To reauthorize the Young Fishermen’s Development Act.
Summary
H.R. 3692 aims to reauthorize the Young Fishermen's Development Act by amending Section 5(a) to extend the Act's authorization through 2031, replacing the previous date of 2026. The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on June 3, 2025, and referred to the Committee on Natural Resources. It was later committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union and ordered to be printed on October 31, 2025.
The Act supports training and education for young fishermen, helping them enter and succeed in the fishing industry. Reauthorization ensures the continuation of these programs.
The bill has bipartisan support, with multiple representatives co-sponsoring it.
Expected Effects
The reauthorization of the Young Fishermen's Development Act will allow existing programs aimed at supporting young fishermen to continue operating. This includes providing training, education, and assistance to help them establish and maintain successful fishing businesses.
Extending the authorization to 2031 provides long-term stability for these programs, enabling better planning and resource allocation. This will likely encourage more young people to enter the fishing industry, contributing to its sustainability.
Without reauthorization, these programs would expire in 2026, potentially disrupting support for young fishermen and hindering the industry's future growth.
Potential Benefits
- Continued support for young fishermen through training and education programs.
- Increased opportunities for individuals to enter and succeed in the fishing industry.
- Long-term stability for fishing communities and the economy.
- Promotion of sustainable fishing practices through education.
- Preservation of traditional fishing knowledge and skills.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for inefficient allocation of resources if programs are not properly managed.
- Possible dependence on government funding, reducing self-reliance.
- Limited impact if the programs do not effectively address the challenges faced by young fishermen.
- Risk of the program not adapting to changing industry needs and technologies.
- Opportunity costs, as funds could be used for other potentially beneficial programs.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the Constitution, particularly the Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8), which grants Congress the power to regulate commerce with foreign nations, among the several states, and with the Indian tribes. The fishing industry falls under this purview.
Furthermore, the bill could be argued to promote the general welfare (Preamble) by supporting an important sector of the economy and providing opportunities for individuals. There are no apparent infringements on individual liberties or rights.
However, the extent of federal involvement in this area could raise questions about the balance of power between the federal government and the states, although the Commerce Clause provides a strong basis for federal action.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).