MARITIME Act
Sponsored By: Representative Bera, Ami [D-CA-6]
Introduced
Summary
Preserving maritime zones for low-lying island and coastal states facing sea level rise is the bill's central aim. It would make that a clear U.S. policy and push American diplomacy to protect islands' rights to waters and resources, while requiring a federal report to guide action.
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- Island nations: would receive explicit U.S. support that sea level rise driven by climate change should not strip statehood or maritime zones. That backing targets the rights those countries rely on for food and livelihoods.
- Coastal States and baselines: would see the United States commit to preserving maritime zones established under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and encourage countries to memorialize their coastal baselines now.
- U.S. agencies and Congress: would require the Secretary of State, with other federal heads, to deliver an unclassified report to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations within 120 days. The report must review initiatives, assess bilateral and multilateral efforts, identify legal and practical barriers, and list countries and organizations that have adopted such policies. A classified annex may be included.
- International diplomacy: would direct U.S. efforts to support the Pacific Islands Forum and the Alliance of Small Island States and to press other countries and international organizations to adopt complementary policies.
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Bill Overview
No Economic Impacts Identified for this Bill
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Bera, Ami [D-CA-6]
CA • D
Cosponsors
Del. Moylan, James C. [R-GU-At Large]
GU • R
Sponsored 6/5/2025
Rep. Case, Ed [D-HI-1]
HI • D
Sponsored 6/5/2025
Del. Radewagen, Aumua Amata Coleman [R-AS-At Large]
AS • R
Sponsored 6/5/2025
Rep. Krishnamoorthi, Raja [D-IL-8]
IL • D
Sponsored 6/5/2025
Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1]
PA • R
Sponsored 6/10/2025
Del. King-Hinds, Kimberlyn [R-MP-At Large]
MP • R
Sponsored 7/2/2025
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
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