119-HR-1676 Journalist Public Summary

Headline Summary

Sets a firm 180‑day deadline for the Interior Department to approve State Wildlife Action Plans, allows conditional implementation while reviews finish, and adds a reporting requirement if Interior misses the deadline; the House passed it 400–0 on Dec. 9, 2025. [1]Congress.gov — H. Rept. 119-282 - MAKE SWAPS EFFICIENT ACT OF 2025[2]Congress.gov — House Roll Call Votes, December 2025 — Vote 316: On Motion to Su…

What It Does

In plain terms: the bill tells the Interior Department to finish reviewing each state’s wildlife plan within six months. When a state submits its plan, Interior must let the state begin carrying it out and set aside the expected grant funds while the review is completed. Interior must also create a process to keep reviews on schedule and, if a deadline is missed, send Congress a status report by June 1 of the following year. [1]Congress.gov — H. Rept. 119-282 - MAKE SWAPS EFFICIENT ACT OF 2025[3]Congress.gov — Text — H.R.1676 (Reported in House) — Make SWAPs Efficient Act o…

Why that matters: these plans help states tap Pittman‑Robertson (wildlife restoration) dollars for habitat work, public access, and hunter education. Most states revisit their plans about every ten years, so timely approvals can keep projects and funding on track. [4]U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service — Wildlife Restoration (Pittman‑Robertson) — Progr…[5]Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies — State Wildlife Action Plans — overvie…

Who’s For It

• Sponsors: Rep. Byron Donalds (R‑FL) with lead Democratic co‑sponsor Rep. Jared Moskowitz (D‑FL), plus additional bipartisan co‑sponsors. [6]Congress.gov — H.R.1676 — Make SWAPs Efficient Act of 2025 — Bill overview and…
• House support was overwhelming: it passed 400–0 under suspension of the rules. [2]Congress.gov — House Roll Call Votes, December 2025 — Vote 316: On Motion to Su…
• Rationale from supporters: cut delays, give states certainty, and keep conservation dollars moving during a heavy update year for state plans. Interior’s witness told a House panel that reviews typically take about six months but can run longer when requirements need more work; many states are updating plans this cycle. [7]U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service — USFWS Congressional Testimony on H.R. 1676 (June…[5]Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies — State Wildlife Action Plans — overvie…

Who’s Against It

• No recorded House opposition (vote was 400–0). [2]Congress.gov — House Roll Call Votes, December 2025 — Vote 316: On Motion to Su…
• Potential concern flagged in testimony: tight deadlines during a surge of submissions could strain reviewers and risk shortchanging the quality checks some plans need. [7]U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service — USFWS Congressional Testimony on H.R. 1676 (June…

What’s Next

As of December 10, 2025, the bill has passed the House and moves to the Senate for consideration. If the Senate approves it, it would go to the President. [6]Congress.gov — H.R.1676 — Make SWAPs Efficient Act of 2025 — Bill overview and…