Bill · H.R. 9631· House(119-HR-9631)
Bear Poaching Elimination Act
- Introduced
- 7/9/2026
- Last activity
- 7/9/2026 — Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committees on Foreign Affairs, and Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Sponsored by
- Michael McCaul
- Cosponsors
- - 1 - 2
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill is called the Bear Poaching Elimination Act. It aims to conserve global bear populations by stopping the trade of bear viscera and products containing it. The bill makes it illegal to import, export, or trade bear viscera across state lines or international borders. It sets criminal and civil penalties for anyone who breaks these rules. The law also directs the Secretary to continue discussions with other countries about bear conservation and trade. Finally, the text clarifies that state-regulated bear hunting and traditional Native American rituals using bear viscera are not affected.
Yes· 3 of 9
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?+7
Aims to conserve global bear populations by prohibiting the import, export, and interstate trade of bear viscera.
Does this strengthen ties with allied countries?+3
Encourages international discussions and coordinated efforts regarding bear conservation and trade.
Does this favour talking over confrontation abroad?+3
Promotes bilateral and multilateral talks with other countries on bear trade issues.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Section 3 and Section 5: These sections prohibit the interstate and international trade of bear viscera and bear viscera products. This might be considered positive because it helps ensure that the United States does not contribute to the decline of any bear population due to commercial trade.
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Section 8: This section states that nothing in the Act affects the use of bear viscera or any bear viscera product as part of a traditional Native American ritual or ceremony. This is positive because it protects cultural and traditional practices for Native Americans.
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Section 8: This section protects the right of a State to regulate its own bear population and allows for the hunting of bears in a State as long as it is lawful under state laws and regulations. This is beneficial for individuals who participate in lawful state-regulated hunting.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Section 5 and Section 6: These sections make it illegal to sell, barter, offer to sell or barter, purchase, possess, transport, deliver, or receive bear viscera or bear viscera products in interstate or foreign commerce. Violating these rules can result in criminal penalties including fines and imprisonment for up to one year, or civil penalties of up to $25,000 for each violation under Section 6. This creates burdens and negative consequences for any individuals or entities who attempt to participate in this trade.
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+7Improves Public Land Management+2
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves Diplomatic Engagement+3Improves International Alliances+3
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Native Americans+3Good For Rural Residents+2
- Governance And Ideology
- Increase States Rights+2Increases Federal Power+2
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Religious Freedom+3
- 7/9/2026
- Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committees on Foreign Affairs, and Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 3 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Brian FitzpatrickRepublican · Pennsylvania
Maggie GoodlanderDemocrat · New Hampshire
Ted LieuDemocrat · California