North Pacific Research Board Enhancement Act

Senate Bill

S. 190

119th Congress

North Pacific Research Board Enhancement Act

Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 189.

Introduced:Jan 22, 2025

Primary Sponsor

Dan Sullivan

Senator

Republican

AK

Cosponsors

1

Quick Stats

Policy Area

Science, Technology, Communications

Summary

This bill strengthens the North Pacific Research Board, which funds research on fisheries and marine ecosystems around Alaska. It adds Alaska Native representation to the board, establishes term limits for certain members, and provides flexibility on administrative funding during lean budget years.

Latest Action

Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 189.

AI Summary

Plain-English explanation of this bill

This bill strengthens the North Pacific Research Board, which funds research on fisheries and marine ecosystems around Alaska. It adds Alaska Native representation to the board, establishes term limits for certain members, and provides flexibility on administrative funding during lean budget years.

Last updated: 1/5/2026

Official Summary

Congressional Research Service summary

North Pacific Research Board Enhancement ActThis bill makes certain changes to the North Pacific Research Board, including changes to the board’s composition and allocations for funding for administrative expenses. The board sets research priorities and administers grants to support research on fisheries and marine ecosystems in the waters surrounding Alaska.Specifically, this bill adds to the board one additional member to represent Alaska Natives. This board member must have personal knowledge of and direct experience with subsistence uses of resources (the practice of relying on the surrounding environment as a source of food and material). The bill also imposes a three-year term limit on those board members representing fishing interests and Alaska Natives, and permits such members to serve one additional term upon reappointment.With respect to funding, under current law the board may use up to 15% of grant program funding for administrative expenses (e.g., support for the board and grant administration). Under the bill, if the program's total funding in a given fiscal year is less than its total funding in the prior fiscal year, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration may increase the 15% cap on administrative expenses for that fiscal year. Any such increase must prioritize supporting the board’s continued operation, maximizing funds directed to research, and maintaining high-quality grant administration. Further, the bill waives the 15% cap altogether for five years following the bill’s enactment.

Key Points

Main provisions of the bill

Adds one Alaska Native representative to the Research Board
Requires Alaska Native member to have subsistence use experience
Establishes three-year term limits with one possible reappointment
Allows increased administrative funding when total funding decreases
Waives administrative expense cap for five years after enactment

How This Impacts Americans

Potential effects on citizens and communities

Alaska Native communities would gain direct representation in research priorities affecting waters they depend on for subsistence. The funding flexibility helps maintain board operations and grant quality even when budgets fluctuate.

Policy Areas

Primary Policy Area

Science, Technology, Communications

Related Subjects

Advisory bodies

Alaska

Alaska Natives and Hawaiians

Marine and coastal resources, fisheries

Research administration and funding

Scope & Jurisdiction

Jurisdiction Level

federal

Congressional Session

119th Congress

Citation Reference

190, 119th Congress (2025). "North Pacific Research Board Enhancement Act". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-s-190