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Protecting Columbia River Salmon Act of 2026

USA119th CongressHR-9637| House 
| Updated: 7/9/2026
Marie Gluesenkamp Perez

Marie Gluesenkamp Perez

Democratic Representative

Washington

Natural Resources Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
This bill amends the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 to grant specific authority to federally recognized Indian Tribes with ancestral ties to the Columbia River. It authorizes these Tribes to intentionally lethally take California sea lions and Steller sea lions (Eastern Distinct Population Segment) within a defined portion of the Columbia River's mainstem and tributaries, specifically from River Mile 0 to the McNary Dam in Washington and Oregon. This measure is intended to address the impact of these pinniped populations on salmon. The authorization allows for the take of an unlimited number of these marine mammals at any time, without requiring individual identification, provided the Tribe determines the methods used are humane and appropriate. Tribes are also permitted to designate other individuals to carry out these actions on their behalf. Importantly, the bill clarifies that this new authority does not diminish any existing Tribal rights or authorities under treaties or other laws.

Bill Text Versions

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Timeline
Jul 9, 2026
Introduced in House
Jul 9, 2026
Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
  • July 9, 2026
    Introduced in House


  • July 9, 2026
    Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.

Protecting Columbia River Salmon Act of 2026

USA119th CongressHR-9637| House 
| Updated: 7/9/2026
This bill amends the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 to grant specific authority to federally recognized Indian Tribes with ancestral ties to the Columbia River. It authorizes these Tribes to intentionally lethally take California sea lions and Steller sea lions (Eastern Distinct Population Segment) within a defined portion of the Columbia River's mainstem and tributaries, specifically from River Mile 0 to the McNary Dam in Washington and Oregon. This measure is intended to address the impact of these pinniped populations on salmon. The authorization allows for the take of an unlimited number of these marine mammals at any time, without requiring individual identification, provided the Tribe determines the methods used are humane and appropriate. Tribes are also permitted to designate other individuals to carry out these actions on their behalf. Importantly, the bill clarifies that this new authority does not diminish any existing Tribal rights or authorities under treaties or other laws.

Bill Text Versions

View Text
2 versions available

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline
Jul 9, 2026
Introduced in House
Jul 9, 2026
Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
  • July 9, 2026
    Introduced in House


  • July 9, 2026
    Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
Marie Gluesenkamp Perez

Marie Gluesenkamp Perez

Democratic Representative

Washington

Natural Resources Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted