H.R. 8850

[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 8850 Introduced in House (IH)]

<DOC>

119th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. R. 8850

To create dedicated funds to conserve butterflies in North America, 
plants in the Pacific Islands, freshwater mussels in the United States, 
and desert fish in the Southwest United States, and for other purposes.

_______________________________________________________________________

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

May 15, 2026

Mrs. Grijalva (for herself, Ms. Velazquez, Mr. Huffman, Mr. Quigley, 
and Mr. Cohen) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the 
Committee on Natural Resources

_______________________________________________________________________

A BILL

To create dedicated funds to conserve butterflies in North America, 
plants in the Pacific Islands, freshwater mussels in the United States, 
and desert fish in the Southwest United States, and for other purposes.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

(a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Extinction 
Prevention Act of 2026''.
(b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act is as 
follows:

Sec. 1. Short title.
TITLE I--NORTH AMERICA BUTTERFLY CONSERVATION ACT OF 2026

Sec. 101. Short title.
Sec. 102. Purposes.
Sec. 103. Definitions.
Sec. 104. North America butterfly conservation assistance.
Sec. 105. North America Butterfly Conservation Fund.
Sec. 106. Authorization of appropriations.
Sec. 107. Report to Congress.
TITLE II--PACIFIC ISLANDS PLANT CONSERVATION FUND ACT OF 2026

Sec. 201. Short title.
Sec. 202. Purposes.
Sec. 203. Definitions.
Sec. 204. Pacific Islands plant conservation assistance.
Sec. 205. Pacific Islands Plant Conservation Fund.
Sec. 206. Authorization of appropriations.
Sec. 207. Report to Congress.
TITLE III--FRESHWATER MUSSEL CONSERVATION FUND ACT OF 2026

Sec. 301. Short title.
Sec. 302. Purposes.
Sec. 303. Definitions.
Sec. 304. United States freshwater mussel conservation assistance.
Sec. 305. Freshwater Mussel Conservation Fund.
Sec. 306. Authorization of appropriations.
Sec. 307. Report to Congress.
TITLE IV--SOUTHWEST DESERT FISH CONSERVATION FUND ACT OF 2026

Sec. 401. Short title.
Sec. 402. Purposes.
Sec. 403. Definitions.
Sec. 404. Southwest desert fish conservation assistance.
Sec. 405. Southwest Desert Fish Conservation Fund.
Sec. 406. Authorization of appropriations.
Sec. 407. Report to Congress.

TITLE I--NORTH AMERICA BUTTERFLY CONSERVATION ACT OF 2026

SEC. 101. SHORT TITLE.

This title may be cited as the ``North America Butterfly 
Conservation Fund Act of 2026''.

SEC. 102. PURPOSES.

The purposes of this title are--
(1) to perpetuate healthy populations of butterflies in 
North America;
(2) to assist in the conservation of threatened and 
endangered butterflies by supporting conservation initiatives 
in North America; and
(3) to provide financial resources and to foster 
international cooperation for those initiatives.

SEC. 103. DEFINITIONS.

In this title:
(1) North america butterfly conservation.--The term ``North 
America butterfly conservation'' means the use of all methods 
and procedures necessary to protect habitats of butterflies in 
North America and of butterflies in those habitats, including--
(A) protection, restoration, and management of 
habitats;
(B) onsite research and monitoring of populations, 
habitats, annual reproduction, and butterfly species 
population trends;
(C) assistance in the development, implementation, 
and improvement of national and regional management 
plans;
(D) enforcement and implementation of applicable 
conservation laws; and
(E) community outreach and education.
(2) Fund.--The term ``Fund'' means the North America 
Butterfly Conservation Fund established by section 105.
(3) Butterfly; butterflies.--The terms ``butterfly'' and 
``butterflies'' mean any member of the order Lepidoptera.
(4) North america.--The term ``North America'' means the 
United States, Canada, Mexico, Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, 
Barbados, Belize, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominica, Dominican 
Republic, El Salvador, Grenada, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, 
Jamaica, Nicaragua, Panama, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, 
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago.
(5) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary 
of the Interior.

SEC. 104. NORTH AMERICA BUTTERFLY CONSERVATION ASSISTANCE.

