Bill · S. 4720· Senate(119-S-4720)
Protecting U.S. Fishers from Illegal Foreign Flags Act of 2026
- Introduced
- 6/9/2026
- Last activity
- 6/9/2026 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- Sponsored by
- Jeff Merkley
- Cosponsors
- - 0 - 3
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill is called the Protecting U.S. Fishers from Illegal Foreign Flags Act of 2026. It allows the Secretary of Commerce to look at nations with open registries when figuring out which countries are involved in illegal, unreported, or unregulated fishing. Specifically, it targets nations that let vessels operate under their laws without confirming a genuine link between the nation and the people who own or control the vessel. As a result, these nations fail to effectively exercise their flag state responsibilities. The bill also requires the Secretary to change the definition of illegal, unreported, or unregulated fishing within 90 days of the bill's enactment. This updated definition must match the Maritime SAFE Act.
Yes· 3 of 8
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?+4
Combats illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing by targeting nations with open registries.
Would business owners be better off under this?+3
Protects law-abiding commercial fishers and seafood businesses from unfair competition.
Would people in rural areas be better off under this?+3
Benefits coastal and rural fishing communities by protecting local fish stocks from illegal foreign depletion.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
- Section 2: This part allows the Secretary of Commerce to target nations that let vessels operate without a genuine link to the owners and fail to manage their flag state responsibilities. This is a positive step because it holds foreign countries accountable if they let ships hide behind their flags while engaging in bad fishing practices.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Section 2: The provided text does not mention any negative consequences or burdens for individuals or groups of people in the United States.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Business Owners+3Good For Rural Residents+3
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Environmental Protections+4
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+2Increases Federal Power+2
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Small Business Support+3
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves Diplomatic Engagement+2
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Border Security+2
- 8/6/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 6/18/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 6/9/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in Senate
Cindy Hyde-SmithRepublican · Mississippi
Dan SullivanRepublican · Alaska
Roger WickerRepublican · Mississippi