Second Session of the 119th Congress Begins with Full Legislative Agenda Ahead
The second session of the 119th Congress officially begins this week, as House and Senate leaders point to last year’s legislative accomplishments and turn their focus to priorities for 2026. With divided attention between domestic policy and global challenges, Congress is expected to move quickly on several major legislative and regulatory issues that will directly affect the recreational boating industry.
Looking ahead, NMMA is focused on a robust advocacy agenda that includes the biennial Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) reauthorization and building bipartisan support for reauthorizing the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund. NMMA will also continue educating lawmakers and the Trump Administration on the impacts of tariffs and trade policy, while reinforcing the importance of strong North American market integration through the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA). At the same time, NMMA is closely tracking the continued implementation of the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) and addressing key regulatory challenges to protect marine manufacturing competitiveness, boater access to public waters, and investments in recreational infrastructure.
Congress must also resolve outstanding government funding legislation carried over from last year. Lawmakers face a January 30 deadline to finalize FY 2026 appropriations, raising the possibility of another government shutdown if an agreement is not reached. Avoiding that outcome is expected to be a near-term focus in the opening weeks of the session.
As the 2026 election cycle ramps up, the legislative calendar is expected to accelerate, creating multiple opportunities for NMMA and the broader recreational boating community to engage policymakers. NMMA will continue advancing industry priorities, showcasing the economic impact of an American-made industry, and ensuring lawmakers understand what is at stake for manufacturers, boaters, and coastal and inland communities nationwide.