LEGISLATION/H.R. 4294

MAWS Act of 2026

119-HR-4294119th CongressIntroduced Jul 7, 2025Public Lands and Natural Resources

Market Probability

No market

Status

Introduced

Committee

Floor Vote

Other Chamber

Signed

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

Sponsor

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

10 cosponsors

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.

Subjects

Chesapeake BayCongressional oversightDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFishesFood industry and servicesFood supply, safety, and labelingMarine and coastal resources, fisheriesMarylandNew York StatePennsylvaniaSeafoodVirginiaWatershedsWest VirginiaWildlife conservation and habitat protection

Actions (20)

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

Mar 18, 2026Senate

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

Mar 17, 2026House floor actions

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).

Mar 17, 2026House floor actionsRECORDED VOTE

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).

Mar 17, 2026Library of CongressRECORDED VOTE

Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H2545)

Mar 17, 2026House floor actions

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.

Mar 16, 2026House floor actions

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

Mar 16, 2026House floor actions

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

Mar 16, 2026House floor actions

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

Mar 16, 2026House floor actions

Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 436.

Feb 23, 2026House floor actions

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

Feb 23, 2026House floor actions

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

Feb 23, 2026Library of Congress

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

Jan 22, 2026House committee actions

Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held

Jan 22, 2026House committee actions

Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries Discharged

Jan 22, 2026House committee actions

Subcommittee Hearings Held

Jul 22, 2025House committee actions

Referred to the Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries.

Jul 16, 2025House committee actions

Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.

Jul 7, 2025House floor actions

Introduced in House

Jul 7, 2025Library of Congress

Introduced in House

Jul 7, 2025Library of Congress

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