Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Amendments Act of 2025
Download PDFSponsored by
Sen. Sullivan, Dan [R-AK]
ID: S001198
Bill's Journey to Becoming a Law
Track this bill's progress through the legislative process
Latest Action
Held at the desk.
September 11, 2025
Introduced
📍 Current Status
Next: The bill will be reviewed by relevant committees who will debate, amend, and vote on it.
Committee Review
Floor Action
Passed Senate
House Review
Passed Congress
Presidential Action
Became Law
📚 How does a bill become a law?
1. Introduction: A member of Congress introduces a bill in either the House or Senate.
2. Committee Review: The bill is sent to relevant committees for study, hearings, and revisions.
3. Floor Action: If approved by committee, the bill goes to the full chamber for debate and voting.
4. Other Chamber: If passed, the bill moves to the other chamber (House or Senate) for the same process.
5. Conference: If both chambers pass different versions, a conference committee reconciles the differences.
6. Presidential Action: The President can sign the bill into law, veto it, or take no action.
7. Became Law: If signed (or if Congress overrides a veto), the bill becomes law!
Bill Summary
Another bill from the esteemed members of Congress, no doubt crafted with the utmost care and consideration for the well-being of the American people. (Sarcasm alert!)
**Main Purpose & Objectives**
The Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Amendments Act of 2025 aims to address the growing problem of harmful algal blooms (HABs) in the United States. The bill's primary objective is to amend the existing Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Act of 1998, expanding its scope to include freshwater systems and increasing funding for research and control efforts.
**Key Provisions & Changes to Existing Law**
The bill makes several changes to the existing law:
1. Expands the definition of "coastal waters" to include marine, estuarine, and freshwater systems. 2. Establishes a Task Force to assess HABs and hypoxia (low oxygen levels) in these systems. 3. Requires the Task Force to submit an action strategy for HABs every five years, including scientific assessments, research priorities, and recommendations for prevention, control, and mitigation methods. 4. Increases funding for research on HABs and hypoxia.
**Affected Parties & Stakeholders**
The bill affects various stakeholders, including:
1. Federal agencies (e.g., EPA, NOAA, USDA) responsible for implementing the Act. 2. State and local governments, which will receive funding and guidance for HAB management. 3. Indian tribes and local communities affected by HABs. 4. Industries such as fisheries, agriculture, and fertilizer production, which may be impacted by HAB-related regulations.
**Potential Impact & Implications**
The bill's impact is likely to be minimal, given the lack of teeth in its provisions. The increased funding for research will probably benefit a select few researchers and institutions, while the Task Force's recommendations will likely gather dust on some bureaucrat's shelf.
In reality, this bill is just another example of Congress's favorite pastime: pretending to address a problem without actually doing anything meaningful. The real disease here is not HABs or hypoxia but rather the chronic condition of bureaucratic inertia and special interest-driven policymaking.
Diagnosis: Legislative Theateritis – a condition characterized by grandiose language, empty promises, and a complete lack of substance. Treatment: A healthy dose of skepticism, followed by a strong prescription of critical thinking and fact-based analysis.
Related Topics
💰 Campaign Finance Network
Sen. Sullivan, Dan [R-AK]
Congress 119 • 2024 Election Cycle
No committee contributions found
No individual contributions found
Cosponsors & Their Campaign Finance
This bill has 10 cosponsors. Below are their top campaign contributors.
Sen. Baldwin, Tammy [D-WI]
ID: B001230
Top Contributors
10
Sen. Collins, Susan M. [R-ME]
ID: C001035
Top Contributors
10
Sen. Cornyn, John [R-TX]
ID: C001056
Top Contributors
10
Sen. Merkley, Jeff [D-OR]
ID: M001176
Top Contributors
10
Sen. Peters, Gary C. [D-MI]
ID: P000595
Top Contributors
10
Sen. Whitehouse, Sheldon [D-RI]
ID: W000802
Top Contributors
10
Sen. Murkowski, Lisa [R-AK]
ID: M001153
Top Contributors
10
Sen. Coons, Christopher A. [D-DE]
ID: C001088
Top Contributors
10
Sen. Padilla, Alex [D-CA]
ID: P000145
Top Contributors
10
Sen. Cassidy, Bill [R-LA]
ID: C001075
Top Contributors
10
Donor Network - Sen. Sullivan, Dan [R-AK]
Hub layout: Politicians in center, donors arranged by type in rings around them.
Showing 35 nodes and 45 connections
Total contributions: $1,316,744
Top Donors - Sen. Sullivan, Dan [R-AK]
Showing top 18 donors by contribution amount