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S. 2511: CENOTE Act of 2018

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S. 2511: CENOTE Act of 2018

115th Congress · introduced 2018-03-07 · Transportation and Public Works · Latest: Became Public Law No: 115-394.

federal

Follow this bill, step by step

  1. Where it came from: introduced 2018-03-07 · official record
  2. Who proposed it: Sen. Wicker, Roger F. [R-MS] · what a sponsor is
  3. What happened next: no floor votes in our records yet. Why?
  4. Where it stands now: Became Public Law No: 115-394. (final step reached)
  5. If it becomes law and spends money: follow the money to money laws, then agencies and contracts and grants.

What does this mean?

Official title

CENOTE Act of 2018

Plain summary

Commercial Engagement Through Ocean Technology Act of 2018 or the CENOTE Act of 2018 (Sec.3)This bill requires the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)to direct the Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR)and the Office of Marine and Aviation Operations (OMAO)to coordinate the assessment and acquisition of unmanned maritime systems. NOAA must coordinate with the Department of the Navy to leverage expertise in the development and operational transition of unmanned maritime systems. It may also coordinate with other federal agencies, the academic sector, and the private sector to maximize research opportunities and to support commercialization of unmanned maritime systems. (Sec.4)The OAR and OMAO must regularly assess publicly and commercially available unmanned maritime systems for potential use to support the missions of NOAA. (Sec.5)NOAA must coordinate and centralize its acquisition of unmanned maritime systems to meet the prioritized list of data requirements identified by the OAR and OMAO. (Sec.6)NOAA must submit to Congress a report on the usage of unmanned maritime systems for its mission.

Congressional Research Service summary (Public Law), quoted unchanged (nonpartisan). Read the source.

What a vote does

A “Yea” vote

If it passes both chambers and is signed, it becomes law.

A “Nay” vote

If it is not passed, current law stays as it is.

PSI Sci description of the legislative step (not an opinion).

What does this mean? (plain words)

Official text

CENOTE Act of 2018

Source: Congressional Research Service summary (Public Law)

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The strongest published arguments

Arguments for (supporters)

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Alternatives

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How did my representative vote? · This bill's floor votes

Officials and money

Sponsor: Sen. Wicker, Roger F. [R-MS] · 1 cosponsors

Cost estimate: CBO cost estimate: S. 2511, CENOTE Act of 2018 (2018-06-20)

Cosponsors on this site

Brian Schatz (D-HI)

Sponsor's campaign money: Sen. Wicker, Roger F. [R-MS] reported raising $306,823 (2025–2026). Details. Shown for context only; it does not mean any donor supported this bill.

No linked floor roll calls in our collected records yet. This does not mean the bill has never had a vote. Check the official bill history.

Words on this page, explained (1)
Bill
A proposed law. It becomes law only if it passes the legislature and is signed by the president or governor (or a veto is overridden).

Plain meanings written from linked sources. All words.

Sources

Record fed-us-cong115-s2511 · catalog fed-us-congress-bills-cong115 · updated 2026-11-15 by psicol fed-bills-cong115