Bill would expand killing of seals and sea lions to protect salmon
In markupH.R. 9621Latest action
Sponsor: Michael Baumgartner · Representative · WA
AIDecoded by AI · checked against the recordRead the official text
Official title: Northwest Endangered Salmon Predation Prevention Act of 2026
119th Congress
Topics: Environment & energy
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
The plain-language version comes first. The official text is always the reference.
The bill lets states and tribes kill more seals and sea lions, including harbor seals, to protect struggling salmon runs.
50-second read · 4 questions answered below
What does this do?
This bill expands federal law to allow killing of seals and sea lions, including harbor seals for the first time, in the Columbia River and Washington State waters like Puget Sound. States and tribes could get permits, capped at 10% of a species' population, lasting up to 5 years, to protect endangered or threatened salmon and steelhead. It also creates a research program to develop non-lethal ways to keep these animals away from salmon habitat.
Who does it affect?
Washington and Oregon, federally recognized tribes with fishing rights, and wildlife and fisheries agencies would apply for and manage these permits. Environmental and animal welfare groups, along with the public, have a stake in the tradeoff between salmon recovery and marine mammal protection.
Why does it matter?
The change loosens decades-old protections for seals and sea lions under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, expanding both the species and geographic area where killing is allowed. It also requires ongoing government reporting and a 10-year study to assess whether the program should continue.
AI-drafted summary. Check it against the official text before you act on it.
Based on the “Introduced in House” text of Jul 9, 2026.
After that text, a committee agreed on Sep 15, 2026 to send the bill to the full chamber with changes. This plain-language version may not reflect them.
Read the official bill on Congress.govMake the call
Where does it stand?
- IntroducedJul 9, 2026
- House committeeYou are here · Sep 15, 2026
- House vote
- Senate
- The president's desk
Right now: a House committee is reviewing it. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute (Amended) by Voice Vote.