Bill > HR3748

This bill, known as the MARITIME Act, addresses the impact of sea level rise on island and coastal nations, particularly in the Pacific Ocean. The bill establishes U.S. policy that climate change-driven sea level rise should not cause countries to lose their statehood, UN membership, or maritime zones, which are critical for their economies and livelihoods. It requires the Secretary of State to submit a report within 120 days detailing U.S. efforts to promote international policies that preserve the maritime rights of countries affected by sea level rise. The report must comprehensively review existing initiatives, assess bilateral and multilateral efforts to encourage adoption of protective policies, identify potential barriers to implementation, and list countries and international organizations that have already adopted similar approaches. The bill specifically highlights the challenges faced by low-lying Pacific Island States and supports initiatives by the Pacific Islands Forum and the Alliance of Small Island States to document and preserve their maritime zones in accordance with international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. The ultimate goal is to ensure that climate change does not fundamentally undermine the territorial integrity and economic rights of vulnerable nations.

Military Affairs and Security

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/3748/all-info