H.R.1809 - Great Lakes Fishery Research Reauthorization Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.1809, the Great Lakes Fishery Research Reauthorization Act, seeks to extend funding for monitoring, assessment, and research in the Great Lakes Basin. Specifically, it amends Section 201(d) of title II of division P of the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020, by changing the expiration year from 2025 to 2030. The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives by Mr. Quigley and several co-sponsors and referred to the Committee on Natural Resources.
Expected Effects
The primary effect of this bill, if enacted, would be the continuation of federal funding for Great Lakes research programs for an additional five years. This would allow ongoing monitoring and assessment efforts to continue uninterrupted. It ensures sustained scientific support for managing and protecting the Great Lakes ecosystem.
Potential Benefits
- Continued research funding ensures better data for informed decision-making regarding the Great Lakes.
- Supports the health and sustainability of the Great Lakes ecosystem.
- May indirectly benefit local economies dependent on the Great Lakes, such as fishing and tourism.
- Provides stability for research institutions and personnel involved in Great Lakes studies.
- Contributes to long-term environmental monitoring and conservation efforts.
Potential Disadvantages
- The bill itself does not address the amount of funding, only the duration, so funding levels could still be altered separately.
- Potential for funds to be mismanaged or inefficiently allocated.
- Focus solely on research may overshadow other critical needs in the Great Lakes region.
- May not address emerging threats or challenges to the Great Lakes ecosystem beyond the scope of current research.
- Opportunity cost: funds allocated here might be used for other environmental or social programs.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the General Welfare Clause of the Constitution, as it aims to promote the well-being of the Great Lakes region and its inhabitants through environmental research and protection. Article I, Section 8 grants Congress the power to appropriate funds for the general welfare. The bill does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or limitations.
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).