US Congress · 119th Congress (2025-2026)

HR 4294In Second Chamber

MAWS Act of 2026

Source of recordUS Congress · congress.govLast synced Jul 19, 2026

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Introduced
Passed House
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Overview

The Mitigation Action and Watermen Support Act of 2026 (MAWS Act) directs the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to create a pilot program to encourage the purchase of blue catfish caught in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. This program will involve NOAA partnering with pet food, animal feed, and aquaculture feed manufacturers or processors to buy blue catfish from watermen and seafood processors. The program will establish a minimum purchase price, require certifications from watermen and processors, and mandate a report to Congress detailing the program's impact and offering policy recommendations for future invasive species mitigation efforts.

Key provisions

NOAA will establish a pilot program to purchase blue catfish.
NOAA will partner with manufacturers and processors of pet food, animal feed, and aquaculture feed.
A minimum price per pound for blue catfish will be determined.
Watermen and seafood processors must certify the origin of the catfish.
The program will include an abundance estimate of blue catfish in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed.
Covered entities can use up to 15% of awarded funds for transportation.
The pilot program will run from January 1, 2027, to December 31, 2029.
The Secretary of Commerce will submit a report to Congress detailing the program's results.

Who is affected

Watermen
Seafood Processors
Pet Food Manufacturers
Animal Feed Manufacturers
Aquaculture Feed Manufacturers

Bill text

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Jul 7, 2025XMLView source

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Legislative history

20 recorded actions · showing the most recent 12

Feb 23, 2026House

Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 436.

Feb 23, 2026House

Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 119-510.

Feb 23, 2026

Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 119-510.

Mar 16, 2026House

At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.

Mar 16, 2026House

DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 4294.

Mar 16, 2026House

Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H2516-2519; text: CR H2516-2517)

Mar 16, 2026House

Mr. Wittman moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.

Mar 17, 2026House

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

Mar 17, 2026House

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 320 - 66 (Roll no. 88).

Mar 17, 2026

Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 320 - 66 (Roll no. 88).

Mar 17, 2026House

Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H2545)

Mar 18, 2026Senate

Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

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MAWS Act of 2026

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