AI-assisted analysis based on the official CRS summary. Source version: Jun 2, 2026. Analysis updated: Sep 18, 2026.
01 — The Text
What.
- The bill extends NOAA's sexual harassment and assault prevention policies to cover observers, at-sea monitors, and regional fishery management council members and staff.
- The bill removes the requirement that certain acts (assault, intimidation, sexual harassment) against observers or data collectors be forcible to be classified as unlawful.
- NOAA's Office of Marine and Aviation Operations must establish a policy for reporting sexual harassment and assault claims to the Coast Guard, including employee/contractor names, incident dates and times, and vessel locations.
- The bill prohibits persons convicted of certain sexual offenses from enlisting with or being commissioned by NOAA.
- The bill requires NOAA to implement a confidential restricted reporting system allowing personnel to report sexual harassment or assault and receive services without automatically triggering an investigation.
02 — The Stakes
So what?
- Documented scope expansion: The policy now covers personnel categories previously not explicitly included.
- Documented legal change: Removal of the forcible requirement broadens what conduct is classified as unlawful.
- Documented reporting requirement: Creates new obligation for NOAA to share specific incident information with Coast Guard.
- Documented eligibility restriction: Certain individuals are now barred from NOAA service based on conviction history.
- Documented procedural addition: Employees gain an option to report confidentially without automatic investigation—the impact of this alternative pathway on overall reporting or case outcomes is not established in the summary.
03 — The Path
Now what?
- House passed the bill on September 14, 2026, by voice vote under suspension of rules.
- Senate received the bill on September 15, 2026, and referred it to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- No subsequent Senate action is recorded in the provided data.
- No scheduled votes or committee hearing dates are documented.
Legislative History
Actions.
- Sep 15, 2026 — Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- 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 H.R. 2406.
- 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.
- Sep 14, 2026 — On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H5571-5573)