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United States · Law · HR

H.R. 408 (105th)

International Dolphin Conservation Program Act

enactedUnited States· United States Congress· EN

Introduced

9 January 1997

Last action

15 August 1997 · President

Status

Became Public Law No: 105-42.

Sponsors

Rep. Gilchrest, Wayne T. [R-MD-1], Rep. Cunningham, Randy (Duke) [R-CA-50], Sen. Cardin, Benjamin L. [D-MD], Rep. Young, Don [R-AK-At Large], Rep. Ortiz, Solomon P. [D-TX-27], Rep. Bilbray, Brian P. [R-CA-50], Rep. Kolbe, Jim [R-AZ-8], Rep. Boehlert, Sherwood [R-NY-24], Rep. Skaggs, David E. [D-CO-2], Rep. Riggs, Frank [R-CA-1], Rep. English, Phil [R-PA-3], Rep. McHugh, John M. [R-NY-23], Rep. Green, Gene [D-TX-29], Rep. Bachus, Spencer [R-AL-6], Rep. Torres, Esteban Edward [D-CA-34], Rep. Jackson Lee, Sheila [D-TX-18], Rep. Rogan, James E. [R-CA-27], Rep. Packard, Ron [R-CA-48], Rep. Porter, John Edward [R-IL-10], Rep. Flake, Floyd H. [D-NY-6], Rep. Pombo, Richard W. [R-CA-11], Rep. Jefferson, William J. [D-LA-2], Rep. Castle, Michael N. [R-DE-At Large], Rep. Kingston, Jack [R-GA-1], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Dingell, John D. [D-MI-12], Rep. Ehrlich, Robert L., Jr. [R-MD-2], Rep. Foley, Mark [R-FL-16], Rep. Wexler, Robert [D-FL-19], Rep. Dicks, Norman D. [D-WA-6]

Subjects

Discovery layer

Source updated

7 April 2025

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Summary

International Dolphin Conservation Program Act - Amends the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 to allow authorizations for the incidental taking of marine mammals during commercial yellowfin tuna fishing. Removes provisions requiring that, for purse seine yellowfin fishing, the goal of reducing incidental kill to insignificant levels shall be satisfied by using the best safety techniques and equipment economically and technologically practicable. Modifies requirements regarding export to the United States of yellowfin tuna harvested with purse seine nets in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean (ETPO). Exempts a U.S. citizen from the Act in specified circumstances. Changes requirements regarding the issuance of general permits for the taking of marine mammals. Mandates initiation of: (1) discussions regarding certain revisions to the Convention for the Establishment of an Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission; (2) a revised schedule of annual contributions to the Commission; and (3) discussions with countries participating in the International Dolphin Conservation Program to identify alternative funding for the protection of marine species and the marine ecosystem. Amends the Dolphin Protection Consumer Information Act regarding the circumstances in which tuna products may be labeled "Dolphin Safe." Mandates implementing regulations, including regulations establishing a domestic and international tracking and verification program. (Sec. 5) Amends the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 to declare that it is U.S. policy to support the International Dolphin Conservation Program and to ensure that the U.S. market does not act as an incentive to tuna harvesting that is not in compliance with the Program. Mandates regulations to authorize and govern the incidental taking of marine mammals in the ETPO. Authorizes emergency regulations. Requires undertaking or supporting scientific research to further the Program's goals. Repeals provisions relating to bans on imports from countries failing to implement a moratorium on purse seine harvesting. Replaces provisions concerning permits for taking dolphins with provisions authorizing issuance of a permit to a U.S. vessel authorizing participation in the Program. Prohibits U.S. vessels from operating in the ETPO yellowfin tuna fishery without such a permit. Authorizes permit sanctions. Modifies the list of prohibited acts. (Sec. 6) Amends the Tuna Conventions Act to modify the composition of the U.S. representation on the International Commission for the Scientific Investigation of Tuna and the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission. Modifies requirements regarding a related advisory committee. (Sec. 7) Declares that it is the sense of the Congress that each nation participating in the Program should contribute an equitable amount to Commission expenses.

