Great Lakes fish, wildlife restoration bill offered by LaHood, Joyce passes House

The U.S. House of Representatives on April 26 approved a bipartisan bill introduced by U.S. Reps. Darin LaHood (R-IL) and Dave Joyce (R-OH) to support fish and wildlife in the Great Lakes region and advanced the measure to the U.S. Senate for consideration. 

“Our commonsense legislation is critical to protecting the fish and wildlife of the Great Lakes so that both current and future generations have the chance to make similar memories of their own,” said Rep. Joyce.

Bill sponsors, added Rep. Joyce, “are proud that the House passed our bill in an overwhelmingly bipartisan vote and urge our colleagues in the Senate to act on this legislation quickly so that we can continue to preserve the Great Lakes, their natural beauty, and the critical role they play in our economy.” 

The Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Reauthorization Act, H.R. 5973, which Reps. Joyce and LaHood cosponsored in November 2021 alongside bill sponsor U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-MI), would reauthorize the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to work with states and other agencies to develop and execute proposals to conserve, restore and manage fish and wildlife populations and their habitats, according to a bill summary provided by the lawmakers.

“The Great Lakes are a unique resource for Illinois residents who enjoy the outdoors, providing recreation and freshwater, and supporting our economy,” Rep. LaHood said. “As a dad who regularly enjoys the outdoors with my three sons, I am proud that our bill will help fish and wildlife restoration in the Great Lakes, expand economic opportunities in Illinois, and improve conservation efforts.” 

The Senate on April 27 received H.R. 5973 and referred it to the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, which is already considering the identical bill, S. 3069, introduced in October 2021 by U.S. Sens. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Rob Portman (R-OH), and Todd Young (R-IN).