S.Amdt. 4052

SA 4052, submitted by Mr. Merkley, is an amendment to bill H.R. 4016, which deals with appropriations for the Department of Defense for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2026.

The amendment aims to add a section regarding the National Marine Fisheries Service. Its purpose is to require the service to maintain staffing levels to meet its statutory obligations, specifically to:

• Ensure consultations required under the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 and the Endangered Species Act of 1973 are completed on time.
• Properly address the backlog of consultations for infrastructure project permitting under the Endangered Species Act of 1973.
• Ensure fishery stock assessments under the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 are completed on time.

Additionally, the amendment requires the Director of the National Marine Fisheries Service to submit an annual assessment. This report, starting no later than one year after enactment, must detail the timelines, milestones, and service-level expectations for hiring and on-boarding employees. This assessment must be sent to the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere and specific House and Senate committees.