Congress·Passed House·H.J.Res. 78

Endangered Species: Removing Protections for the Longfin Smelt

Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service relating to "Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Endangered Species Status for the San Francisco Bay-Delta Distinct Population Segment of the Longfin Smelt".

11 months ago·View on Congress.gov

⏸

Stalled

No legislative action in over 90 days.

Legislative Progress

✓ House

216–195

Senate

President

Law

Key Points

Congress is voting to cancel a rule from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service that officially listed the Longfin Smelt as an endangered species. This fish lives in the San Francisco Bay-Delta area of California.
When a fish is listed as endangered, the government often puts strict limits on how much water can be pumped out of rivers for farming and city use to make sure the fish has enough water to survive.
By blocking this rule, Congress would remove federal protections for the fish. This would make it easier for water to be sent to farms and communities in California's Central Valley without being restricted by the fish's habitat needs.
If this resolution becomes law, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service would be banned from ever creating a 'substantially similar' rule to protect this specific fish in the future.
Supporters of the move argue that protecting the fish hurts the economy and takes water away from people, while critics say removing protections could lead to the extinction of the fish and damage the local environment.

Milestones

2 milestones11 actions

May 5, 2025Senate

Received in the Senate.

May 1, 2025House

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

May 1, 2025House

On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 216 - 195 (Roll no. 113). (text: CR H1781)

May 1, 2025

Passed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 216 - 195 (Roll no. 113). (text: CR H1781)

May 1, 2025House

The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.

Vote Results

1 vote

HousePassedPassageMay 1, 2025

On Passage

216

195

Democrat

3 – 194 · 16

Republican

213 – 1 · 6

View full roll call

Related Bills

1 bill

H.Res. 354Related bill

Providing for consideration of the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 60) providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the National Park Service relating to "Glen Canyon National Recreation Area: Motor Vehicles"; providing for consideration of the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 78) providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service relating to "Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Endangered Species Status for the San Francisco Bay-Delta Distinct Population Segment of the Longfin Smelt"; providing for consideration of the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 87) providing congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to "California State Motor Vehicle and Engine Pollution Control Standards; Heavy-Duty Vehicle and Engine Emission Warranty and Maintenance Provisions; Advanced Clean Trucks; Zero Emission Airport Shuttle; Zero-Emission Power Train Certification; Waiver of Preemption; Notice of Decision"; providing for consideration of the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 88) providing congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to "California State Motor Vehicle and Engine Pollution Control Standards; Advanced Clean Cars II; Waiver of Preemption; Notice of Decision"; providing for consideration of the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 89) providing congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to "California State Motor Vehicle and Engine and Nonroad Engine Pollution Control Standards; The 'Omnibus' Low NOX Regulation; Waiver of Preemption; Notice of Decision"; and for other purposes.

Sep 16 — Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 707, H.Res. 354 is amended.