Bill would let US military train allies to fight illegal fishing
In committeeS. 2674Latest action
Sponsor: Todd Young · Senator · IN
AIDecoded by AI · checked against the recordRead the official text
Official title: HARPOON Act
119th Congress
Topics: Security & foreign affairs
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
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The HARPOON Act would let the U.S. military train foreign forces to combat illegal fishing and set up joint patrols.
45-second read · 4 questions answered below
What does this do?
The HARPOON Act adds "countering illegal fishing" to the list of activities the Secretary of Defense can help train and support foreign military and security forces on. It also directs the Navy and Coast Guard to work with foreign governments on joint patrols against illegal fishing and related crimes, with annual reports to Congress on partnership progress.
Who does it affect?
The bill affects U.S. military and Coast Guard operations abroad, foreign governments facing illegal fishing, and international fishing industries. It may also matter to American fishermen, seafood consumers, and U.S. foreign policy in regions like the Pacific Islands and West Africa.
Why does it matter?
Illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing depletes fish populations, undercuts honest fishermen, and is linked to smuggling and human trafficking. Expanding military and Coast Guard involvement could shift U.S. foreign policy priorities and international enforcement efforts in affected regions.
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Read the official bill on Congress.govMake the call
Where does it stand?
- IntroducedAug 1, 2025
- Senate committeeYou are here · Aug 1, 2025
- Senate vote
- House
- The president's desk
Right now: a Senate committee is reviewing it. If the House changes it, it goes back to the Senate before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.