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119th Congress Transportation and Public Works

S. 759: Modernizing Access to Our Public Oceans Act

Became LawPublic Law 119-116, signed Sep 25, 2026

  1. Introduced (completed)Feb 26, 2025
  2. Passed Senate (completed)Sep 10, 2025
  3. Passed House (completed)Sep 14, 2026
  4. To the President (completed)Sep 22, 2026
  5. Became law (completed)Sep 25, 2026

Summary

Public Law, Sep 25, 2026

This act directs the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to standardize and publish geospatial data related to public recreational use of federal waterways (e.g., boating and fishing).

Under the act, NOAA must consult with relevant stakeholders (including state and local governments, Indian tribes, and Native Hawaiian organizations) to develop and adopt standards for the coordination and dissemination of geospatial data relating to fishing restrictions and recreational vessels' use of federal waterways, including the exclusive economic zone of the United States (EEZ). (The EEZ generally includes waters between 3 and 200 miles seaward from the U.S. coastline.)

Within four years after the act is enacted, NOAA must provide geographic information system data on a public website that identifies and describes the locations where and conditions under which certain recreational activities are restricted in federal waterways. Specifically, the website must identify (1) locations where fishing restrictions are imposed, (2) areas in the EEZ with restrictions on specified recreational vessel types, and (3) federally protected areas (e.g., National Marine Sanctuaries). NOAA must also continue to provide digitized navigation information related to the EEZ and make the information available on the website to the extent practicable.

Read the full summary

The act allows NOAA to coordinate and partner with nonfederal entities to carry out this act. It also directs NOAA to work with other federal agencies to ensure compatibility and interoperability among federal databases with respect to collecting and disseminating geospatial data related to the public outdoor recreational use of the EEZ.

Written by the Congressional Research Service, Library of Congress.

Roll calls

0 votes on this bill

No roll call votes have been held on this bill.

Amendments

0 offered

No amendments were offered to this bill.

Cosponsors

1

Bipartisan support.

Who scored on this bill

160 points earned
  1. 1Ted Cruz R-TX SponsorDrew cross-party cosponsors, introduced, reported, passed Senate, passed House, became law6 events+156
  2. 2Angus King I-MECosponsored; cosponsored bill passed2 events+4
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Introductions and cosponsorships count toward weekly caps and show no points.

Other bills by Ted Cruz

History

  1. Sep 25, 2026Signed by the President. Became Public Law 119-116.
  2. Sep 22, 2026Presented to the President.
  3. Sep 14, 2026Passed the House by voice vote.
  4. Sep 10, 2025Passed the Senate with an amendment by unanimous consent.
  5. Feb 26, 2025Introduced in the Senate by Ted Cruz.
Show the full action history (22 actions)
  1. Sep 25, 2026Became Public Law No: 119-116.
  2. Sep 25, 2026Signed by President.
  3. Sep 22, 2026Presented to President.
  4. Sep 14, 2026Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H5559)
  5. Sep 14, 2026Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H5559-5560)
  6. Sep 14, 2026On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H5559)
  7. Sep 14, 2026Mr. Westerman moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
  8. Sep 14, 2026Considered under suspension of the rules.
  9. Sep 14, 2026DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 759.
  10. Sep 14, 2026Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
  11. Sep 14, 2026On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
  12. Sep 14, 2026Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
  13. Sep 11, 2025Message on Senate action sent to the House.
  14. Sep 11, 2025Received in the House.
  15. Sep 11, 2025Held at the desk.
  16. Sep 10, 2025Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent.
  17. Sep 10, 2025Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S6556; text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR S6556)
  18. Jul 16, 2025Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Reported by Senator Cruz with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. With written report No. 119-40.
  19. Jul 16, 2025Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 117.
  20. Mar 12, 2025Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
  21. Feb 26, 2025Introduced in Senate
  22. Feb 26, 2025Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.