On September 25, the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Natural Resources passed the bipartisan National Fish Habitat Conservation Through Partnership Act (H.R. 1747), introduced by Reps. Rob Wittman (R-VA) and Marc Veasey (D-TX), which would authorize public-private partnership programs to conserve fish habitats across the United States. Specifically, this bill would fund dam removals, streambank stabilizations, and aquatic invasive species removals, and fishery restoration. 

The committee also passed the Keep America’s Waterfronts Working (H.R. 3596), introduced by Rep. Chellie Pingree (D-ME), which would give states tools to protect jobs, commercial activities, and public access to America’s coast, including recreational fishing and boating businesses, and marinas.

Both bills are expected to head to the House of Representatives floor for a full vote.