HR 4294 119th Congress

MAWS Act of 2026

Latest Action

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

Congress.gov

Sponsors

Rep. Elfreth, Sarah [D-MD-3]

Rep. Elfreth, Sarah [D-MD-3]

D — MD

Summary

Mitigation Action and Watermen Support Act of 2026 or the MAWS Act of 2026 This bill requires the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to establish a pilot program to facilitate the purchase of blue catfish caught within the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. (Blue catfish are considered an invasive species in the Chesapeake Bay.) Under the program, NOAA must enter into cooperative agreements with manufacturers or processors of pet food, animal feed, or aquaculture feed for the purchase of blue catfish from watermen and seafood processors. NOAA must determine the minimum price per pound after considering market factors; feedback from watermen, seafood processors, and participants in the program; and differentiation of price points for fillet and byproduct.  The bill also requires NOAA to enter into a memorandum of understanding with nonfederal partners to develop abundance estimates of blue catfish in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. NOAA must make the first abundance estimate publicly available before beginning the pilot program.

Vote Result

Passed House

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 320 - 66 (Roll no. 88).

Actions

2026-03-18T00:00:00

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

2026-03-17T00:00:00

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

2026-03-17T00:00:00

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 320 - 66 (Roll no. 88).

2026-03-17T00:00:00

Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 320 - 66 (Roll no. 88).

2026-03-17T00:00:00

Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H2545)

2026-03-16T00:00:00

At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.

2026-03-16T00:00:00

DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 4294.

2026-03-16T00:00:00

Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H2516-2519; text: CR H2516-2517)

2026-03-16T00:00:00

Mr. Wittman moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.

2026-02-23T00:00:00

Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 436.

2026-02-23T00:00:00

Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 119-510.

2026-02-23T00:00:00

Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 119-510.

2026-01-22T00:00:00

Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute (Amended) by Unanimous Consent.

2026-01-22T00:00:00

Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held

2026-01-22T00:00:00

Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries Discharged

2025-07-22T00:00:00

Subcommittee Hearings Held

2025-07-16T00:00:00

Referred to the Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries.

2025-07-07T00:00:00

Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.

2025-07-07T00:00:00

Introduced in House

2025-07-07T00:00:00

Introduced in House

Policy Areas

Public Lands and Natural Resources

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