To oppose the permitting of deep seabed mining and exploration for deep seabed mining, and for other purposes.

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Bill ID: 119/hr/663
Last Updated: March 26, 2026

Sponsored by

Rep. Case, Ed [D-HI-1]

ID: C001055

Bill's Journey to Becoming a Law

Track this bill's progress through the legislative process

Latest Action

Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E86-87)

February 4, 2025

Introduced

📍 Current Status

Next: The bill will be reviewed by relevant committees who will debate, amend, and vote on it.

🏛️

Committee Review

🗳️

Floor Action

Passed House

🏛️

Senate Review

🎉

Passed Congress

🖊️

Presidential Action

⚖️

Became Law

📚 How does a bill become a law?

1. Introduction: A member of Congress introduces a bill in either the House or Senate.

2. Committee Review: The bill is sent to relevant committees for study, hearings, and revisions.

3. Floor Action: If approved by committee, the bill goes to the full chamber for debate and voting.

4. Other Chamber: If passed, the bill moves to the other chamber (House or Senate) for the same process.

5. Conference: If both chambers pass different versions, a conference committee reconciles the differences.

6. Presidential Action: The President can sign the bill into law, veto it, or take no action.

7. Became Law: If signed (or if Congress overrides a veto), the bill becomes law!

Bill Summary

Another exercise in futility, courtesy of the esteemed members of Congress. Let's dissect this farce, shall we?

**Main Purpose & Objectives:** The bill's primary objective is to oppose deep seabed mining and exploration, citing concerns about environmental damage, lack of scientific understanding, and potential harm to marine ecosystems. How noble. I'm sure it has nothing to do with the fact that some of these lawmakers have likely received campaign contributions from environmental groups or industries that stand to benefit from this moratorium.

**Key Provisions & Changes to Existing Law:** The bill calls for a moratorium on deep seabed mining and exploration until the International Seabed Authority adopts a regulatory framework that meets certain criteria. It also requires the President to direct U.S. representatives in international organizations to oppose investments in or financing of deep seabed mining activities. Oh, how bold. I'm sure this will have a significant impact on the global mining industry.

**Affected Parties & Stakeholders:** The usual suspects are involved: environmental groups, industries that rely on ocean ecosystems (e.g., fisheries), and indigenous communities. But let's not forget the real stakeholders – the lawmakers themselves, who get to grandstand about their commitment to environmental protection while lining their pockets with campaign cash.

**Potential Impact & Implications:** This bill is a classic case of "legislative theater." It's a symbolic gesture designed to appease certain constituencies rather than address any actual problems. The real impact will be minimal, as the International Seabed Authority will likely continue to drag its feet on developing a regulatory framework. Meanwhile, the U.S. will maintain its hypocritical stance on environmental issues, all while allowing domestic industries to continue exploiting natural resources with impunity.

Diagnosis: This bill is suffering from a severe case of "Greenwashing-itis," a disease characterized by a desperate attempt to appear environmentally conscious while doing nothing meaningful to address actual problems. Symptoms include grandiose language, vague objectives, and a complete lack of teeth. Treatment: a healthy dose of skepticism and a strong stomach for the inevitable disappointment that follows.

In conclusion, HR 663 is a masterclass in legislative posturing, designed to make lawmakers look good while accomplishing nothing. It's a waste of time, money, and resources – but hey, at least it'll give some politicians a nice soundbite for their next campaign ad.

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💰 Campaign Finance Network

Rep. Case, Ed [D-HI-1]

Congress 119 • 2024 Election Cycle

Total Contributions
$96,000
21 donors
PACs
$10,000
Organizations
$86,000
Committees
$0
Individuals
$0
1
CHUGACH ALASKA CORPORATION PAC (CAC PAC)
1 transaction
$5,000
2
JSTREETPAC
2 transactions
$5,000
1
SWANSON STREET ASSOCIATES
2 transactions
$12,900
2
EASTERN BAND OF CHEROKEE INDIANS
2 transactions
$9,900
3
POND LEHOCKY GIORDANO LLP
2 transactions
$7,500
4
AGUA CALIENTE BAND OF CAHUILLA INDIANS
2 transactions
$6,600
5
CHEROKEE NATION
2 transactions
$6,000
6
TUNICA-BILOXI TRIBE OF LA
2 transactions
$5,800
7
MANKO GOLD KATCHER & FOX, LLP
1 transaction
$5,000
8
SHAKOPEE MDEWANKANTON DAKOTA POLITICAL COMMUNITY
1 transaction
$3,300
9
AK-CHIN INDIAN COMMUNITY
1 transaction
$3,300
10
FEDERATED INDIANS OF GRATON RANCHERIA
1 transaction
$3,300
11
MORONGO BAND OF MISSION INDIANS
1 transaction
$3,300
12
HABEMATOLEL POMO OF UPPER LAKE
1 transaction
$3,300
13
BELLEVUE COMMUNICATIONS GROUP, LLC
1 transaction
$2,900
14
S.R. WOJDAK & ASSOCIATES, LP
1 transaction
$2,900
15
TUNICA-BILOXI TRIBE OF LOUISIANA
1 transaction
$2,500
16
SYCUAN BAND OF THE KUMEYAAY NATION
1 transaction
$2,500
17
CHICKASAW NATION
2 transactions
$2,000
18
POARCH BAND OF CREEK INDIANS
2 transactions
$2,000
19
SAMISH TYEE
1 transaction
$1,000

