Integrated Ocean Observation System Reauthorization Act of 2025
Sponsored By: Senator Roger Wicker
In Committee
Summary
Modernizes the national ocean observing system and data infrastructure. The bill renames the central policy body the Ocean Policy Committee and expands authorized observations to include ocean and meteorological data. It also strengthens regional data sharing, forecasting (including harmful algal bloom forecasts), and adds annual post-storm forecast evaluations.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Guaranteed regional funding and window
If enacted, the bill would let Congress authorize funding for the Integrated Coastal and Ocean Observing System for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2030. It would require the Secretary to give each regional coastal observing system that existed on January 1, 2025 at least 7.5 percent of amounts appropriated under the Act. That 7.5 percent rule would not apply to amounts provided by an Act making supplemental appropriations for disaster relief.
Modernize ocean oversight and data sharing
If enacted, the bill would rename the System's policy body from the "Council" to the "Ocean Policy Committee" and define that Committee. It would require systems to conduct operational oceanography measurements and adopt a standard definition of "State." The bill would expand program goals to include ocean and meteorological observations, cyber infrastructure, and harmful algal bloom forecasting. It would also require regional associations and federally funded projects in the Interagency Ocean Observation Committee to share data with regional coastal observing systems.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Roger Wicker
MS • R
Cosponsors
Sen. Cantwell, Maria [D-WA]
WA • D
Sponsored 6/18/2025
Cindy Hyde-Smith
MS • R
Sponsored 9/9/2025
Sen. Murkowski, Lisa [R-AK]
AK • R
Sponsored 9/9/2025
Dan Sullivan
AK • R
Sponsored 9/9/2025
Sen. Blunt Rochester, Lisa [D-DE]
DE • D
Sponsored 9/9/2025
Sen. Baldwin, Tammy [D-WI]
WI • D
Sponsored 9/11/2025
Sen. Markey, Edward J. [D-MA]
MA • D
Sponsored 10/6/2025
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov