Federal RuleAug 21
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DOL Rewrites Disability Rules for 'Merit-Based Opportunity' Push
RuleLabor DepartmentFederal Contract Compliance Programs OfficeSignificant Wallet
119-s-2128119th Congress
MONARCH Act of 2025
Sponsored By: Senator Merkley, Jeff [D-OR]
Introduced
Summary
This bill would create a federal framework to _conserve the western monarch butterfly_ by establishing a dedicated rescue fund, a competitive conservation grant program, and a partnership with the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation to implement regional recovery actions. It would focus on restoring milkweed, nectar plants, overwintering sites, and other pollinator habitat to address a more than 99 percent population decline and the high risk of extinction over the next two decades.
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- Communities and agriculture: Grants would support habitat restoration and milkweed planting that can improve pollination services for nearby farms and wildlife.
- Tribal governments, local governments, research institutions, and nonprofits: These groups would be eligible to apply for and lead projects, while State and Federal agencies could only participate as partners.
- Funding and program rules: Creates the Western Monarch Butterfly Rescue Fund in the Treasury, caps administrative expenses at 3 percent per year, and authorizes $12.5 million annually for fiscal years 2026 through 2030 to fund grants and implementation with the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.
*Would increase federal spending by authorizing $12.5 million per year for FY2026–2030 and creating a Treasury rescue fund with up to 3 percent available for administration.*
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Grants and partnership to save monarch butterflies
If enacted, the bill would create the Western Monarch Butterfly Rescue Fund. The Fund would get $12.5 million each year for fiscal years 2026 through 2030. The Secretary could use up to 3% each year for administrative costs. The Fund would pay grants to local and Tribal governments, research groups, nonprofits, and other approved entities. State and Federal agencies could not be lead grantees but could be partners. Grant proposals would need to show methods, outcomes, Tribal consultation, and assurances they do not conflict with food safety. The Secretary would provide technical help, make grant reports public, and must send Congress an annual status report by January 31. The Secretary would also make an agreement with the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation to update and carry out the western monarch plan, and Section 10(a) of that Foundation law would not apply to that agreement or its funds.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Merkley, Jeff [D-OR]
OR • D
Cosponsors
Sen. Whitehouse, Sheldon [D-RI]
RI • D
Sponsored 6/18/2025
Sen. Heinrich, Martin [D-NM]
NM • D
Sponsored 6/18/2025
Sen. Wyden, Ron [D-OR]
OR • D
Sponsored 6/18/2025
Sen. Duckworth, Tammy [D-IL]
IL • D
Sponsored 6/18/2025
Sen. Van Hollen, Chris [D-MD]
MD • D
Sponsored 6/18/2025
Sen. Padilla, Alex [D-CA]
CA • D
Sponsored 6/18/2025
Sen. Booker, Cory A. [D-NJ]
NJ • D
Sponsored 6/18/2025
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov