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119-s-5514119th Congress

Responsible Cormorant Management and Control Act of 2026

Sponsored By: Senator Cruz, Ted [R-TX]

Introduced

Summary

regional, science-based framework for managing the take of double-crested cormorants. It would require the Interior Department to create regional rules that set who may take birds, allowable methods and timing, mandatory public reporting, population surveys, and protections for other wildlife.

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  • State and Tribal agencies: Would be able to carry out specified management actions under regional frameworks and be authorized to conduct take as identified by the Secretary and Regional Flyway Councils. Frameworks must ensure breeding populations remain biologically sustainable using the best available science.
  • Lake and pond managers and permitted entities: Could be designated to perform authorized take if trained or permitted. Frameworks must require annual public reporting of total take and include required non-lethal measures and steps to avoid non-target birds.
  • Public, refuges, and wildlife: Would require a population survey every 5 years and updates to regional plans every 5 years. The Secretary must coordinate with the National Wildlife Refuge System and consider effects on fisheries, other migratory birds, human health, water quality, and species protected under the Endangered Species Act, and the authority would sunset on January 1, 2034.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

New regional cormorant management program

This bill would define key terms when enacted, including the cormorant species and state‑authorized lake or pond managers. The Interior Secretary would have one year to write regional cormorant management regulations. Frameworks would require that cumulative authorized take stay biologically sustainable. Frameworks would identify who may take birds, including State and Tribal agencies and state‑authorized lake or pond managers. Frameworks would set allowable methods and times for take and require non‑lethal measures. They would require annual public reporting of total take, including target and non‑target birds. The Secretary would conduct a population survey within 5 years and repeat it every 5 years. The Secretary would report on hunting license feasibility within 90 days of enactment. The Act would expire on January 1, 2034, unless Congress extends it.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Cruz, Ted [R-TX]

TX • R

Cosponsors

  • Sen. Britt, Katie Boyd [R-AL]

    AL • R

    Sponsored 9/24/2026

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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