WASHINGTON – The U.S. House Committee on Natural Resources has advanced H.R. 1676 – "The Make SWAPs Efficient Act"  out of committee and to the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives with a unanimous, bipartisan voice-vote.

H.R. 1676 – "The Make SWAPs Efficient Act" was introduced by Congressman Byron Donalds (R-FL) on February 27, 2025, is co-led by Congressman Jared Moskowitz (D-FL), and has received the support of Representatives John Rutherford (R-FL), Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL), Michael Guest (R-MS), Scott Franklin (R-FL), Vern Buchanan (R-FL), Daniel Webster (R-FL), Mike Haridopolos (R-FL), and John James (R-MI).

State Wildlife Action Plans (SWAPs) are developed and submitted by states to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) to identify non-game species of greatest conservation need, so they don’t become threatened or endangered. Currently, there is no deadline for FWS to approve a complete SWAP once submitted by a state, and in most cases, approval can take over 18 months. 45 states have SWAPs due this year alone.

This common sense legislation directs the Secretary of the Interior to approve a state’s SWAP within 180 days. If the Department of Interior does not approve the SWAP within 180 days, the SWAP is “deemed approved.” H.R. 1676 has also received the endorsement of Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission; All Florida; Ducks Unlimited; and Florida Commercial Watermen’s Conservation.

"As we continue to peel back the labyrinth of federal bureaucracy that has paralyzed the basic functions of our federal government, we must turn to the Department of Interior," said Congressman Byron Donalds (R-FL). "Currently, it's taking over a year and a half to approve basic state wildlife protection plans to ensure non-game species do not become threatened or endangered. This is unacceptable and this is why I introduced H.R. 1676 to expedite this timeline to just 180 days. We are making our government efficient again whether bureaucrats in Washington like it or not."

“Congressman Donald’s work on the Make SWAPS Efficient Act is a testament to his hard work for the American people," said House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-AR). "His legislation will ensure that state wildlife conservation programs can get timely and effective approvals from the federal government. This forward-thinking legislation will help make the federal government more efficient and ensure our conservation programs work the way they’re intended to. I’d like to thank Congressman Donalds for his work on this bill, and I look forward to working with him to continue to usher it through the legislative process.”


Background:

• In 2000, Congress authorized funding for the State Wildlife Grant Program. Additionally, in 2001, Congress authorized funding for the Tribal Wildlife Grant Program. Today, both programs are commonly referred to “the State and Tribal Wildlife Grant Program” (the Program).

• The Program, in part, provides funding for the “development, revision, and implementation of wildlife conservation and restoration plans and programs.”

• In order to receiving funding under the Program, States must develop & submit to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) a wildlife conservation strategy—otherwise known as a State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP).

• In 2005, all 50 States, D.C., and 5 U.S. territories developed/submitted SWAPs to FWS and generally, States must submit SWAPs every 10 years to receive funding under the Program.

More:

• Read Text of H.R. 1676 – "The Make SWAPs Efficient Act" HERE.
• See Bill Profile of H.R. 1676 – "The Make SWAPs Efficient Act" HERE.
• Watch Col. Young of FWC Support H.R. 1676 in Committee HERE.
• See H.R. 1676 Social Media Summary of Bill Advancement HERE.
• Watch Advancement of H.R. 1676 out of Committee HERE.

###