H.R. 950 – REEF Act | Legislate.dev

AI-Generated Summary

Updated January 20, 2026 at 3:24 AM UTC

The REEF Act requires the Secretary of the Navy to inform Congress at least 90 days before a naval vessel that could be turned into an artificial reef is retired from the Naval Vessel Register. It also expresses Congress’s view that the Navy should explore reefing options with appropriate partners before disposing of such ships. The bill affects Navy vessels slated for retirement and the agencies that might receive them for reef projects.

Key Provisions

Congress expresses that the Navy should seek artificial‑reef opportunities for retiring vessels before disposal
The Navy must notify Congress no later than 90 days before retiring any vessel that is a viable candidate for artificial reefing

Legislative Activity

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1 earlier action

HouseIntro Referral Latest Action

Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.

Armed Services Committee

February 9, 2023

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HouseIntro Referral

Introduced in House

February 9, 2023

HouseIntro Referral

Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.

Armed Services Committee

February 9, 2023

Bill Text

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Introduced in HouseIssued February 9, 2023

I

118th CONGRESS

1st Session

H. R. 950

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

February 9, 2023

Ms. Salazar (for herself, Mr. Case, Mr. Wittman, Ms. Brownley, Mr. Bilirakis, Mr. Waltz, and Mrs. Cammack) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Armed Services

A BILL

To direct the Secretary of the Navy to notify Congress of the pending retirement of any naval vessel that is a viable candidate for artificial reefing, and for other purposes.

1.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the Re-using Equipment for Environmental Fortification Act or the REEF Act.

2.

Congressional notification of pending retirements of naval vessels that are viable candidates for artificial reefing

(a)

Sense of Congress

It is the sense of Congress that the Secretary of the Navy should explore and solicit artificial reefing opportunities with appropriate entities for any naval vessel planned for retirement before initiating any plans to dispose of the vessel.

(b)

Report

Not later than 90 days before the retirement from the Naval Vessel Register of any naval vessel that is a viable candidate for artificial reefing, the Secretary of the Navy shall notify Congress of the pending retirement of such vessel.