Authorizing new funding and infrastructure that help all fishermen across Alaska access and test improved gear to reduce bycatch and protect marine seafloor habitats.
Authorize new funding and infrastructure so Alaska fishermen can access and test improved gear to reduce bycatch and protect seafloor habitats.
Occurrences
to establish a Bycatch Mitigation and Habitat Protection Assistance Fund
Authorizing new funding and infrastructure that help all fishermen across Alaska access and test improved gear to reduce bycatch and protect marine seafloor habitats.
Evidence
legacy_unverified · Source version not recorded · locator unknown
GovInfo text shows Sen. Sullivan introduced S. 4938 on June 24, 2026, and it was referred to Senate Commerce. The bill would create a NOAA/industry flume tank, a flume-tank assistance fund, a bycatch mitigation and habitat protection fund, and authorize $10 million annually for BREP in FY2027-FY2031.
legacy_unverified · Source version not recorded · locator unknown
Sullivan's office says the bill creates tools to reduce bycatch and seafloor habitat impacts, including a new flume tank, BREP reauthorization, and funding/infrastructure for Alaska fishermen to access and test improved gear.
Assessments
Sullivan directly sponsored S. 4938, the Bycatch Reduction Act, in June 2026, and the bill closely matches the promise by proposing a NOAA/industry flume tank, assistance funds, bycatch mitigation and habitat protection funding, and BREP reauthorization. However, the latest available status shows the bill only introduced and referred to committee, with no enacted authorization, appropriated funding, or completed infrastructure yet. Because the candidate materially advanced the promised policy during his federal term but the promised outcome has not been delivered, the proper status is unresolved with an effort badge.