H.Res. 1343

[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 1343 Introduced in House (IH)]

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119th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. RES. 1343

Recognizing World Oceans Day and celebrating the maritime heritage, 
ocean leadership, fisheries stewardship, and coastal communities of the 
United States.

_______________________________________________________________________

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

June 8, 2026

Ms. Bonamici (for herself and Mr. Carter of Georgia) submitted the 
following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Natural 
Resources, and in addition to the Committee on 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

_______________________________________________________________________

RESOLUTION

Recognizing World Oceans Day and celebrating the maritime heritage, 
ocean leadership, fisheries stewardship, and coastal communities of the 
United States.

Whereas the ocean has shaped the history, security, economy, and identity of the 
United States since its founding;
Whereas 2026 marks the 250th anniversary of the United States of America;
Whereas, for 250 years, the United States has grown into a global maritime 
leader through naval strength, exploration, scientific discovery, 
commerce, shipbuilding, fisheries, aquaculture, and ocean innovation;
Whereas the United States is home to vibrant coastal communities and working 
waterfronts that serve as economic engines supporting millions of jobs 
in fishing, shipping, tourism, energy, recreation, marine 
transportation, seafood production, research, and trade;
Whereas the ocean economy contributes trillions of dollars annually to the 
United States economy and supports millions of American workers;
Whereas generations of American fishermen, mariners, shipbuilders, scientists, 
members of the Armed Forces, port workers, and indigenous communities 
have contributed to the strength and prosperity of the United States;
Whereas the strength of the United States Navy, Coast Guard, and Marines has 
defended the shores of the United States, protected freedom of 
navigation, safeguarded international commerce, prevented the occurrence 
of illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing from occurring in United 
States waters and abroad, and strengthened America's maritime leadership 
throughout the world;
Whereas the United States has developed world-class ports, maritime 
infrastructure, shipbuilding capacity, and ocean technology that have 
helped power economic growth and global trade;
Whereas the United States has preserved and celebrated its maritime heritage 
through historic ships, lighthouses, museums, waterfronts, and 
educational programs that honor the Nation's seafaring traditions;
Whereas the United States global leadership is due to its excellence in ocean 
science, mapping, exploration, and innovation through the work of the 
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, academic institutions, 
Federal agencies, and private sector partners;
Whereas scientists estimate that a majority of the ocean remains unexplored, 
making ocean exploration one of the last great frontiers for scientific 
discovery and innovation;
Whereas 2026 marks the 50th anniversary of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery 
Conservation and Management Act (16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.), landmark 
bipartisan legislation that was signed into law in 1976;
Whereas the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act established 
a 200-mile exclusive economic zone, strengthened United States fisheries 
management, protected American fishermen from foreign overfishing, 
rebuilt fish stocks, and helped create one of the most successful and 
sustainable fisheries management systems in the world;
Whereas commercial, recreational, and Tribal fisheries support food security, 
sustain cultural traditions, strengthen coastal economies, and 
contribute to the maritime heritage of the United States;
Whereas American seafood producers, processors, and fishing communities continue 
to provide high-quality domestic seafood while supporting jobs and 
economic growth across the United States;
Whereas 2026 marks the 20th anniversary of the Marine Debris Program established 
under the Marine Debris Act (33 U.S.C. 1951 et seq.);
Whereas bipartisan efforts through the Save Our Seas Act of 2018 (Public Law 
115-265; 132 Stat. 3742) and related legislation have strengthened the 
country's response to marine debris, supported innovation and 
international engagement, and protected coastal communities, waterways, 
fisheries, and marine ecosystems;
Whereas marine debris and microplastics threatens navigation safety, coastal 
tourism, fisheries, working waterfronts, marine wildlife, and human 
well-being; and
Whereas World Oceans Day is celebrated annually on June 8 to recognize the 
importance of the ocean to the people, economy, heritage, and future of 
the United States and the world: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
(1) recognizes World Oceans Day;
(2) celebrates the ocean's vital role in the history, 
heritage, economy, security, and future prosperity of the 
United States;
(3) honors the contributions of America's fishermen, 
mariners, members of the Armed Forces, scientists, explorers, 
shipbuilders, port workers, indigenous communities, coastal 
communities, and working waterfronts;
(4) recognizes the 50th anniversary of the Magnuson-Stevens 
Fishery Conservation and Management Act (16 U.S.C. 1801 et 
seq.) and its role in strengthening American fisheries, 
supporting coastal economies, preventing illegal, unreported, 
and unregulated fishing, protecting the country's seafood 
resources, and ensuring long-term fisheries stewardship for 
future generations;
(5) recognizes the 20th anniversary of the Marine Debris 
Program and bipartisan congressional leadership through the 
Save Our Seas Act of 2018 (Public Law 115-265; 132 Stat. 3742) 
to reduce marine debris and protect coastal communities and 
waterways; and
(6) reaffirms the commitment of the United States to 
advancing maritime leadership, ocean exploration, scientific 
discovery, economic opportunity, and responsible stewardship of 
ocean resources for future generations.
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