Legislative Hearing on H.R. 7332, H.R. 7466, H.R. 8876 and H.R. 9621

The House Committee on Natural Resources GOP Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife, and Fisheries held a legislative hearing on July 22, 2026, to consider four bipartisan bills addressing aquatic invasive species, pinniped predation on salmon, and marine mammal protection. Key procurement-related discussions focused on HR 9621, the Northwest Endangered Salmon Predation Prevention Act of 2026, which proposes expanding lethal management authority for sea lions and harbor seals to aid salmon recovery in the Pacific Northwest. NOAA officials testified on the need for adaptive management and permitting flexibility, while state and tribal representatives emphasized the importance of co-management and scientific data to support targeted removals. The hearing also covered HR 7466, the Safe Cadillac Act, aimed at formalizing interagency coordination between USDA and the Department of Interior to combat the new world screw worm affecting livestock, and HR 8876, the Aquatic Invasive Species Control and Prevention Act, which seeks to enhance federal, state, and tribal collaboration and funding for invasive species management. HR 7332, the Whale Charts Act, was discussed as a means to improve mapping and technology to reduce vessel-whale collisions. Witnesses highlighted the significant economic and ecological impacts of these issues, and members discussed the need for balanced, science-based approaches. No specific contract awards or budget allocations were detailed, but the bills propose grant programs and interagency agreements that could lead to future procurement activities. The committee expressed intent to work collaboratively with stakeholders and agencies to refine and advance these legislative measures.