This text is taken from the official record. PoliticalRepo does not editorialize.

Timeline

  1. 9 January 1997

    Introduced

    Referred to the House Committee on Resources.

    Source: IntroReferral

  2. 9 January 1997

    Introduced

    Introduced in House

    Source: IntroReferral

  3. 9 January 1997

    Introduced

    Introduced in House

    Source: IntroReferral

  4. 21 February 1997

    Committee

    Executive Comment Requested from Commerce, State.

    Source: Committee

  5. 21 February 1997

    Referred

    Referred to the Subcommittee on Fisheries Conservation, Wildlife and Oceans.

    Source: Committee

  6. 3 April 1997

    Committee

    Executive Comment Received from State.

    Source: Committee

  7. 9 April 1997

    Committee

    Subcommittee Hearings Held.

    Source: Committee

  8. 10 April 1997

    Committee

    Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote.

    Source: Committee

  9. 10 April 1997

    Committee

    Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.

    Source: Committee

  10. 16 April 1997

    Reported

    Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.

    Source: Committee

  11. 16 April 1997

    Committee

    Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.

    Source: Committee

  12. 24 April 1997

    Introduced

    Referred sequentially to the House Committee on Ways and Means for a period ending not later than May 5, 1997 for consideration of such provisions of the bill and amendment as fall within the jurisdiction of that committee pursuant to clause 1(s), rule X.

    Source: IntroReferral

  13. 24 April 1997

    Reported

    Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Resources. H. Rept. 105-74, Part I.

    Source: Committee

  14. 24 April 1997

    Reported

    Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Resources. H. Rept. 105-74, Part I.

    Source: Committee

  15. 30 April 1997

    Vote

    Ordered to be Reported by the Yeas and Nays: 28 - 9.

    Source: Committee

  16. 30 April 1997

    Committee

    Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.

    Source: Committee

  17. 1 May 1997

    Calendars

    Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 56.

    Source: Calendars

  18. 1 May 1997

    Reported

    Reported by the Committee on Ways and Means. H. Rept. 105-74, Part II.

    Source: Committee

  19. 1 May 1997

    Reported

    Reported by the Committee on Ways and Means. H. Rept. 105-74, Part II.

    Source: Committee

  20. 20 May 1997

    Reported

    Rules Committee Resolution H. Res. 153 Reported to House. Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 408 with 1 hour of general debate. Previous question shall be considered as ordered without intervening motions except motion to recommit. Bill is closed to amendments. In lieu of the amendment recommended by the Committee on Resources now printed in the bill, it shall be order to consider as an original bill for the purpose of amendment the amendment printed as amendment No. 1 in the Congressional Record of May 15, 1997. Points of order against the amendment for failure to comply with clause 7 of rule XVI shall be waived. No amendment to the amendment in the nature of a substitute shall be in order except an amendment printed in Congressional Record to be offered by Congressman Miller of California.

    Source: Floor

  21. 21 May 1997

    Passed

    Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

    Source: Floor

  22. 21 May 1997

    Vote

    On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 262 - 166 (Roll no. 151).

    Source: Floor

  23. 21 May 1997

    Vote

    Passed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 262 - 166 (Roll no. 151).

    Source: Floor

  24. 21 May 1997

    Passed

    The House adopted the amendment in the nature of a substitute as agreed to by the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union.

    Source: Floor

  25. 21 May 1997

    Floor

    The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.

    Source: Floor

  26. 21 May 1997

    Floor

    The House rose from the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union to report H.R. 408.

    Source: Floor

  27. 21 May 1997

    Floor

    The Speaker designated the Honorable Gil Gutknecht to act as Chairman of the Committee.

    Source: Floor

  28. 21 May 1997

    Floor

    House resolved itself into the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union pursuant to H. Res. 153 and Rule XXIII.

