AI-assisted analysis based on the official CRS summary. Source version: Sep 10, 2026. Analysis updated: Sep 16, 2026.
01 — The Text
What.
- NOAA and NIST must jointly develop a standard methodology using chemical analysis to identify the country of origin of seafood.
- The methodology must be usable by federal and state law enforcement and must include a portable field kit.
- Agencies must consult with U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Coast Guard during development.
- NIST must conduct pilot studies on red snapper and tuna and report to Congress within two years of enactment.
- The Department of Defense is authorized to use operation and maintenance funds to provide technical assistance to other countries' maritime forces to combat illegal fishing and transnational organized crime.
02 — The Stakes
So what?
- The bill is designed to support enforcement against illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing by enabling country-of-origin identification.
- The methodology should be appropriate for prepared seafood testing to the extent practicable, though the bill acknowledges some aspects may prove impracticable.
- NIST's required report must address which methodology elements are impracticable and whether additional research or alternate approaches could overcome those limitations.
- The bill does not specify funding amounts, timelines beyond the two-year reporting deadline, or guarantee successful implementation of the methodology.
03 — The Path
Now what?
- The Senate passed the bill by Unanimous Consent on July 14, 2025.
- The House passed the bill as amended by voice vote under suspension of rules on September 14, 2026.
- A motion to reconsider was laid on the table on September 14, 2026.
Legislative History
Actions.
- Sep 14, 2026 — Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- Sep 14, 2026 — On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
- Sep 14, 2026 — Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
- Sep 14, 2026 — DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 283.
- Sep 14, 2026 — Considered under suspension of the rules.
- Sep 14, 2026 — Mr. Westerman moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
- Jul 15, 2025 — Held at the desk.
- Jul 15, 2025 — Received in the House.