Sea Turtle Rescue Assistance and Rehabilitation Act of 2025

# Sea Turtle Rescue Assistance and Rehabilitation Act of 2025 - Summary **What the Bill Does:** This bill would create new federal funding specifically for sea turtle rescue and rehabilitation efforts through 2030. It expands an existing grant program (originally created for marine mammals) to include money for organizations that rescue injured, sick, or tangled sea turtles. The bill also establishes a dedicated fund for rapid response to sea turtle emergencies. The grants could pay for direct animal care, operating costs for rescue facilities, scientific research on turtle health, and building new rescue infrastructure in areas where it doesn't currently exist. **Who It Affects:** Sea turtle rescue organizations, coastal communities, and researchers would benefit from the new funding.

Sea turtles themselves—which are protected under federal law—would be the intended beneficiaries. Taxpayers would fund the program through federal spending. **Current Status:** The bill was introduced by Senator Edward Markey (D-MA) in the 119th Congress and is currently in committee, meaning it hasn't yet been voted on by the full Senate. No major actions have been taken on it at this time.