Bill > HR6338

This bill aims to combat Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing by establishing a comprehensive sanctions program targeting foreign persons and vessels engaged in such activities. The bill recognizes IUU fishing as a global problem, with China identified as the primary perpetrator, and highlights its harmful impacts on marine ecosystems, sovereign rights, and coastal communities. Under the bill, the President is required to impose sanctions on foreign persons who own, operate, or work on vessels engaged in IUU fishing, including blocking their assets and denying them entry into the United States. The sanctions program mandates an annual report to congressional committees detailing enforcement efforts and listing sanctioned entities. Exceptions to these sanctions include humanitarian assistance, international obligations, intelligence and law enforcement activities, and ensuring crew safety. The President retains the ability to waive sanctions if deemed important to national security interests. Key definitions are provided, clarifying terms like "foreign person," "foreign vessel," and "IUU fishing," with the overall goal of deterring and preventing illegal fishing practices that threaten maritime security and economic interests.

Military Affairs and Security

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/6338/all-info