Bill · H.R. 6251· House(119-HR-6251)
To amend the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 to allow importation of polar bear trophies taken in sport hunts in Canada before the date the polar bear was determined to be a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973.
- Introduced
- 11/21/2025
- Last activity
- 7/15/2026 — Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute (Amended) by Voice Vote.
- Sponsored by
- Nicholas Begich
- Cosponsors
- - 2 - 0
- Introduced
What this bill would do
This bill seeks to amend the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972. It specifically targets the importation of polar bear trophies that were taken during sport hunts in Canada. The amendment would allow for the importation of polar bear parts, excluding internal organs, under specific historical conditions. One condition involves bears legally harvested before February 18, 1997. Another condition involves bears legally harvested before May 15, 2008, from specific populations.
Yes
No question was scored yes.
The opposite
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?-3
The bill relaxes importation restrictions on polar bear parts, which may impact conservation efforts for the species.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Easier importation of specific trophies: The bill directs the Secretary of the Interior to issue permits expeditiously for certain polar bear parts taken in Canada, which could benefit individuals possessing these specific items (Section 1).
-
Clear criteria for historical harvests: By establishing specific dates, such as February 18, 1997, and May 15, 2008, the bill provides a framework for people to prove their trophy meets the requirements for importation (Section 1).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Restrictions on certain parts: The bill specifies that the permit is for polar bear parts other than an internal organ, which would exclude those specific items from being imported (Section 1).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Environmental Protections-3
- 7/15/2026
- Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries Discharged
- Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute (Amended) by Voice Vote.
- 6/8/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 5/12/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 4/16/2026
- Subcommittee Hearings Held
- 4/9/2026
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries.
- 11/21/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
- Introduced in House
Earl CarterRepublican · Georgia
Lloyd SmuckerRepublican · Pennsylvania