Bill · H.R. 2406· House(119-HR-2406)
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Sexual Harassment and Assault Prevention Improvements Act of 2025
- Introduced
- 3/27/2025
- Last activity
- 9/15/2026 — Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- Sponsored by
- Suzanne Bonamici
- Cosponsors
- - 1 - 2
- Introduced
- Passed House
- In Senate committee
What this bill would do
This bill makes changes to how the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) handles sexual harassment and sexual assault. It requires better tracking, reporting, and transparency regarding misconduct involving NOAA personnel and associated workers like fisheries observers. The bill sets up rules for keeping victim reports confidential while allowing necessary exceptions for law enforcement or medical care. It also mandates that vessel operators report incidents involving licensed mariners directly to the Coast Guard. Finally, it bans individuals convicted of certain sexual offenses from serving in the NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps.
Yes· 3 of 5
Would women be better off under this?+8
Significantly improves safety, reporting, and accountability regarding sexual harassment and assault.
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?+7
Requires more detailed annual reports including synopses of cases and disciplinary actions.
Does this narrow the gap between how men and women are treated?+6
Strengthens protections and reporting mechanisms for sexual harassment and equal employment within NOAA.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Confidential Reporting Options: Section 5 creates a restricted reporting system under sections 3548 and 3549 that allows victims to confidentially share details of sexual harassment or assault and receive services without automatically triggering an investigation or having their personal information shared everywhere. This is positive because it gives victims control over their privacy while they seek help.
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Mandatory Misconduct Reporting to Authorities: Section 5 adds section 3550, which requires vessel operators to report incidents of sexual harassment or sexual assault involving merchant mariners to the Coast Guard. This is a positive step to hold wrongdoers accountable and ensure that safety violations at sea are actively investigated by the proper authorities.
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Banning Convicted Offenders: Section 9 amends the NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps Act of 2002 to prohibit individuals convicted of certain sexual offenses from serving in the officer corps. This is a positive measure that protects people by keeping known sexual offenders out of positions of authority within the agency.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Exceptions to Victim Anonymity: Section 5 creates section 3548, which outlines exceptions where a victim's personally identifying information can be disclosed without their written permission, such as to prevent a serious threat to health and safety or when required by a court order. While meant for safety or legal compliance, this could be viewed negatively by victims who fear their privacy might be breached against their wishes.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+7Improves Privacy Rights+5
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Women+8
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Gender Equality+6
- Healthcare
- Improves Mental Health Access+3
- 9/15/2026
- Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- 9/14/2026
- Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
- On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H5571-5573)
- DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2406.
- Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H5571-5574)
- Mr. Westerman moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
- 8/20/2026
- Reported by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 119-761.
- Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 662.
- 7/15/2026
- Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries Discharged
- Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- Ordered to be Reported by Unanimous Consent.
- 6/3/2026
- Subcommittee Hearings Held
- 5/29/2026
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries.
- 3/31/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 3/27/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
Brian FitzpatrickRepublican · Pennsylvania
Jared HuffmanDemocrat · California
Maria SalazarRepublican · Florida