WHAT THE LAW DOINCongress, in plain words

H.J.Res. 78 · 119th Congress

Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service relating to "Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Endangered Species Status for the San Francisco Bay-Delta Distinct Population Segment of the Longfin Smelt".

Passed HouseAnimals
IntroducedMar 21, 2025
Passed HouseMay 1, 2025
Passed SenateNot yet
To PresidentNot yet
Became lawNot yet

Where it stands

Passed House. Latest step, May 5, 2025: Received in the Senate. The House passed it 216–195. All 4 of Iowa's representatives voted yes in the House.

What it does

Sourced

This joint resolution nullifies the rule issued by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service titled Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Endangered Species Status for the San Francisco Bay-Delta Distinct Population Segment of the Longfin Smelt and published on July 30, 2024. The rule lists the San Francisco Bay-Delta distinct population segment of longfin smelt, a fish species of the Pacific Coast, as an endangered species. Thus, the joint resolution removes protection for the species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973.

Official summary by the Congressional Research Service (Introduced in House, Mar 21, 2025).

Our plain-language breakdown, with what it means for you and the case for and against, is written once a bill starts to move.

What has happened

Sourced
  1. May 5, 2025Received in the Senate.Senate
  2. May 1, 2025Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.House floor actions
  3. May 1, 2025On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 216 - 195 (Roll no. 113). (text: CR H1781) Roll call recordHouse floor actions
  4. May 1, 2025Passed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 216 - 195 (Roll no. 113). (text: CR H1781) Roll call recordLibrary of Congress
  5. May 1, 2025The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.House floor actions
  6. May 1, 2025DEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.J. Res. 78.House floor actions
  7. May 1, 2025Rule provides for consideration of H.J. Res. 60, H.J. Res. 78, H.J. Res. 87, H.J. Res. 88 and H.J. Res. 89. The resolution provides for consideration of H.J. Res. 60, H.J. Res. 78, H.J. Res. 87, H.J. Res. 88, and H.J. Res. 89 under a closed rule with one hour of debate and one motion to recommit on each joint resolution.House floor actions
  8. May 1, 2025Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 354. (consideration: CR H1781-1786)House floor actions
  9. Apr 28, 2025Rules Committee Resolution H. Res. 354 Reported to House. Rule provides for consideration of H.J. Res. 60, H.J. Res. 78, H.J. Res. 87, H.J. Res. 88 and H The resolution provides for consideration of H.J. Res. 60, H.J. Res. 78, H.J. Res. 87, H.J. Res. 88, and H.J. Res. 89 under a closed rule with one hour of debate and one motion to recommit on each joint resolution.House floor actions
  10. Mar 21, 2025Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.House floor actions
  11. Mar 21, 2025Introduced in HouseLibrary of Congress
  12. Mar 21, 2025Introduced in HouseLibrary of Congress

Show key steps only

Recorded votes

Sourced
  1. May 1, 2025 · HousePassed 216–195
    Iowa: Randy Feenstra yes, Ashley Hinson yes, Mariannette Miller-Meeks yes, Zachary Nunn yes
    On Passage · needed a majority
    R 213 yes, 1 noD 3 yes, 194 noEach member · Record

Cosponsors

  • Ken Calvert R-CA-41
  • Vince Fong R-CA-20
  • Darrell Issa R-CA-48
  • Kevin Kiley I-CA-3
  • Young Kim R-CA-40
  • Tom McClintock R-CA-5
  • Jay Obernolte R-CA-23
  • David G. Valadao R-CA-22