(a) Assistance.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary shall, in consultation with 
other Federal officials, use amounts in the Fund to provide 
competitive financial assistance, including multiyear grants, 
for North America butterfly conservation projects.
(2) Use of existing authorities.--Assistance provided under 
this section shall be carried out in a manner consistent with 
authorities available to the Secretary under the Endangered 
Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.).
(b) Project Proposals.--
(1) Eligible applicants.--A proposal for a North America 
butterfly conservation project may be submitted to the 
Secretary under this section by--
(A) a State or Tribal agency, research institution, 
nonprofit organization, or wildlife management 
authority in North America that--
(i) exercises control or has jurisdiction 
over butterfly habitat; and
(ii) directly or indirectly affects North 
America butterfly conservation; or
(B) any other individual or entity, as the 
Secretary determines appropriate, with the demonstrated 
expertise required to carry out North America butterfly 
conservation.
(2) Federal partnership opportunities.--A Federal agency 
may not be a lead entity or receive funding for a project under 
this section, but may be included as a partner or collaborator 
on a project that receives such funding.
(3) Required elements.--A project proposal submitted under 
this section shall include--
(A) a statement of the purposes of the project;
(B) the name of the individual or entity with 
overall responsibility for the project;
(C) a description of--
(i) the qualifications of the individual or 
entity that will conduct the project;
(ii) methods for project implementation and 
outcome assessment;
(iii) staffing and stakeholder engagement 
for the project, including mechanisms to 
encourage adequate local public participation 
in project development and implementation;
(iv) the logistics of the project, 
including cost estimates and timelines; and
(v) anticipated outcomes of the project;
(D) evidence of free, informed, and prior consent 
by indigenous communities in the area in which the 
project will be conducted, if the Secretary determines 
that such consent is required for the success of the 
project;
(E) assurances that the project will be implemented 
in consultation with relevant wildlife management 
authorities, Tribes, and other appropriate government 
officials;
(F) demonstrated sensitivity to local historic and 
cultural resources and compliance with applicable laws;
(G) information that demonstrates the potential of 
the project to contribute to North America butterfly 
conservation;
(H) evidence of support for the project from each 
appropriate governmental entity of each country, Tribe, 
and indigenous community in which the project will be 
conducted, if the Secretary determines that such 
support is required for the success of the project;
(I) information regarding the source and amount of 
any matching funding available for the project; and
(J) such other information as the Secretary 
determines appropriate.
(c) Project Review and Approval.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary shall--
(A) not later than 30 days after receiving a 
project proposal, provide a copy of the proposal to 
other Federal officials, as appropriate; and
(B) review each project proposal to determine 
whether the proposal meets the criteria specified in 
subsection (d).
(2) Consultation; approval or disapproval.--Not later than 
180 days after receiving a project proposal, the Secretary 
shall, after consulting with other Federal officials, as 
appropriate, with respect to each project proposal submitted 
under this section--
(A) consult on the project proposal with the 
government of each country in which the project is to 
be conducted;
(B) after taking into consideration any comments 
resulting from such consultation, approve or disapprove 
the project proposal; and
(C) provide written notification of the approval or 
disapproval to the individual or entity that submitted 
the project proposal, such other Federal officials, and 
each country described in subparagraph (A).
(d) Criteria for Approval.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary may approve a project 
proposal under this section if the project will help recover 
and sustain viable populations of butterflies in the wild by 
assisting efforts to implement North America butterfly 
conservation programs.
(2) Priority.--In selecting projects for approval, the 
Secretary shall give priority to projects that conserve species 
of butterflies that are listed as a threatened or endangered 
species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 
1531 et seq.).
(3) Project sustainability.--To the maximum extent 
practicable, in determining whether to approve a project 
proposal under this section, the Secretary shall give 
preference to projects that are designed to ensure effective 
and long-term North America butterfly conservation.
(4) Matching funds.--In determining whether to approve a 
project proposal under this section, the Secretary shall give 
preference to projects for which matching funds are available.
(5) Waiver.--The Secretary may waive the application of 
paragraphs (2), (3), or (4) with respect to a project if the 
Secretary--
(A) has identified the project as of high priority; 
and
(B) finds that such waiver is necessary to support 
the project.
(e) Project Reporting.--
(1) In general.--Each individual or entity that receives 
assistance under this section for a project shall submit to the 
Secretary periodic reports (at such intervals as the Secretary 
determines appropriate) that include all information that the 
Secretary, after consultation with other government officials, 
determines is necessary to evaluate the progress and success of 
such project for the purposes of ensuring positive results, 
assessing problems, and fostering improvements.
(2) Availability to the public.--The Secretary shall make 
available to the public each report submitted under paragraph 
(1) and any other document relating to a project for which 
financial assistance is provided under this title.

