Great Lakes Fishery Research Reauthorization Act
The Great Lakes Fishery Research Reauthorization Act would extend the federal authorization to fund monitoring, assessment, and research of the Great Lakes Basin. Specifically, it amends a provision from the 2020 appropriations law to push the expiration of that funding authorization from 2025 to 2030. In effect, the bill ensures continued federal support for long-term data collection, scientific study, and monitoring related to the Great Lakes fishery, enabling ongoing efforts to understand and manage the region’s aquatic ecosystems. This is a reauthorization bill, not a new appropriations bill. While it extends the period during which funding can be authorized, it does not specify new funding amounts; actual appropriations would still come through separate budgeting and appropriation actions by Congress.
Key Points
- 1Short title: The bill is titled the Great Lakes Fishery Research Reauthorization Act.
- 2Core purpose: Reauthorizes federal funding to monitor, assess, and research the Great Lakes Basin.
- 3Specific legislative change: Amends Section 201(d) of Title II, Division P of the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020 (16 U.S.C. 941h(d)) by striking “2025” and inserting “2030” to extend the funding authorization.
- 4Funding vs. appropriation: The bill extends the authorization window but does not set or increase funding levels; appropriations would still require separate congressional action.
- 5Legislative status and process: Introduced in the House (sponsor listed: Mr. Quigley, with additional sponsors) and referred to the Committee on Natural Resources; later steps include committee actions and potential advancement in the House and Senate before becoming law.