    Source: Floor

  29. 21 May 1997

    Floor

    Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 408 with 1 hour of general debate. Previous question shall be considered as ordered without intervening motions except motion to recommit. Bill is closed to amendments. In lieu of the amendment recommended by the Committee on Resources now printed in the bill, it shall be order to consider as an original bill for the purpose of amendment the amendment printed as amendment No. 1 in the Congressional Record of May 15, 1997. Points of order against the amendment for failure to comply with clause 7 of rule XVI shall be waived. No amendment to the amendment in the nature of a substitute shall be in order except an amendment printed in Congressional Record to be offered by Congressman Miller of California.

    Source: Floor

  30. 21 May 1997

    Floor

    Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 153. (consideration: CR H3120-3140)

    Source: Floor

  31. 21 May 1997

    Passed

    Rule H. Res. 153 passed House.

    Source: Floor

  32. 22 May 1997

    Introduced

    Received in the Senate and read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce.

    Source: IntroReferral

  33. 30 July 1997

    Floor

    Measure laid before Senate by unanimous consent. (consideration: CR S8312)

    Source: Floor

  34. 30 July 1997

    Passed

    Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent.

    Source: Floor

  35. 30 July 1997

    Discharge

    Senate Committee on Commerce discharged by Unanimous Consent.

    Source: Discharge

  36. 30 July 1997

    Committee

    Senate Committee on Commerce discharged by Unanimous Consent.

    Source: Committee

  37. 31 July 1997

    Passed

    Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

    Source: ResolvingDifferences

  38. 31 July 1997

    Passed

    On motion that the House agree to the Senate amendment Agreed to without objection. (consideration: CR H6677)

    Source: ResolvingDifferences

  39. 31 July 1997

    Passed

    Resolving differences -- House actions: On motion that the House agree to the Senate amendment Agreed to without objection.(consideration: CR H6677)

    Source: NotUsed

  40. 31 July 1997

    ResolvingDifferences

    Mr. Saxton asked unanimous consent that the House agree to the Senate amendment.

    Source: ResolvingDifferences

  41. 4 August 1997

    Floor

    Presented to President.

    Source: Floor

  42. 4 August 1997

    President

    Presented to President.

    Source: President

  43. 15 August 1997

    Became law

    Became Public Law No: 105-42.

    Source: President

  44. 15 August 1997

    Became law

    Signed by President.

    Source: BecameLaw

  45. 15 August 1997

    President

    Signed by President.

    Source: President

Votes

No vote records are attached yet.

Versions

Documents

18 official files

Public Law (text)

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  • Public Law (text)

    Public Law · EN · 15 August 1997

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  • Public Law (PDF)

    Public Law · EN · 15 August 1997

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  • Enrolled Bill (text)

    Enrolled Bill · EN · 31 July 1997

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  • Enrolled Bill (PDF)

    Enrolled Bill · EN · 31 July 1997

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  • Engrossed Amendment Senate (text)

    Engrossed Amendment Senate · EN · 30 July 1997

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  • Engrossed Amendment Senate (PDF)

    Engrossed Amendment Senate · EN · 30 July 1997

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  • Passed Senate amended

    summary · EN · 30 July 1997

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  • Referred in Senate (text)

    Referred in Senate · EN · 22 May 1997

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  • Referred in Senate (PDF)

    Referred in Senate · EN · 22 May 1997

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  • Engrossed in House (text)

    Engrossed in House · EN · 21 May 1997

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  • Engrossed in House (PDF)

    Engrossed in House · EN · 21 May 1997

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  • Passed House amended

    summary · EN · 21 May 1997

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  • Reported in House (text)

    Reported in House · EN · 1 May 1997

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  • Reported in House (PDF)

    Reported in House · EN · 1 May 1997

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  • Reported to House amended, Part I

    summary · EN · 24 April 1997

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  • Introduced in House (text)

    Introduced in House · EN · 9 January 1997

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  • Introduced in House (PDF)

    Introduced in House · EN · 9 January 1997

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  • Introduced in House

    summary · EN · 9 January 1997

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