The legislation, originally sponsored by U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) alongside Senator Ed Markey (D-MA), expands the John H. Prescott Marine Mammal Rescue and Response Grant Program to include dedicated funding for sea turtle rescue efforts over the next seven years.
If enacted, the bill will provide essential resources to support:

• The recovery, care, and treatment of sick, injured, or entangled sea turtles
• Emergency response to stranded sea turtles
• Scientific research through the collection of data and biological samples from both living and deceased stranded turtles
• Facility operating costs directly tied to rescue and rehabilitation efforts
• Expansion of stranding network capacity in regions where resources are limited
The bill also establishes the Sea Turtle Rescue, Rehabilitation, and Rapid Response Fund, creating a dedicated funding stream to support timely and coordinated wildlife emergency responses nationwide.

During the most recent cold-stunning event along the Texas coast, the Texas State Aquarium’s Port Corpus Christi Center for Wildlife Rescue, operated by the Oceans and Wildlife Institute, cared for more than 300 endangered sea turtles, highlighting the growing need for sustained federal support and coordinated response infrastructure.

“This legislation reflects the scale and urgency of the work happening on the ground,” said Jennifer Vela, Chief Government Affairs Officer of the Oceans and Wildlife Institute. “We are grateful to Senator Cornyn for his leadership as an original sponsor of this bill, and to Commerce Committee Chairman Senator Cruz for advancing it through committee. Their support recognizes the critical role that frontline response organizations play in protecting vulnerable wildlife.”

Sea turtle rescue efforts are not only vital to conservation, they also have a measurable economic impact. Each rehabilitated and released sea turtle contributes to the long-term health of coastal ecosystems and supports Texas fisheries.

The passage of this legislation aligns closely with the mission of the Oceans and Wildlife Institute to advance wildlife resiliency through preparedness, response, and recovery. Through its Emergency Operations Center for Wildlife Disasters and year-round rescue operations, the Port Corpus Christi Center for Wildlife Rescue at the Texas State Aquarium continues to serve as a national leader in wildlife emergency response. The bill now moves to the U.S. House of Representatives for consideration.