MAWS Act of 2026
Bill journey · stage 2 of 5
Under committee review
What it doesSummary reported to house (Feb 23, 2026)
Mitigation Action and Watermen Support Act of 2026 or the MAWS Act of 2026
This bill requires the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to establish a pilot program to facilitate the purchase of blue catfish caught within the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. (Blue catfish are considered an invasive species in the Chesapeake Bay.)
Under the program, NOAA must enter into cooperative agreements with manufacturers or processors of pet food, animal feed, or aquaculture feed for the purchase of blue catfish from watermen and seafood processors. NOAA must determine the minimum price per pound after considering market factors; feedback from watermen, seafood processors, and participants in the program; and differentiation of price points for fillet and byproduct.
The bill also requires NOAA to enter into a memorandum of understanding with nonfederal partners to develop abundance estimates of blue catfish in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. NOAA must make the first abundance estimate publicly available before beginning the pilot program.
What just happenedMar 18, 2026
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
Who’s behind it
- Referred in SenateMar 18, 2026
- Engrossed in HouseMar 17, 2026
- Reported in HouseFeb 23, 2026
- Introduced in HouseJul 7, 2025
- Mar 18, 2026IntroReferral
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee - Mar 17, 2026FloorH38310
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- Mar 17, 2026FloorH37300
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 320 - 66 (Roll no. 88).
- Mar 17, 2026Floor8000
Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 320 - 66 (Roll no. 88).
- Mar 17, 2026FloorH30000
Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H2545)
- Mar 16, 2026FloorH37220
At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
- Mar 16, 2026FloorH8D000
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 4294.
- Mar 16, 2026FloorH30000
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H2516-2519; text: CR H2516-2517)
- Mar 16, 2026FloorH30300
Mr. Wittman moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
- Feb 23, 2026CalendarsH12410
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 436.
- Feb 23, 2026CommitteeH12200
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 119-510.
Natural Resources Committee - Feb 23, 2026Committee5000
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 119-510.
Natural Resources Committee - Jan 22, 2026CommitteeH19000
Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute (Amended) by Unanimous Consent.
Natural Resources Committee - Jan 22, 2026CommitteeH15001
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
Natural Resources Committee - Jan 22, 2026CommitteeH25000
Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries Discharged
Natural Resources Committee - Jul 22, 2025CommitteeH21000
Subcommittee Hearings Held
Water, Wildlife and Fisheries Subcommittee - Jul 16, 2025CommitteeH11000
Referred to the Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries.
Water, Wildlife and Fisheries Subcommittee - Jul 7, 2025IntroReferralH11100
Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
Natural Resources Committee - Jul 7, 2025IntroReferralIntro-H
Introduced in House
- Jul 7, 2025IntroReferral1000
Introduced in House