119th Congress
H.R. 2406
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Sexual Harassment and Assault Prevention Improvements Act of 2025
- Introduced
- In committee
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To President
- Became law
- Sponsor
- Suzanne Bonamici(D-OR)
- Introduced
- Mar 27, 2025
- Policy area
- Public Lands and Natural Resources
- Committees
- House Committee on Natural Resources; Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation
- Official text
- Referred in Senate · Congress.gov page
Cosponsors (3)
Original cosponsors (2)
- Jared Huffman (D-CA)
- Maria Elvira Salazar (R-FL)
Added later (1)
- Brian K. Fitzpatrick (R-PA) · Mar 31, 2025
Summary
Summary by the Congressional Research Service· describes the “Introduced in House” version
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Sexual Harassment and Assault Prevention Improvements Act of 2025
This bill expands requirements for addressing sexual harassment and sexual assault involving personnel of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
The bill specifies that NOAA's sexual harassment prevention and response policy applies to personnel such as observers, at-sea monitors, and voting members and staff of regional fishery management councils.
The bill removes the requirement that certain acts, such as assault, intimidation, and sexual harassment of an observer or a data collector, be forcible in nature to be unlawful.
The bill also requires NOAA's Office of Marine and Aviation Operations to establish a policy for reporting to the Coast Guard the names of NOAA personnel involved in a sexual harassment or sexual assault claim. Specifically, such reports must identify employees or contractors who are the subject of such claim, the time and date of the incident, and the location of the vessel when the incident occurred.
The bill prohibits a person convicted of certain sexual offenses from enlisting with or being commissioned by NOAA.
Additionally, the bill directs NOAA to update its policies to develop a restricted reporting system that allows employees and other personnel to confidentially report sexual harassment or assault and receive services without triggering an investigation.
Finally, the bill also expands reporting requirements on sexual harassment, sexual assault, and equal employment.
Roll-call votes
No recorded votes on this bill.
Actions
- Sep 15, 2026 · Senate
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. - Sep 14, 2026 · House
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection. - Sep 14, 2026 · House
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H5571-5573) - Sep 14, 2026
Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. - Sep 14, 2026 · House
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2406. - Sep 14, 2026 · House
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H5571-5574) - Sep 14, 2026 · House
Mr. Westerman moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. - Aug 20, 2026 · House
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 662. - Aug 20, 2026 · House
Reported by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 119-761. - Jul 15, 2026
Ordered to be Reported by Unanimous Consent. - Jul 15, 2026
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held - Jul 15, 2026
Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries Discharged - Jun 3, 2026
Subcommittee Hearings Held - May 29, 2026
Referred to the Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries. - Mar 27, 2025 · House
Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources. - Mar 27, 2025
Introduced in House