Invasive Species Response Act

HR 10037, the Invasive Species Response Act, establishes the Invasive Species Strike Team Program within the Department of the Interior to manage invasive species on Federal lands, primarily affecting the National Wildlife Refuge System. The bill requires the Secretary to create regional response teams trained in rapid management, develop standardized taxonomy and reporting systems (using platforms like EDDMapS and iMapInvasives), and coordinate with state, tribal, and local partners. It authorizes $15 million annually (2025-2029) for these efforts and mandates annual reports to Congress detailing progress on priority invasive species. The law directly impacts how the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and collaborating entities address invasive species threats through prevention, detection, and rapid response.