House Floor·Last action 27 days ago

Endangered species rules would change for land, permits, and lawsuits

Officially: ESA Amendments Act of 2025

The bill would change how the government protects at-risk species and reviews projects that may affect them. It would speed and rank some listing decisions, give landowners more certainty, narrow some habitat and permit rules, and change lawsuit costs.

Where it stands

Water · Hearing Mon, Apr 20

Today. Members are taking positions right now.

What this bill actually does

Makes two 2019 Endangered Species Act rules part of federal law. One covers how far agencies look into the future when listing species, and the other covers protections for threatened wildlife and plants.
Narrows what counts as habitat for critical habitat decisions. The area must now or at times provide what the species needs, and areas used only by wandering individuals would not count.
Requires the Secretary to create and update a five-year national plan for listing work. The plan must rank all covered species in five priority groups and set deadlines for listing petitions.

↓ Why your message matters here

Members are still deciding how to vote — and what they hear from constituents in these final days is what tips undecided ones.

Where this bill is in the process

Legislative timeline

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Introduced

Introduced in House

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House Committee

Under House committee consideration

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House Floor Vote

Voted on by House

Latest: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 489. (3/24/2026)

MAR 24

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Passed House

Approved by House

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Senate Review

Sent to Senate for consideration

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Passed Both Chambers

Approved by both House and Senate

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Signed into Law

Signed by the President

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Endangered species rules would change for land, permits, and lawsuits

Legislative timeline

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