The U.S. House of Representatives on April 26 unanimously passed a bipartisan bill introduced by U.S. Reps. Dave Joyce (R-OH) and Darin LaHood (R-IL) that would reauthorize the Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act of 1990 through fiscal year 2027.
“I’m proud that the House passed our bill unanimously and urge 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,” Rep. Joyce said.
“The Great Lakes are a unique resource for Illinois residents who enjoy the outdoors, providing recreation and freshwater, and supporting our economy,” said Rep. LaHood. “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 lawmakers in November 2021 signed on as original cosponsors of the Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Reauthorization Act, H.R. 5973, with bill sponsor U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-MI) to authorize the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to continue working with states and other agencies to develop and execute proposals to conserve, restore and manage fish and wildlife populations and their habitats.
Following House passage, H.R. 5973 was received in the U.S. Senate on April 27 and referred for consideration to the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, which is already reviewing 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).
“Like many in northeast Ohio, some of my fondest memories from growing up are connected to the Great Lakes,” added Rep. Joyce. “This 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.”