WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse's years-long push for the creation of a National Endowment for the Oceans, Coasts and Great Lakes took a major step forward on Wednesday.
The Senate voted 68 to 31 to approve an amendment to a bill that would authorize the establishment of the endowment. The Senate must still vote on the full bill, the reauthorization of the Water Resources Development Act.
"This Endowment, when funded, will help preserve and restore the great bounty our oceans and coasts provide -- from fishing and tourism, to research and recreation. I'm grateful to my colleagues for their support in this time of need in coastal states like Rhode Island," Whitehouse, D-R.I., said in a statement.
When funded, the endowment would provide grants for research, restoration, and conservation efforts.