IB
Union Calendar No. 754
119th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. R. 8195
[Report No. 119–857]
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
April 2, 2026
Mr. Walberg introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Natural Resources
October 29, 2026
Additional sponsors: Mr. Ezell, Ms. Tenney, Mr. Langworthy, Mr. James, Mr. Jackson of Texas, and Mr. Bergman
October 29, 2026
Reported with an amendment, committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union, and ordered to be printed
Strike out all after the enacting clause and insert the part printed in italic
For text of introduced bill, see copy of bill as introduced on April 2, 2026
A BILL
To require the Secretary of the Interior to develop regional management frameworks for the take of double-crested cormorants.
Short title
This Act may be cited as the Responsible Cormorant Management and Control Act of 2026
.
Regional management frameworks for take of double-crested cormorants
In general
Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this section, the Secretary, in coordination with the Regional Flyway Councils and in accordance with section 3 of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (16 U.S.C. 704), shall issue regulations for the development of regional management frameworks for the management of double-crested cormorants based on the best available scientific information.
Requirements
Each regional management framework developed pursuant to subsection (a) shall—
ensure that each breeding population of double-crested cormorants is managed at a level that is sufficient to ensure the conservation of double-crested cormorants, and that cumulative authorized take of double-crested cormorants does not exceed a biologically sustainable level using the best available scientific information—
consistent with the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (16 U.S.C. 703 et seq.) and compatible with the applicable conventions; and
as informed by the most recent population-level survey of double-crested cormorants;
include, with respect to double-crested cormorants—
allowable methods of take;
allowed time periods of take;
required annual reporting of total take, including target and non-target birds, which shall be made publicly available;
measures to avoid the take of non-target birds and other species;
documented conflicts at an identified location that authorized take can feasibly resolve; and
non-lethal measures that shall be implemented;
identify entities that may conduct authorized take of double-crested cormorants, which may include—
State and Tribal fish and wildlife agencies; and
entities permitted, trained, or otherwise authorized in a manner the Secretary determines appropriate, which shall include—
lake managers; and
pond managers;
provide for—
States and Indian Tribes to take specific management actions with respect to double-crested cormorants in accordance with the regional management framework; and
the implementation of management actions identified under subsection (c);
consider the documented effects of double-crested cormorants within the applicable region on—
fisheries;
sensitive vegetation;
populations of other migratory birds;
human health and safety;
water quality; and
species listed as threatened species or endangered species under section 4 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1533);
include a long-term plan for identifying and monitoring the effects of the regional management framework on the effects identified under paragraph (5);
consider the effects of take authorized under the regional management framework on non-target birds, species that are listed as birds of conservation concern pursuant to the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act of 1980 (16 U.S.C. 2901 et seq.), and species listed as threatened species or endangered species under section 4 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1533); and
develop best practices for additional measures, including—
non-lethal deterrents;
exclusion and habitat modifications;
habitat restoration; and
other non-lethal methods to rebuild or stabilize the populations of fauna and flora that have suffered detrimental effects because of double-crested cormorants.
Incorporation of National Wildlife Refuge System
In developing each regional management framework under subsection (a), the Secretary, in cooperation with the heads of State and Tribal game and fish agencies and the applicable Regional Flyway Council, shall make recommendations that can be taken within units of the National Wildlife Refuge System that are in compliance with the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966 (16 U.S.C. 668dd et seq.) and meet the management objectives of States, Indian Tribes, the Regional Flyway Councils, and such units with respect to double-crested cormorants while fulfilling the primary purposes of such units.
Population surveys
Not later than 5 years after the date of the enactment of this section and every 5 years thereafter, the Secretary, in coordination with the Regional Flyway Councils, shall carry out a survey of the population of double-crested cormorants.
Updates
In general
Not later than 5 years after the date of the enactment of this section and every 5 years thereafter, the Secretary, in coordination with the applicable Regional Flyway Council, shall review and update each regional management framework developed under subsection (a).
Incorporation of population surveys
In reviewing and updating a regional management framework under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall incorporate the results of the most recent survey carried out under subsection (d).
Report
Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this section, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate a report regarding the feasibility of issuing licenses to hunt double-crested cormorants to meet the requirements of the regional management frameworks developed pursuant to subsection (a).
Sunset
This Act shall have no force or effect beginning on January 1, 2034.
Regulations
The Secretary may issue such regulations to carry out this section as the Secretary determines necessary and appropriate.
Definitions
In this section:
Double-crested cormorant
The term double-crested cormorant means the species Nannopterum auritum.
Regional Flyway Council
The term Regional Flyway Council means—
the Atlantic Flyway Council;
the Central Flyway Council;
the Mississippi Flyway Council; and
the Pacific Flyway Council.
Indian Tribe
The term Indian Tribe has the meaning given the term in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304).
Lake manager
The term lake manager means a person that is licensed or otherwise authorized by a State regulatory agency to manage a private lake.
Migratory bird
The term migratory bird has the meaning given the term migratory birds in section 11 of the Migratory Bird Conservation Act (16 U.S.C. 715j).
Pond manager
The term pond manager means a person that is licensed or otherwise authorized by a State regulatory agency to manage a private pond.
Secretary
The term Secretary means the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service.
Take
The term take has the meaning given the term in section 10.12 of title 50, Code of Federal Regulations (as in effect on the date of the enactment of this section).
October 29, 2026
Reported with an amendment, committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union, and ordered to be printed