SEC. 105. NORTH AMERICA BUTTERFLY CONSERVATION FUND.

(a) Establishment.--There is established in the Treasury a separate 
account, to be known as the ``North America Butterfly Conservation 
Fund'', consisting of--
(1) amounts transferred to the Secretary for deposit into 
the Fund under subsection (e);
(2) amounts appropriated to the Fund under section 106; and
(3) any interest earned on investment of amounts in the 
Fund under subsection (c).
(b) Expenditures From Fund.--
(1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (2), at the request 
of the Secretary, the Secretary of the Treasury shall transfer 
from the Fund to the Secretary, without further appropriation, 
such amounts as the Secretary determines are necessary to carry 
out section 104.
(2) Administrative expenses.--Of the amounts in the Fund 
available for each fiscal year, the Secretary may expend the 
greater of 3 percent of such amounts or $80,000 to pay the 
administrative expenses necessary to carry out this title.
(c) Investment of Amounts.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary of the Treasury shall invest 
such portion of the Fund as is not, in the judgment of the 
Secretary of the Treasury, required to meet current 
withdrawals. Such investments may be made only in interest-
bearing obligations of the United States.
(2) Acquisition of obligations.--For the purpose of 
investments under paragraph (1), obligations may be acquired--
(A) on original issue at the issue price; or
(B) by purchase of outstanding obligations at 
market price.
(3) Sale of obligations.--Any obligation acquired by the 
Fund may be sold by the Secretary of the Treasury at market 
price.
(4) Credits to fund.--The interest on, and the proceeds 
from the sale or redemption of, any obligations held in the 
Fund shall be credited to and form a part of the Fund.
(d) Transfers of Amounts.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary of the Treasury shall 
transfer at least monthly the amounts required to be 
transferred to the Fund under this section from the general 
fund of the Treasury to the Fund on the basis of estimates made 
by the Secretary of the Treasury.
(2) Adjustments.--The Secretary of the Treasury shall make 
proper adjustment in amounts subsequently transferred to the 
extent prior estimates were in excess of or less than the 
amounts required to be transferred.
(e) Acceptance and Use of Donations.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary may accept for the 
Government a gift of any of the following to provide assistance 
under section 104:
(A) Money.
(B) An obligation of the Government included in the 
public debt made only on the condition that the 
obligation be canceled and retired and not reissued.
(C) Other intangible personal property made only on 
the condition that the property is sold on the best 
terms available and the proceeds are deposited in the 
Fund.
(2) Discretion to reject a gift.--The Secretary may reject 
a gift under this section when the rejection is in the interest 
of the Government.
(3) Taxes.--If a gift received under this subsection is 
subject to a gift or inheritance tax, the Secretary may pay the 
tax out of the proceeds of the gift or the proceeds of the 
redemption or sale of the gift.

SEC. 106. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary $5,000,000 
for each of fiscal years 2027 through 2032 to carry out this title.

SEC. 107. REPORT TO CONGRESS.

(a) In General.--Not later than January 31 of each calendar year 
after the date of the enactment of this title, the Secretary shall 
submit to Congress a report regarding the Fund and the status of 
butterflies in North America during the preceding calendar year.
(b) Contents of Reports.--Each report submitted under subsection 
(a) shall include, with respect to the calendar year for which such 
report is submitted--
(1) the total amount deposited into and expended from the 
Fund;
(2) the costs associated with carrying out this title;
(3) a summary of the projects for which the Secretary 
provided assistance under section 104 and an evaluation of such 
projects; and
(4) an evaluation of the status of threatened and 
endangered populations of butterflies in North America.

TITLE II--PACIFIC ISLANDS PLANT CONSERVATION FUND ACT OF 2026

SEC. 201. SHORT TITLE.

This title may be cited as the ``Pacific Islands Plant Conservation 
Fund Act of 2026''.

SEC. 202. PURPOSES.

