arrow_back Back to App

Pilot Program: Combating Invasive Blue Catfish in Chesapeake Bay and supporting watermen.

This Act establishes a pilot program (2027-2029) aimed at controlling the invasive blue catfish population in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. The program subsidizes entities that manufacture pet food, animal feed, or aquaculture feed to purchase the catfish from local watermen at a minimum price set by the Secretary of Commerce. For citizens, this means potential support for the local fishing economy and efforts to protect the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem, which may affect the availability and prices of other seafood.
Key points
Financial support for watermen: Watermen catching blue catfish in the Chesapeake Bay will be able to sell it at a minimum price set by the Secretary of Commerce, stabilizing their income.
Combating invasive species: The program aims to reduce the population of the invasive blue catfish, which threatens other species in the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem.
Subsidies for processors: Companies producing pet food, animal feed, and aquaculture feed will receive funds to purchase the harvested catfish, with up to 15% of the funds usable for transportation costs.
Duration and budget: The pilot program will run from January 1, 2027, through December 31, 2029, with $2 million authorized annually for its operation.
article Official text account_balance Process page
Introduced
Citizen Poll
No votes cast
Additional Information
Print number: 119_HR_4294
Sponsor: Rep. Elfreth, Sarah [D-MD-3]
Process start date: 2025-07-07
Lustra uses Artificial Intelligence. Verify details in source documents.
Summarized by: gemini-flash-latest
Source data: api.congress.gov
AI work logs for this document launch

OFFICIAL LEGAL TITLE

MAWS Act of 2025

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the official ID of this bill?

The official print number for this legislation is 119_HR_4294.

Which chamber initiated this legislation?

This legislation was initiated in the House of Representatives.

When did the legislative process begin?

The process officially started on 2025-07-07.

What are the main provisions?

Key points include:

  • Financial support for watermen: Watermen catching blue catfish in the Chesapeake Bay will be able to sell it at a minimum price set by the Secretary of Commerce, stabilizing their income.
  • Combating invasive species: The program aims to reduce the population of the invasive blue catfish, which threatens other species in the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem.
  • Subsidies for processors: Companies producing pet food, animal feed, and aquaculture feed will receive funds to purchase the harvested catfish, with up to 15% of the funds usable for transportation costs.
  • Duration and budget: The pilot program will run from January 1, 2027, through December 31, 2029, with $2 million authorized annually for its operation.
What is the specific legal status?

The current status is Introduced.

Where can I read the full text of this legislation?

The full official text is available at: View full text

Who is the primary sponsor?

The primary sponsor is Rep. Elfreth, Sarah [D-MD-3].

What is the latest detailed status?

The latest detailed status is: Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute (Amended) by Unanimous Consent.

Is this summary verified?

Yes. This content was analyzed by AI and verified by the Lustra Judge System on 2025-12-31.

CATEGORIES

Environment Agriculture Economy