North Pacific Research Board Enhancement Act

Summary

North Pacific Research Board Enhancement Act This 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. 

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Timeline

1. 22 January 2025

   Introduced

   Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

   Source: IntroReferral

2. 22 January 2025

   Introduced

   Introduced in Senate

   Source: IntroReferral

3. 21 May 2025

   Reported

   Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.

   Source: Committee

4. 14 October 2025

   Calendars

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

   Source: Calendars

5. 14 October 2025

   Reported

   Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Reported by Senator Cruz with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. With written report No. 119-80.

   Source: Committee

6. 14 October 2025

   Reported

   Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Reported by Senator Cruz with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. With written report No. 119-80.

   Source: Committee

Votes

No vote records are attached yet.

Versions

No version snapshots stored. Document URLs remain at the source.

Documents

3 official files

• Reported to Senate

  Reported to Senate · EN · 14 October 2025

  ViewDownloadOpen at official source

• Introduced in Senate

  Introduced in Senate · EN · 22 January 2025

  ViewDownloadOpen at official source

• Introduced in Senate

  summary · EN · 22 January 2025

  Open at official source

Sponsors

• Sen. Sullivan, Dan [R-AK] · R · Sponsor
• Sen. Murkowski, Lisa [R-AK] · R · Sponsor
• · sscm00 · Standing

Related records

• related to ← National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026