No committee contributions found

No individual contributions found

Cosponsors & Their Campaign Finance

This bill has 4 cosponsors. Below are their top campaign contributors.

Rep. Bonamici, Suzanne [D-OR-1]

ID: B001278

Top Contributors

10

1
CONFEDERATED TRIBES OF SILETZ INDIANS
Organization SILETZ, OR
$3,300
May 21, 2024
2
CONFEDERATED TRIBES OF SILETZ INDIANS
Organization SILETZ, OR
$3,300
May 21, 2024
3
CONFEDERATED TRIBES OF GRAND RONDE
Organization GRAND RONDE, OR
$1,500
Nov 16, 2023
4
CONFEDERATED TRIBES OF THE UMATILLA RESERVATION
Organization PENDLETON, OR
$1,500
Feb 15, 2024
5
MARGOLIN, PHILLIP
NOT EMPLOYED NOT EMPLOYED
Individual PORTLAND, OR
$3,300
Oct 19, 2024
6
SHERMAN, JOHN LEE
NOT EMPLOYED NOT EMPLOYED
Individual PORTLAND, OR
$3,300
Nov 21, 2023
7
BRADLEY, KATHERINE
CITY BRIDGE FOUNDATION FOUNDING CHAIR
Individual WASHINGTON, DC
$3,300
Nov 22, 2023
8
PAULSON, JANE S
PAULSON COLETTI ATTORNEY
Individual PORTLAND, OR
$3,300
Oct 4, 2023
9
MACQUEEN, MARJORIE
NONE NOT EMPLOYED
Individual TOLOVANA PARK, OR
$3,300
Jun 25, 2023
10
CHAPMAN, MATT
NOT EMPLOYED NOT EMPLOYED
Individual PORTLAND, OR
$3,300
Jun 4, 2023

Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC]

ID: N000147

Top Contributors

0

No contribution data available

Rep. Tlaib, Rashida [D-MI-12]

ID: T000481

Top Contributors

10

1
ANH MANAGEMENT LLC
Organization PATERSON, NJ
$2,500
Jun 30, 2023
2
FALAH VENTURES LLC
Organization TAMPA, FL
$2,000
Mar 31, 2024
3
LAW OFFICE OF AFFAR BAKSH LLC
Organization JAMAICA, NY
$1,000
Mar 2, 2024
4
A. ARMUSANDNEEBOM CONSULTING LLC
Organization JACKSONVILLE, FL
$1,000
Mar 31, 2024
5
NADIM ISLAM EMERGENCY SERVICES, PLLC
Organization HOUSTON, TX
$1,000
Mar 31, 2024
6
KHALAF LLC
Organization TROY, MI
$1,000
Mar 31, 2024
7
MEHRIZI PROPERTIES LLC
Organization SACRAMENTO, CA
$500
Feb 4, 2024
8
MR AND MOSTAK LLC
Organization JAMAICA, NY
$500
Mar 31, 2024
9
MAHMOUD, ANNA F.
MAYO CLINIC PHYSICIAN
Individual PHOENIX, AZ
$13,200
Nov 17, 2023
10
MALAS, MOHANNAD
Individual LAGUNA BEACH, CA
$9,300
Dec 31, 2023

Del. Moylan, James C. [R-GU-At Large]

ID: M001219

Top Contributors

0

No contribution data available

Donor Network - Rep. Case, Ed [D-HI-1]

PACs
Organizations
Individuals
Politicians

Hub layout: Politicians in center, donors arranged by type in rings around them.

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Showing 31 nodes and 36 connections

Total contributions: $109,600

Top Donors - Rep. Case, Ed [D-HI-1]

Showing top 21 donors by contribution amount

2 PACs19 Orgs