S-906 : Still Just a Bill

Driftnet Modernization and Bycatch Reduction Act

This bill addresses certain driftnet fishing. (Driftnet fishing is a method of fishing in which a gillnet composed of a panel or panels of webbing, or a series of such gillnets, is placed in the water and allowed to drift with the currents and winds for the purpose of entangling fish in the webbing.)

Currently, the use of large-scale drift gillnets with a total length of 2.5 kilometers or more is prohibited in the United States. The bill expands the definition of large-scale driftnet fishing to prohibit the use of gillnets with a mesh size of 14 inches or greater. This expanded prohibition does not apply within the U.S. exclusive economic zone for five years.

The Department of Commerce must conduct a transition program to facilitate the phase out of large-scale driftnet fishing and to promote the adoption of alternative fishing practices that minimize the incidental catch of living marine resources.

Commerce must award grants to program participants.

Action Timeline

Action DateTypeTextSource
2021-01-01PresidentVetoed by President.House floor actions
2021-01-01VetoVeto message received in Senate. Ordered held at the desk. (consideration: CR S8001-8002; text: CR S8002)Senate
2020-12-21FloorPresented to President.House floor actions
2020-12-10FloorMotion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.House floor actions
2020-12-10VoteOn motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 283 - 105 (Roll no. 242). (text: CR H7115)House floor actions
2020-12-10FloorConsidered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H7126-7127)House floor actions
2020-12-10FloorAt the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.House floor actions
2020-12-10FloorDEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 906.House floor actions
2020-12-10FloorConsidered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H7115-7118)House floor actions
2020-12-10FloorMr. Huffman moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.House floor actions
2020-07-23FloorHeld at the desk.House floor actions
2020-07-23FloorReceived in the House.House floor actions
2020-07-23FloorMessage on Senate action sent to the House.Senate
2020-07-22FloorPassed Senate with an amendment by Voice Vote. (consideration: CR S4398-4399; text: CR S4398-4399)Senate
2019-12-05CalendarsPlaced on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 316.Senate
2019-12-05CommitteeCommittee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Reported by Senator Wicker with an amendment. With written report No. 116-166.Senate
2019-04-03CommitteeCommittee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Ordered to be reported with an amendment favorably.Senate
2019-03-27IntroReferralRead twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.Senate
2019-03-27IntroReferralIntroduced in SenateLibrary of Congress

Policy Area :

Public Lands and Natural Resources
See Subjects
  • Animal protection and human-animal relationships
  • Fishes
  • Hunting and fishing
  • Marine and coastal resources, fisheries
  • Pacific Ocean

Related Bills

See Related Bills