The Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries held a legislative hearing on Apr. 16 to address issues related to the management of double-crested cormorants, importation of legal sport hunt trophies, and the development of water resources infrastructure in South Dakota.
These topics are important for ensuring effective wildlife management while supporting rural communities’ access to critical water supplies. The subcommittee’s work aims to balance environmental protection with practical solutions for local needs.
Subcommittee Chair Harriet Hageman said, “The Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries is working on solutions to eliminate red tape and proactively develop and maintain critical water infrastructure. In our hearing this week we focused on adopting the tools necessary for proper management of our National Wildlife Refuge System, bringing common sense to the Marine Mammal Protection Act, finding ways to meet our long-term water needs and dealing with threats to our fisheries. House Republicans are committed to working for a prosperous future while protecting our environment.”
Among the bills discussed was H.R. 6251, introduced by Representative Nick Begich of Alaska. This bill would amend the Marine Mammal Protection Act so that polar bear trophies legally taken in Canada before May 15, 2008—when polar bears were listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act—could be imported into the United States.
Another measure considered was H.R. 7288—the Western South Dakota Water Supply Project Feasibility Study Act—introduced by Representative Dusty Johnson of South Dakota. This legislation authorizes a feasibility study for developing new regional water supply solutions aimed at improving rural community access.
H.R. 8195—the Responsible Cormorant Management and Control Act of 2026—was also reviewed; it seeks science-based frameworks for managing double-crested cormorant populations affecting local fisheries through regional oversight mechanisms proposed by Representative Tim Walberg of Michigan.
Additionally, H.R. 4219—the National Wildlife Refuge System Invasive Species Strike Team Act of 2025—proposed by Representative Ed Case from Hawaii would formalize efforts by expanding an existing U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service program targeting invasive species within national wildlife refuges.
The subcommittee’s discussion reflects ongoing legislative efforts in Congress aimed at balancing environmental stewardship with community resource needs.
