Despite repeated attempts, Congress has failed to reauthorize The 1996 National Invasive Species Act. Here's a brief look at the history of the legislation.

• The Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990 established a multi-agency task force that reviewed policy on the effects of intentional introductions of nonindigenous species, such as zebra mussels.    
• The 1996 National Invasive Species Act (NISA) introduced voluntary guidelines to address the introduction of aquatic nuisance species through ballast water in U.S. waters.
• In 1999, The Coast Guard issued its regulations for its ballast water exchange program, which is voluntary in U.S. waters except for the Great Lakes. National Ballast Information Clearing House indicates that only 25% of vessels are complying with the ballast water management reporting requirements.
• In January 2002, The Coast Guard issued a report that the voluntary ballast water exchange program is not accomplishing the objectives of NISA and should be made mandatory.
• NISA expired in September 2002, and Congress failed to reauthorize a stronger National Aquatic Invasive Species Act (NAISA) in 2003.
• In 2005, both houses re-introduced the NAISA legislation.
• In 2006, NAISA legislation was included as part of a larger bill (S. 2545 and H.R. 5100) to protect and restore the Great Lakes ecosystem.