119-HR-1098 Journalist Public Summary

Public Summary: H.R. 1098 (119th) — Junior Duck Stamp Program Reauthorization

A plain‑English overview of what the bill does, why it matters, who’s for or against it, and what happens next.

1) Headline Summary: Re-ups a long‑running youth conservation-and-art program and boosts its authorized funding through 2031. [1]Congress.gov — Text — H.R.1098 (119th): To reauthorize the Junior Duck Stamp Co…

2) What It Does: H.R. 1098 renews the Junior Duck Stamp Conservation and Design Program and updates its authorizing law. It authorizes funding for fiscal years 2025–2031 and raises the annual cap from $350,000 to $550,000 (with related category caps increased from $100,000 to $200,000 and $250,000 to $350,000). It also tidies up the legal definition of “State” to explicitly include Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands but not “any other territory or possession.” [1]Congress.gov — Text — H.R.1098 (119th): To reauthorize the Junior Duck Stamp Co…

Why It Matters: The Junior Duck Stamp is a K–12 art-and-science program run by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service; a $5 commemorative “Junior Duck Stamp” is issued each year and sales revenue goes to conservation education for participating students. The Service describes it as a hands‑on way to teach wetlands and waterfowl conservation, reaching hundreds of thousands of students and families annually. [2]U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service — Junior Duck Stamp — Program Overview[3]U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service — Buy a Junior Duck Stamp

• 3) Who’s For It: Sponsor Rep. Hillary Scholten (D‑MI) and cosponsor Rep. Rudy Yakym (R‑IN), signaling bipartisan backing. [4]Congress.gov — H.R.1098 (119th): Bill Overview
• House Natural Resources Committee advanced the bill by unanimous consent on April 9, 2025, another sign of cross‑party support. [5]Congress.gov — H.R.1098 (119th): All Actions
• Supporters generally say it’s a modest, effective way to keep conservation education alive through art; the stamp’s proceeds are dedicated to that purpose. [2]U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service — Junior Duck Stamp — Program Overview

• 4) Who’s Against It: No formal opposition was recorded at the committee stage (it was ordered reported by unanimous consent). Potential critics may question the need for federal authorizations for a relatively small program or prefer private funding, but no organized opposition is on the public record. [5]Congress.gov — H.R.1098 (119th): All Actions

5) What’s Next: As of December 10, 2025, Congress.gov shows the latest action as April 9, 2025 (ordered reported). The typical next step is a House floor vote; if it passes, the bill heads to the Senate, and then to the President if both chambers approve. [5]Congress.gov — H.R.1098 (119th): All Actions

6) Tone: This summary is neutral and factual, aimed at readers who don’t follow Congress closely.