The purposes of this title are--
(1) to assist in the conservation of threatened and 
endangered species of plants in the Pacific Islands; and
(2) to support and provide financial resources for projects 
to conserve such species of plants and the ecosystems of such 
species of plants and to address other threats to the survival 
of such species of plants.

SEC. 203. DEFINITIONS.

In this title:
(1) Pacific islands plant conservation.--The term ``Pacific 
Islands plant conservation'' means the use of all methods and 
procedures necessary to protect species of plants in the 
Pacific Islands including--
(A) protection, restoration, and management of 
ecosystems;
(B) onsite research and monitoring of populations, 
ecosystems, annual reproduction, and plant population 
trends;
(C) assistance in the development, implementation, 
and improvement of management plans;
(D) enforcement and implementation of applicable 
conservation laws; and
(E) community outreach and education.
(2) Fund.--The term ``Fund'' means the Pacific Islands 
Plant Conservation Fund established by section 205.
(3) Pacific islands.--The term ``Pacific Islands'' means 
the Hawaiian Islands and the United States territories of Guam, 
American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands.
(4) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary 
of the Interior.

SEC. 204. PACIFIC ISLANDS PLANT CONSERVATION ASSISTANCE.

(a) Assistance.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary shall, in consultation with 
other Federal officials, use amounts in the Fund to provide 
competitive financial assistance, including multiyear grants, 
for Pacific Islands plant conservation projects.
(2) Use of existing authorities.--Assistance provided under 
this section shall be carried out in a manner consistent with 
authorities available to the Secretary under the Endangered 
Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.).
(b) Project Proposals.--
(1) Eligible applicants.--A project proposal for Pacific 
Islands plant conservation may be submitted to the Secretary 
under this section by a State, territory, or Tribal agency or 
any other individual or entity, as determined appropriate by 
the Secretary, with the expertise required to carry out Pacific 
Islands plant conservation.
(2) Federal partnership opportunities.--A Federal agency 
may not be a lead entity or receive funding for a project under 
this section, but may be included as a partner or collaborator 
on a project that receives such funding.
(3) Required elements.--A project proposal submitted under 
this section shall include--
(A) a statement of the purposes of the project;
(B) the name of the individual or entity with 
overall responsibility for the project;
(C) a description of--
(i) the qualifications of the individual or 
entity that will conduct the project;
(ii) methods for project implementation and 
outcome assessment;
(iii) staffing and stakeholder engagement 
for the project, including mechanisms to ensure 
adequate local public participation in project 
development and implementation;
(iv) the logistics of the project, 
including cost estimates and timelines;
(v) anticipated outcomes of the project; 
and
(vi) how the project will promote 
sustainable, effective, long-term programs to 
conserve plant populations on the Pacific 
Islands;
(D) assurances that the project will be implemented 
in consultation with relevant wildlife management 
authorities, Tribes, and other appropriate government 
officials;
(E) demonstrated sensitivity to local historic and 
cultural resources and compliance with applicable laws;
(F) information that demonstrates the potential of 
the project to contribute to Pacific Islands plant 
conservation;
(G) information regarding the source and amount of 
any matching funding available for the project; and
(H) such other information as the Secretary 
determines appropriate.
(c) Project Review and Approval.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary shall--
(A) not later than 30 days after receiving a 
project proposal, provide a copy of the proposal to 
other Federal officials, as appropriate; and
(B) review each project proposal to determine 
whether the proposal meets the criteria specified in 
subsection (d).
(2) Consultation; approval or disapproval.--The Secretary 
shall, after consulting with other Federal officials, as 
appropriate, with respect to each project proposal submitted 
under this section--
(A) consult on the project proposal with the 
government of each State or territory in which such 
project is to be conducted;
(B) after taking into consideration any comments 
resulting from such consultation, approve or disapprove 
the project proposal; and
(C) provide written notification of the approval or 
disapproval to the individual or entity that submitted 
the project proposal, such other Federal officials, and 
each State or territory described in subparagraph (A).
(d) Criteria for Approval.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary may approve a project 
proposal under this section if the project will help recover 
and sustain viable populations of threatened and endangered 
plants by assisting efforts to implement Pacific Islands plant 
conservation programs.
(2) Priority.--In selecting projects for approval, the 
Secretary shall give priority to projects that conserve species 
of plants that are listed as a threatened or endangered species 
under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 et 
seq.).
(3) Project sustainability.--To the maximum extent 
practicable, in determining whether to approve a project 
proposal under this section, the Secretary shall give 
preference to projects that are designed to ensure effective 
and long-term Pacific Islands plant conservation.
(4) Matching funds.--In determining whether to approve a 
project proposal under this section, the Secretary shall give 
preference to projects for which matching funds are available.
(5) Waiver.--The Secretary may waive the application of 
paragraphs (2), (3), or (4) with respect to a project if the 
Secretary--
(A) has identified the project as of high priority; 
and
(B) finds that such waiver is necessary to support 
the project.
(e) Project Reporting.--
(1) In general.--Each individual or entity that receives 
assistance under this section for a project shall submit to the 
Secretary periodic reports (at such intervals as the Secretary 
determines appropriate) that include all information that the 
Secretary, after consultation with other government officials, 
determines is necessary to evaluate the progress and success of 
such project for the purposes of ensuring positive results, 
assessing problems, and fostering improvements.
(2) Availability to the public.--The Secretary shall make 
available to the public each report submitted under paragraph 
(1) and any other document relating to a project for which 
financial assistance is provided under this title.

