing: By establishing an IUU Vessel List, the Secretary can identify and publicize foreign vessels, fleets, and beneficial owners engaged in illegal activities (Section 4).
-
Visa Sanctions for Bad Actors: Foreign persons who are owners or beneficial owners of vessels on the IUU list will be considered inadmissible to the United States and will have current visas revoked (Section 5).
-
Enhanced Maritime Security: The bill seeks to counter IUU fishing and its potential links to forced labor, human trafficking, and other maritime security threats (Section 3).
-
Support for Sustainable Fisheries: The policy includes supporting the implementation of the Central Arctic Ocean Fisheries agreement and joint research to ensure the sustainability of fish stocks in Arctic international waters (Section 3).
-
Improved Enforcement Capabilities: The Coast Guard is encouraged to increase the observation and boarding of vessels suspected of IUU fishing on the high seas (Section 7).
-
Technical and Investment Support: The government is encouraged to provide technical assistance, institutional capacity, and investment to nations' fisheries sectors for sustainable management (Section 10).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
-
Travel Restrictions for Identified Owners: Owners or beneficial owners of vessels placed on the IUU list will be ineligible for visas, admission, or parole into the United States (Section 5).
-
Potential Economic Burdens: The bill directs the development of strategies to prevent products from IUU fishing from negatively affecting United States commerce, implying a need to manage potential burdens on seafood not produced from IUU fishing (Section 9).
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.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The bill mandates the public release of the IUU Vessel List and related procedures. Does this give the federal government more power? — The bill expands the authority of the Secretary of Commerce and the Coast Guard regarding maritime enforcement. Does this protect the right to fair treatment by the courts? — The bill includes provisions for hearings and reviews for vessel owners.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this better protect air, water and wildlife? — The bill focuses on protecting ocean ecosystems by combating illegal and unregulated fishing.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this make trade with other countries easier? — By targeting IUU fishing, the bill seeks to protect legal trade interests and ensure market integrity. Does this send more money or help to other countries? — The bill encourages technical assistance and investment in foreign fisheries sectors for sustainable management. Does this favour talking over confrontation abroad? — The bill encourages presidential negotiation and partnership with foreign governments. Does this strengthen ties with allied countries? — The bill promotes cooperation with international fishery management organizations.
- Economy And Finance
- Does this give people more protection from unfair business practices? — The bill aims to ensure seafood products in the market are not derived from illegal or forced labor practices. Is this likely to grow the economy? — The bill may protect U.S. commerce from the negative impacts of illegal seafood competition.
- Education And Technology
- Does this put more money into scientific research? — The bill funds studies on new technologies and the impact of IUU fishing.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would business owners be better off under this? — The bill aims to protect legitimate seafood commerce from illegal competition.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Does this tighten control of the border? — The bill enhances maritime enforcement and oversight of foreign vessel activities.
- 6/29/2026
- Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committees on the Judiciary, Foreign Affairs, 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.
- Introduced in House