Congresswoman Haley Stevens’ ANCHOR Act Sails Through House

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, the ANCHOR Act, co-led by U.S. Representative Haley Stevens (D-MI), sailed through the U.S. House of Representatives on a voice vote. 

The Accelerating Networking, Cyberinfrastructure, and Hardware for Oceanic Research (ANCHOR) Act will shore up America’s Academic Research Fleet – the research vessels integral to understanding our freshwater and saltwater marine environments – requiring improvements to the ships’ cybersecurity and telecommunication capabilities.

“As our blue planet faces the impacts of climate change, the U.S. Academic Research Fleet provides essential data to protect ecosystems and build resilient communities,” said Stevens. “The ANCHOR Act ensures these vital research vessels remain secure and fully operational through critical cyberinfrastructure upgrades, safeguarding the future of our oceans and lakes against ever increasing environmental threats. As a Representative from a Great Lakes state, I am heartened this legislation advanced through the House to keep our freshwater resources safe for generations to come”

The Academic Research Fleet, including the R/V Blue Heron which operates in the Great Lakes Region, is the critical, but aging, research platform for studying and understanding our marine environment and the impacts of climate change. Due to environmental concerns and the growing implications of maritime considerations on national security, this bill is essential to ensuring long-term viability of the fleet and American research leadership in the mid-21st century.

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