Responsible Cormorant Management and Control Act of 2026
Sets regional, science-based rules for managing double-crested cormorants, including limits and safeguards for authorized take.
In the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee since Sept. 24, 2026, 14 days after it was introduced. Most bills never leave committee.
- INTRODUCEDINTROSEP 24, 2026
- COMMITTEECOMM.IN COMMITTEE
- SENATESENATE—
- HOUSEHOUSE—
- LAWLAW—
What the bill would do, and why it matters
Managing double-crested cormorants involves weighing their effects on fisheries and other resources against the need to conserve the birds. The bill would require regional plans that set limits and conditions for authorized take, including who may carry it out. It would also require population surveys, public reporting, protections for other species, and periodic plan updates.
- INTRODUCED ONLY This bill has been introduced and possibly referred to a committee, but it has not passed any vote. Most introduced bills never become law — they die in committee without a hearing.
- DATA NOTE No Congressional Research Service summary was available.
- Create regional cormorant management frameworks
The Interior Secretary would develop regulations for regional frameworks, coordinating with the regional flyway councils and using the best available scientific information. The frameworks would have to keep authorized take within biologically sustainable levels and conserve each breeding population.
- Set rules and safeguards for authorized take
Each framework would specify permitted take methods and times, require public annual reports of target and non-target birds taken, and identify who may conduct authorized take, including lake and pond managers. It would also require measures to avoid taking non-target species and include non-lethal measures.
- Survey populations and update frameworks
The Secretary would survey cormorant populations and review and update each framework on a recurring schedule, incorporating the latest survey results.
- Address refuges and study hunting licenses
The Secretary would recommend management actions for National Wildlife Refuge System units that meet management objectives while preserving each unit’s primary purposes. The Secretary would also report on the feasibility of issuing hunting licenses to meet framework requirements.
The bill would make regional management plans account for both cormorant conservation and documented local conflicts, while requiring the plans to consider effects on other species and resources. Its safeguards, reporting, and recurring surveys would shape how authorized take is managed and monitored.
Written from the bill text.
The path it took, step by step
- IntroducedSEP 24, 2026SENATESEP 24, 2026By Sen. Cruz with 1 original cosponsorReferred to Environment and Public Works
- SAME DAYNOWSenate committeeSEP 24, 2026ENVIRONMENT & PUBLIC WORKS NOWSEP 24, 2026In committee for 14 daysNo hearing yet
- 14 DAYS SO FARPassed the Senate—SENATE FLOOR—Not scheduled
- House committee—HOUSE—
- Passed the House—HOUSE FLOOR—Not scheduled
- Resolve differencesONLY IF NEEDEDBOTH CHAMBERSONLY IF NEEDEDSkipped if the other chamber passes the same text
- Signed into law—PRESIDENT—10 days to sign or veto
- SEP 242026SEP 24, 2026REFERREDRead twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
- SEP 242026SEP 24, 2026INTRODUCEDSENATEIntroduced in Senate
At day 14, this bill is already older than 3% of the laws passed this Congress were when they were signed.
Where your members stand on it
Support from one state
Plus the sponsor, a Republican. Every cosponsor is from one party.
Plus the sponsor, a Republican. Every cosponsor is from one party.
Sen. Cruz’s record: sponsored 133 bills this Congress. 17 passed the Senate; 3 became law.
- Katie Boyd BrittR-ALORIGINAL
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Discussion
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