This bill, titled the Water Resources Development Act of 2026, authorizes the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to improve rivers, harbors, and water resources across the United States while establishing new administrative offices to better manage inland navigation, water supply, and community outreach. It introduces specific mechanisms such as creating a new board for levee owners to advise on flood safety, allowing for categorical permissions to streamline certain environmental reviews, and mandating a prohibition on diverting water from the Missouri River without approval from all relevant state governors. The legislation also authorizes numerous specific projects for flood risk management, ecosystem restoration, and water supply in locations ranging from Alaska to Texas, while simultaneously deauthorizing or modifying older projects that are no longer needed or require changes to better align with current environmental and safety standards.
This House resolution expresses support for designating the week of September 19 through September 26, 2026, as National Estuaries Week to raise public awareness about the importance of these coastal ecosystems. The bill highlights that estuaries support a significant portion of the U.S. population and economy while providing critical services such as flood control, water filtration, and habitat for fish and wildlife. It acknowledges ongoing threats to estuary health, including pollution and sea level changes, and recognizes the efforts of government agencies, organizations, and individuals working to protect and restore these areas.
This bill would invalidate a final rule issued by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration that rescinded the definition of "harm" under the Endangered Species Act. By declaring that the 2026 rule has no force or effect, the legislation aims to restore the previous legal interpretation of how actions can harm protected species. This change directly affects entities subject to the Endangered Species Act by reinstating the broader regulatory framework for protecting endangered and threatened wildlife.
This bill is a commemorative resolution that proclaims September 4, 2026, as California Wildlife Day in honor of Jackie, a famous bald eagle who recently passed away. The text highlights the ecological diversity of California and the public's emotional connection to Jackie, whose life was broadcast via webcam for years. It encourages residents across the state to celebrate the day by reflecting on wildlife conservation and the importance of protecting natural heritage.
The RANCH Act establishes a program for the Secretary of Agriculture to enroll cropland that has been planted in at least four of the last six years, requiring its conversion to perennial grass and forb cover to support grazing. Landowners who enter into contracts lasting 10 to 15 years receive annual rental payments equal to 75 percent of the local average dryland cash rental rate, along with cost-sharing assistance for establishing vegetation. To participate, landowners must develop a site-specific grazing management plan within two years and are permitted to graze livestock, manage fire risks, and conduct emergency haying during declared droughts or natural disasters. The program prioritizes beginning farmers, wildlife habitat conservation, and highly erodible land, with a total enrollment cap of 20 million acres and an individual annual payment limit of $155,000.
The Human-Wildlife Conflict Reduction Act of 2026 directs the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a federal program focused on developing and implementing nonlethal strategies to reduce conflicts between wildlife, humans, and livestock. The program will absorb existing nonlethal initiatives from the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service and prioritize efforts in states where these operations are already active, with a specific focus on protecting livestock from predators and preventing damage to agriculture and infrastructure. To support these goals, the Act authorizes the provision of assistance, training, and demonstration projects for landowners, agricultural producers, Indian Tribes, and nonprofit organizations, while also requiring the development of state-level implementation plans. The legislation appropriates $20 million annually for fiscal years 2027 through 2031 to fund these activities, with a cap limiting research expenditures to no more than 10 percent of the total annual budget.
The Critically Endangered Animals Conservation Act of 2026 establishes a dedicated fund within the existing Multinational Species Conservation Fund to provide competitive grants for the protection of animal species classified as endangered or critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. The Secretary of the Interior will manage this program, awarding financial assistance to foreign wildlife authorities and qualified organizations to support projects such as habitat restoration, illegal trade enforcement, and scientific research aimed at recovering wild populations outside the United States. To ensure accountability and effectiveness, grant recipients must submit periodic progress reports that are generally made available to the public, while specific restrictions prohibit the use of funds for captive breeding unless it is strictly necessary for releasing animals back into the wild. The legislation authorizes $5 million per year in appropriations from fiscal years 2027 through 2032 and requires the Secretary to report on the program's results to Congress every two years.
The Make SWAPs Efficient Act of 2026 amends the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act to establish a mandatory 180-day deadline for the federal Secretary to approve state wildlife conservation and restoration programs. To prevent funding delays, the bill requires the Secretary to conditionally authorize these programs immediately upon submission and set aside the associated financial amounts while the review process is ongoing. Additionally, the legislation mandates that the Secretary develop a streamlined process with states to ensure timely reviews and prioritizes these approvals as a congressional intent. If the federal agency fails to approve a state's plan within the specified timeframe, the Secretary must submit a report to relevant congressional committees explaining the delay.
This joint resolution seeks to formally disapprove a federal rule issued by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The rule in question aims to remove the legal definition of "harm" from the Endangered Species Act, a change that could alter how agencies regulate activities affecting protected species. If passed, the resolution would prevent the new rule from taking effect, thereby keeping the existing definition of harm in place. The measure directly impacts federal conservation efforts and the regulatory framework governing endangered species.
The Mississippi River Restoration and Resilience Initiative Act establishes a new nonregulatory program within the Environmental Protection Agency to protect and restore the ecological health of the Mississippi River and its floodplain. This initiative directly affects federal agencies, state and local governments, Tribal organizations, and non-Federal entities by creating a dedicated National Program Office to coordinate funding and projects across ten specific states. Key provisions include setting measurable goals for improving water quality, enhancing community resilience against floods, restoring fish and wildlife habitats, and preventing the spread of invasive species. The bill authorizes grants for specific restoration actions such as removing dams, protecting wetlands, and managing stormwater, while requiring a science plan and research centers to guide these efforts. Additionally, the act mandates that at least 5 percent of funds be transferred to the Bureau of Indian Affairs to support projects led by Tribal governments.
