Today, the Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries convened to discuss four legislative bills aimed at enhancing government efficiency, improving water management based on scientific data, and increasing recreational opportunities on national waters. Subcommittee Chair Harriet Hageman (R-Wyo.) commented on the significance of these discussions.
“Today’s legislative hearing underscores our commitment to efficient, science-based stewardship of America’s natural resources. By streamlining State Wildlife Action Plans, bolstering protections for animals rescued from the illegal wildlife trade, ensuring access to the most up-to-date scientific data in water management, and expanding recreational opportunities on our nation’s waters, we are delivering commonsense solutions for conservation and public enjoyment.”
The hearing focused on several key pieces of legislation:
H.R. 1676, known as the Make SWAPS Efficient Act of 2025 and introduced by U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.), aims to improve government efficiency by mandating timely approval of state wildlife conservation and restoration programs by the Secretary of the Interior.
H.R. 3538, titled the Wildlife Confiscations Network Act of 2025 and introduced by U.S. Rep. Andrew Garbarino (R-N.Y.), seeks to enhance accountability and oversight over how the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service manages wildlife seized during law enforcement operations against trafficking or other illegal activities.
H.R. 3857 is the Snow Water Supply Forecasting Reauthorization Act of 2025 put forward by U.S. Rep. Jeff Hurd. This bill reauthorizes a program under the Bureau of Reclamation that empowers water managers with emerging technologies for snow monitoring and water supply forecasting based on current scientific knowledge.
Lastly, H.R. 3858 is called the Sport Fish Restoration, Recreational Boating Safety, and Wildlife Restoration Act of 2025 introduced by U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.). It aims to support America’s outdoor recreation economy through reauthorization and reform of the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund.
