H.R. 4294MAWS Act of 2026

1 recorded actionWhat the measure does Read on Congress.gov

Sponsor: Sarah Elfreth [D-MD-03]
Cosponsors: 10 · 6 Democrats · 4 Republicans
Policy area: Public Lands and Natural Resources
Committees: Natural Resources Committee, Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee
Latest action: Mar 18, 2026 · Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

IntroducedJul 7, 2025
Passed the HouseMar 17, 2026
Passed the SenateNot yet reached
Sent to the PresidentNot yet reached
Became lawNot yet reached

What the measure doesCRS summary

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.

Written by the nonpartisan Congressional Research Service, describing H.R. 4294 as reported to House on Feb 23, 2026. It is not the text of the measure; a later amendment may have changed what it does.

How every member votedHouse roll call 88

House Mar 17, 2026

On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended

MAWS Act

Passed · Two-thirds required

320 Yea 66 Nay 45 not voting

Crossed both parties 66 of 386 voting members broke with their own party: 1 Democrat, 65 Republicans.

Open the official roll call

How the chamber split

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DemocratsIndependentsRepublicansFilled: YeaRing: NayGrey: not voting or present

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All members431 members

Democratic214 members

Independent1 member

Republican216 members

marks half of the votes cast. A party’s majority is the side most of its voting members took.

Cosponsors10 · 6 Democrats · 4 Republicans

Signing on is not a vote: a member can cosponsor H.R. 4294 and vote against it. 3 signed when it was filed.

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H.R. 4294MAWS Act of 2026

What the measure doesCRS summary

How every member votedHouse roll call 88

On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended

How the chamber split

Cosponsors10 · 6 Democrats · 4 Republicans

H.R. 4294MAWS Act of 2026

What the measure doesCRS summary

How every member votedHouse roll call 88

On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended

How the chamber split

Cosponsors10 · 6 Democrats · 4 Republicans

Who lobbied on H.R. 42943 organizations

Who lobbied on H.R. 42943 organizations