Protecting Global Fisheries Act of 2025
Senate Committee Advances Bill to Sanction Foreign Vessels and Companies Behind Illegal Fishing
Legislative Progress
Key Points
- Gives the President the option to sanction foreign people, companies, or vessels tied to illegal fishing or trafficking in endangered species.
- Possible penalties include freezing property tied to the U.S., blocking certain money and foreign-exchange deals, and cutting off loans from U.S. banks.
- Foreign individuals linked to these activities could be denied U.S. visas or have visas revoked; foreign vessels could be turned away from U.S. ports.
- Directs the State Department to push allies and international groups to use newer tech and cooperation to catch and hold violators accountable, with a focus on China’s role.
- Requires briefings and yearly reports to Congress on progress, including how global efforts are working and what more the U.S. should do.
Impact Analysis
Personal Impact
The bill authorizes the President to revoke visas or deny entry to foreign individuals connected to illegal fishing or endangered species trafficking. This wouldn't affect most visa holders, but anyone with ties to entities involved in these activities — particularly those linked to Chinese fishing operations — could lose their ability to enter or stay in the United States.
Broader Impacts
Milestones
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 322.
The bill is now on the schedule for the full chamber to consider. It's in line for debate and a vote.
Committee on Foreign Relations. Reported by Senator Risch with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.
The committee approved this bill and is sending it to the full chamber for a vote. This is a significant step — most bills never get this far.
Committee on Foreign Relations. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
The committee approved this bill and is sending it to the full chamber for a vote. This is a significant step — most bills never get this far.
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
Sent to a congressional committee for expert review. The committee decides whether this bill moves forward.
Introduced in Senate
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
Votes
No votes have been recorded for this legislation yet.
Related News
3 articlesUS Senate committee advances Protecting Global Fisheries Act
The Senate Foreign Relations Committee advanced the Protecting Global Fisheries Act, which gives the president authority to sanction foreign persons or vessels involved in illegal fishing. The bill specifically targets China as a major perpetrator of IUU fishing violations.
US lawmakers reintroduce bill tackling IUU fishing
Senators Tim Kaine and Bill Cassidy reintroduced the Protecting Global Fisheries Act to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing. The bill authorizes sanctions on foreign entities and requires regular briefings to Congress on enforcement strategies.
Curtis bills to protect alliances, combat China advance
The Senate Foreign Relations Committee advanced the Protecting Global Fisheries Act, co-led by Senator John Curtis. The legislation authorizes targeted sanctions to counter illegal fishing, which the lawmakers say China systematically engages in to the detriment of marine ecosystems.
Source Information
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
Protecting Global Fisheries Act of 2025
Data Sources
Sponsor
Cosponsors
(4)Analysis generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.