Helping Allies Respond to Piracy, Overfishing, and Oceanic Negligence Act; HARPOON Act
Summary
The HARPOON Act aims to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing by amending Title 10 of the United States Code. It authorizes the Secretary of Defense to support capacity-building programs for foreign security forces to counter IUU fishing. The Act also mandates the Secretary of the Navy and the Commandant of the Coast Guard to engage with foreign partners in joint patrols and submit annual reports to Congress on these engagements.
Expected Effects
This act will likely lead to increased cooperation between the U.S. and foreign nations in maritime security. It will also provide resources and training to foreign security forces to combat IUU fishing. The required reports will provide Congress with oversight of these activities.
Potential Benefits
- Enhanced maritime security through international cooperation.
- Increased capacity of foreign partners to combat IUU fishing.
- Protection of marine ecosystems and fish stocks.
- Potential reduction in transnational crime related to IUU fishing.
- Improved regional stability through joint security efforts.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for mission creep or overextension of U.S. military resources.
- Risk of supporting foreign forces with questionable human rights records.
- Possible conflicts with other nations' fishing rights or maritime claims.
- Increased financial burden on U.S. taxpayers to support foreign programs.
- Potential for unintended environmental consequences from increased maritime activity.
Constitutional Alignment
The HARPOON Act appears to align with the constitutional mandate to "provide for the common defence" (Preamble). Article I, Section 8 grants Congress the power to "define and punish Piracies and Felonies committed on the high Seas, and Offences against the Law of Nations." The Act's focus on international cooperation and capacity building may also fall under the President's power to conduct foreign policy.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).