And we’re back from recess(es)! Last week was a short week w/ Thanksgiving but there were some bills introduced the week before. There’s been some reactionary legislation in response to Trump and some business as usual – let’s dive in.

H.R.6321 — Coordinated Ocean Monitoring and Research Act
Sponsor: Rep. Grayson, Alan [D-FL-9] 
-This is a bill to reauthorize the Integrated Coastal and Ocean Observation System (ICOOS) Act of 2009. The Act’s primary purpose was to establish an ocean observation system (the Integrate Ocean Observation System). More about the Act and the System can be found here.

H.R.6331 — Coral Reef Sustainability Through Innovation Act of 2016
Sponsor: Rep. Gabbard, Tulsi [D-HI-2] 
-Would amend the Coral Reef Conservation Act to authorize 12 federal agencies on the US Coral Reef Task Force to execute prize competitions that promote coral reef conservation and research. Similar legislation has been introduced previously but never went anywhere.

H.R.6342 — Traveling Exotic Animal and Public Safety Protection Act
Sponsor: Rep. Grijalva, Raul M. [D-AZ-3]
-Would amend the Animal Welfare Act to restrict the transportation of exotic and wild animals for purposes such as circuses.