SEC. 205. PACIFIC ISLANDS PLANT CONSERVATION FUND.

(a) Establishment.--There is established in the Treasury a separate 
account, to be known as the ``Pacific Islands Plant Conservation 
Fund'', consisting of--
(1) amounts transferred to the Secretary for deposit into 
the Fund under subsection (e);
(2) amounts appropriated to the Fund under section 206; and
(3) any interest earned on investment of amounts in the 
Fund under subsection (c).
(b) Expenditures From Fund.--
(1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (2), at the request 
of the Secretary, the Secretary of the Treasury shall transfer 
from the Fund to the Secretary, without further appropriation, 
such amounts as the Secretary determines are necessary to carry 
out section 204.
(2) Administrative expenses.--Of the amounts in the Fund 
available for each fiscal year, the Secretary may expend the 
greater of 3 percent of such amounts or $80,000 to pay the 
administrative expenses necessary to carry out this title.
(c) Investment of Amounts.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary of the Treasury shall invest 
such portion of the Fund as is not, in the judgment of the 
Secretary of the Treasury, required to meet current 
withdrawals. Such investments may be made only in interest-
bearing obligations of the United States.
(2) Acquisition of obligations.--For the purpose of 
investments under paragraph (1), obligations may be acquired--
(A) on original issue at the issue price; or
(B) by purchase of outstanding obligations at 
market price.
(3) Sale of obligations.--Any obligation acquired by the 
Fund may be sold by the Secretary of the Treasury at market 
price.
(4) Credits to fund.--The interest on, and the proceeds 
from the sale or redemption of, any obligations held in the 
Fund shall be credited to and form a part of the Fund.
(d) Transfers of Amounts.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary of the Treasury shall 
transfer at least monthly the amounts required to be 
transferred to the Fund under this section from the general 
fund of the Treasury to the Fund on the basis of estimates made 
by the Secretary of the Treasury.
(2) Adjustments.--The Secretary of the Treasury shall make 
proper adjustment in amounts subsequently transferred to the 
extent prior estimates were in excess of or less than the 
amounts required to be transferred.
(e) Acceptance and Use of Donations.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary may accept for the 
Government a gift of any of the following to provide assistance 
under section 204:
(A) Money.
(B) An obligation of the Government included in the 
public debt made only on the condition that the 
obligation be canceled and retired and not reissued.
(C) Other intangible personal property made only on 
the condition that the property is sold on the best 
terms available and the proceeds are deposited in the 
Fund.
(2) Discretion to reject a gift.--The Secretary may reject 
a gift under this section when the rejection is in the interest 
of the Government.
(3) Taxes.--If a gift received under this subsection is 
subject to a gift or inheritance tax, the Secretary may pay the 
tax out of the proceeds of the gift or the proceeds of the 
redemption or sale of the gift.

SEC. 206. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary $5,000,000 
for each of fiscal years 2027 through 2032 to carry out this title.

SEC. 207. REPORT TO CONGRESS.

