**Congress Moves to Lift Protections for Longfin Smelt, Prioritizing Economic Interests**

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13 days ago - Politics

Congress Passes Resolution to Block Protections for Longfin Smelt

In a recent vote, members of the House of Representatives supported a resolution that will remove special protections for a fish called the Longfin Smelt, which lives in the San Francisco Bay-Delta. This decision was largely backed by House Republicans, who believe that it is important to prioritize economic activities over environmental protections.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service had previously classified the Longfin Smelt as an endangered species, which means that there were rules set to help protect this fish and its habitat. However, the new resolution aims to undo that classification, meaning that there will no longer be legal requirements to take actions that could help the fish survive.

Supporters of the resolution argue that limiting new protections could benefit local businesses and governments by allowing them to continue their usual activities without the restrictions that would come from classifying the fish as endangered. These restrictions could have included limits on construction projects and water usage in the areas where the Longfin Smelt lives.

Critics, however, warn that without these protections, the Longfin Smelt may face even greater risks from pollution and loss of habitat. This could upset the balance of the ecosystem in the region, affecting not just the fish but also the health of the waters and other wildlife that depend on that environment.

The resolution passed in the House means that there will be fewer steps taken to ensure the survival of this fish species, raising concerns about the potential negative impacts on the environment and the overall health of the ecosystem in the San Francisco Bay-Delta.

In summary, Congress has decided to block new measures aimed at protecting the Longfin Smelt, choosing to prioritize economic interests, which could have serious consequences for both the species and the environment it inhabits.

This is a congressional resolution that blocks a rule about the Longfin Smelt, a type of fish in San Francisco Bay.

  1. Congress does not approve the rule made by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
  2. This rule is about giving special protection to the Longfin Smelt because it is considered an endangered species.
  3. Because Congress disapproves, the rule will not take effect.
  4. This decision means that the protections for the Longfin Smelt will not be enforced, potentially affecting their population and habitat in the Bay.

In short, this resolution stops efforts to safeguard the Longfin Smelt from being classified as endangered.

411 votes

Yes

216

No

195

Not Voting

22

  1. Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
  2. On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 216 - 195 (Roll no. 113).
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  3. Passed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 216 - 195 (Roll no. 113).
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  4. The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
  5. DEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.J. Res. 78.
  6. Rule provides for consideration of H.J. Res. 60, H.J. Res. 78, H.J. Res. 87, H.J. Res. 88 and H.J. Res. 89. The resolution provides for consideration of H.J. Res. 60, H.J. Res. 78, H.J. Res. 87, H.J. Res. 88, and H.J. Res. 89 under a closed rule with one hour of debate and one motion to recommit on each joint resolution.
  7. Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 354.
  8. Rules Committee Resolution H. Res. 354 Reported to House. Rule provides for consideration of H.J. Res. 60, H.J. Res. 78, H.J. Res. 87, H.J. Res. 88 and H The resolution provides for consideration of H.J. Res. 60, H.J. Res. 78, H.J. Res. 87, H.J. Res. 88, and H.J. Res. 89 under a closed rule with one hour of debate and one motion to recommit on each joint resolution.
  9. Introduced in House

    This is a congressional resolution that blocks a rule about the Longfin Smelt, a type of fish in San Francisco Bay.

    1. Congress does not approve the rule made by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
    2. This rule is about giving special protection to the Longfin Smelt because it is considered an endangered species.
    3. Because Congress disapproves, the rule will not take effect.
    4. This decision means that the protections for the Longfin Smelt will not be enforced, potentially affecting their population and habitat in the Bay.

    In short, this resolution stops efforts to safeguard the Longfin Smelt from being classified as endangered.

  10. Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
  11. Introduced in House