Legislative Hearing on H.R. 4219, H.R. 6251, H.R. 7288 and H.R. 8195

The House Committee on Natural Resources GOP Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife, and Fisheries held a legislative hearing on April 17, 2026, to consider four bills related to wildlife conservation, invasive species management, and water resource infrastructure. Key procurement-related discussions included the authorization of a feasibility study for the Western South Dakota Water Supply Project (HR 7288), which would enable the Bureau of Reclamation to analyze costs and benefits of delivering Missouri River water to the region. The hearing also addressed funding and operational support for the National Wildlife Refuge System Invasive Species Strike Team Act (HR 4219), which codifies and authorizes funding for invasive species management teams. Additionally, the committee discussed the Responsible Cormorant Management and Control Act of 2026 (HR 8195), aiming to establish regional management frameworks for cormorant populations to protect fisheries, and the Marine Mammal Protection Act amendment (HR 6251) to allow importation of polar bear trophies legally taken before the species was listed as threatened. Witnesses from the Fish and Wildlife Service and various stakeholders testified on the bills, highlighting the need for efficient grant processing, regional collaboration, and science-based management. Members expressed concerns about grant approval delays due to new Department of Interior rules requiring secretary-level sign-off on grants over $50,000, which could impact timely funding for conservation projects. The committee took motions to enter relevant funding opportunity notices into the record and emphasized the importance of balancing conservation with practical management and community benefits. No votes were recorded during the hearing, but members indicated intent to advance the discussed legislation.