The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Sexual Harassment and Assault Prevention Improvements Act of 2025 aims to strengthen policies against sexual harassment and assault within NOAA. It broadens the scope of personnel covered by these policies, removes the requirement that certain offenses be forcible to be considered unlawful, and mandates that NOAA report incidents to the Coast Guard. The bill also prohibits individuals convicted of sexual offenses from working for NOAA, establishes a confidential reporting system for victims, and enhances overall reporting requirements related to sexual misconduct.
The bill has been positively received for its comprehensive approach to tackling sexual harassment and assault within NOAA, with advocates praising its focus on creating a safer work environment for all personnel. Supporters highlight the importance of expanding protections to a wider range of NOAA staff and the establishment of a confidential reporting system as significant steps forward in addressing these issues.
Critics of the bill argue that while it is a step in the right direction, it may not go far enough in ensuring accountability and comprehensive support for victims. Some media outlets have raised concerns about the effectiveness of the proposed reporting mechanisms and whether they will truly protect victims or deter offenders. Additionally, there are worries about the potential bureaucratic complexities that could arise from the new reporting requirements.
The analysis of H.R. 2406 reveals no direct industry overlaps between the sponsor, Suzanne Bonamici's top donor industries and the bill's subject matter, which focuses on sexual harassment and assault prevention within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The top donor industries, primarily health professionals and retirees, do not have a direct connection to the legislation's focus on workplace safety and harassment prevention. The total contributions from these industries amount to $315 million, with no PAC contributions indicating a strong reliance on individual donations. This lack of overlap suggests that the bill is less likely to be influenced by the interests of these donors.
Additionally, while there is lobbying activity in related policy areas, such as education and environmental services, the amounts disclosed are relatively modest compared to the total contributions from the sponsor's donors. For instance, La Roche University and L3Harris Technologies have each contributed $30,000, while Everyrealm Inc. contributed $50,000. However, these amounts are not substantial enough to indicate a significant risk of conflict. Overall, the absence of direct financial ties between the sponsor's donors and the bill's subject matter leads to a low risk assessment for potential conflicts of interest.
Organizations that lobbied on issues related to this bill's policy area.
| Client | Lobbying Firm | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| CONSTELLIUM ROLLED PRODUCTS RAVENSWOOD, LLC | EDWARD C. OLIVARES, LLC | $50,000 |
| EVERYREALM INC. | STINSON LLP | $50,000 |
| LA ROCHE UNIVERSITY | MCALLISTER & QUINN, LLC | $30,000 |
| L3HARRIS TECHNOLOGIES | MCALLISTER & QUINN, LLC | $30,000 |
| CONSTELLIUM MUSCLE SHOALS, LLC | EDWARD C. OLIVARES, LLC | $30,000 |
| METROPOLITAN ST LOUIS SEWER DISTRICT | CARDINAL POINT PARTNERS | $20,000 |
| KUTZTOWN UNIVERSITY | MCALLISTER & QUINN, LLC | $20,000 |
| KOA BIO, LLC | MCALLISTER & QUINN, LLC | $20,000 |
| CONSTELLIUM U.S. HOLDINGS I | EDWARD C. OLIVARES, LLC | $10,000 |
| HEALTHY MARKETS ASSOCIATION | CENTER MARKET STRATEGIES, LLC | undisclosed |
| LEWIS UNIVERSITY | MCALLISTER & QUINN, LLC | undisclosed |
| RF CHECK, INC | CARDINAL POINT PARTNERS | undisclosed |
| TRINIDAD RANCHERIA | HOBBS, STRAUS, DEAN & WALKER, LLP | undisclosed |
| UNION OF OIL AND GAS PRODUCERS RUSSIA | QORVIS HOLDING INC - GEOPOLS | undisclosed |
| IONA UNIVERSITY | MCALLISTER & QUINN, LLC | undisclosed |
Source: Senate Lobbying Disclosure Act (LDA) filings, 2026
Top industries funding Suzanne Bonamici, ranked by total contributions.
Source: OpenSecrets.org (Center for Responsive Politics)
