Bill > HR6150

This bill amends the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act to expand the criteria for declaring a fishery resource disaster by introducing "economic cause" as a new qualifying factor. Specifically, the bill defines an economic cause as activities carried out by a foreign person that distort market conditions, disrupt sustainable harvesting, or hinder the operational or economic viability of a fishery resource. The bill provides a comprehensive definition of "foreign person" that includes individuals, governments, international financial institutions, and organizations based or controlled outside the United States. The legislation requires that when requesting a fishery resource disaster determination, applicants can now include information about adverse economic effects from foreign activities, such as illegal fishing, predatory pricing, and subsidies that negatively impact seafood prices or market conditions. By broadening the disaster declaration criteria, the bill aims to provide more protection and recourse for American fisheries facing economic challenges from international actors, ultimately supporting the sustainability and economic health of the U.S. fishing industry.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/6150/all-info