Endangered Species: Removing Protections for the Longfin Smelt
Legislative Progress
216–195
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
Received in the Senate.
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 216 - 195 (Roll no. 113). (text: CR H1781)
Passed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 216 - 195 (Roll no. 113). (text: CR H1781)
The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
Vote Results
1 voteOn Passage
Source Information
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
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".
Sponsor
Cosponsors
(8)Data Sources
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