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H.R. 181

To amend the Endangered Species Act of 1973 to provide that artificially propagated animals shall be treated the same under that Act as naturally propagated animals, and for other purposes.

In Plain Language

This bill changes how the government treats animals bred in captivity versus those born in the wild under endangered species protections. When deciding which species are endangered or what habitats need protecting, the government would have to treat captive-bred and wild animals the same way. The bill also requires wildlife agencies to allow breeding programs as a way to help endangered species recover.

Official Congressional Research Service summary

This bill requires naturally propagated animals (i.e., wild animals) and artificially propagated animals to be treated the same under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA). Specifically, distinctions between naturally propagated animals and artificially propagated animals may not be made when the federal government makes determinations under the ESA, such as determinations to designate endangered species, threatened species, or critical habitats. In addition, the bill requires the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service to authorize the use of artificial propagation of animals of a species when mitigation is required under the ESA. This bill applies to all endangered or threatened species regardless of when they were listed as endangered or threatened.

Sponsor

Rep. McClintock, Tom [R-CA-5]

Cosponsors

None listed

Latest action

Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute by the Yeas and Nays: 21 - 17.

Sep 15, 2026

Official source

View on Congress.gov ↗

Action history

Sep 15, 2026 Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute by the Yeas and Nays: 21 - 17.
Jan 3, 2025 Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.

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