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Bill would delay stricter right whale gear rules until 2035

Passed one chamberH.R. 9436Latest action

Sponsor: Michael Lawler · Representative · NY

AIDecoded by AI · checked against the record
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Official title: Northeast Lobsterman Protection Act of 2026

119th Congress

Topics: Environment & energy

Introduced:

Read the official bill on Congress.gov

In plain words

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HR 9436 pushes back a deadline for stricter whale-protection fishing gear rules from 2028 to 2035.

30-second read · 4 questions answered below

What does this do?

This bill extends a 2022 pause on stricter whale-protection fishing gear rules, moving the expiration date from 2028 to 2035. During this period, current, less restrictive rules remain in effect for lobster and fishing gear.

Who does it affect?

It mainly affects lobstermen and fishing businesses in the Northeast, especially Maine, that use rope and trap gear. NOAA Fisheries and conservation groups focused on whale protection are also affected.

Why does it matter?

The delay postpones stronger protective measures intended to reduce North Atlantic right whale deaths and injuries from fishing gear entanglement. The species has a small and declining population.

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Where does it stand?

  1. IntroducedJun 24, 2026
  2. House committee
  3. House vote
  4. SenateYou are here · Sep 14, 2026
  5. The president's desk

Right now: it passed the House, and the official record shows nothing new since. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the president.

Latest action: — Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Data as of October 12, 2026

Recorded votes

Roll-call votes recorded since January 3, 2025.

  1. House · · Roll call 291

    As recorded

    Question
    On Passage
    Result:
    Passed
    219
    Nay
    196
    0
    17

    Republicans 209 yes, 2 no, 7 not voting · Democrats 10 yes, 193 no, 10 not voting · Independent 1 no

    Official record
    How members voted

    The official record lists how each member voted.Official record

  2. House · · Roll call 290

    As recorded

    Question
    On
    Result:
    Failed
    202
    Nay
    212
    0
    18

    Republicans 209 no, 9 not voting · Democrats 202 yes, 2 no, 9 not voting · Independent 1 no

    Official record
    How members voted

    The official record lists how each member voted.Official record

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