(a) In General.--Not later than January 31 of each calendar year 
after the date of the enactment of this title, the Secretary shall 
submit to Congress a report regarding the Fund and the status of 
species of plants in the Pacific Islands during the preceding calendar 
year.
(b) Contents of Reports.--Each report submitted under subsection 
(a) shall include with respect to the calendar year for which the 
report is submitted--
(1) the total amount deposited into and expended from the 
Fund;
(2) the costs associated with carrying out this title;
(3) a summary of the projects for which the Secretary 
provided assistance under section 204 and an evaluation of such 
projects; and
(4) an evaluation of the status of threatened and 
endangered populations of plants in the Pacific Islands.

TITLE III--FRESHWATER MUSSEL CONSERVATION FUND ACT OF 2026

SEC. 301. SHORT TITLE.

This title may be cited as the ``Freshwater Mussel Conservation 
Fund Act of 2026''.

SEC. 302. PURPOSES.

The purposes of this title are--
(1) to assist in the conservation of threatened and 
endangered freshwater mussels and the habitats of such 
freshwater mussels in the United States; and
(2) to support and provide financial resources for projects 
to conserve such freshwater mussels and the habitats of such 
freshwater mussels and to address other threats to the survival 
of such freshwater mussels.

SEC. 303. DEFINITIONS.

In this title:
(1) United states freshwater mussel conservation.--The term 
``United States freshwater mussel conservation'' means the use 
of all methods and procedures necessary to protect habitats of 
freshwater mussel species in the United States and of the 
freshwater mussel species in those habitats, including--
(A) protection, restoration, and management of 
habitats;
(B) onsite research and monitoring of populations, 
habitats, annual reproduction, and freshwater mussel 
species population trends;
(C) assistance in the development, implementation, 
and improvement of national and regional management 
plans;
(D) enforcement and implementation of applicable 
conservation laws; and
(E) community outreach and education.
(2) Fund.--The term ``Fund'' means the Freshwater Mussel 
Conservation Fund established by section 305.
(3) Freshwater mussel; freshwater mussels.--The terms 
``freshwater mussel'' and ``freshwater mussels'' mean any 
member of the order Unioinida.
(4) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary 
of the Interior.

SEC. 304. UNITED STATES FRESHWATER MUSSEL CONSERVATION ASSISTANCE.

(a) Assistance.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary shall, in consultation with 
other Federal officials, use amounts in the Fund to provide 
competitive financial assistance, including multiyear grants, 
for United States freshwater mussel conservation projects.
(2) Use of existing authorities.--Assistance provided under 
this section shall be carried out in a manner consistent with 
authorities available to the Secretary under the Endangered 
Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.).
(b) Project Proposals.--
(1) Eligible applicants.--A project proposal for United 
States freshwater mussel conservation may be submitted to the 
Secretary under this section by a State or Tribal agency, 
research institution, nonprofit organization, or any other 
individual or entity, as determined appropriate by the 
Secretary, with the expertise required to carry out United 
States freshwater mussel conservation.
(2) Federal partnership opportunities.--A Federal agency 
may not be a lead entity or receive funding for a project under 
this section, but may be included as a partner or collaborator 
on a project that receives such funding.
(3) Required elements.--A project proposal submitted under 
this section shall include--
(A) a statement of the purposes of the project;
(B) the name of the individual or entity with 
overall responsibility for the project;
(C) a description of--
(i) the qualifications of the individual or 
entity that will conduct the project;
(ii) methods for project implementation and 
outcome assessment;
(iii) staffing and stakeholder engagement 
for the project, including mechanisms to ensure 
adequate local public participation in project 
development and implementation;
(iv) the logistics of the project, 
including cost estimates and timelines;
(v) anticipated outcomes of the project; 
and
(vi) how the project will promote 
sustainable, effective, long-term programs to 
conserve freshwater mussels in the United 
States;
(D) assurances that the project will be implemented 
in consultation with relevant wildlife management 
authorities, Tribes, and other appropriate government 
officials;
(E) demonstrated sensitivity to local historic and 
cultural resources and compliance with applicable laws;
(F) information that demonstrates the potential of 
the project to contribute to United States freshwater 
mussel conservation;
(G) information regarding the source and amount of 
any matching funding available for the project; and
(H) such other information as the Secretary 
determines appropriate.
(c) Project Review and Approval.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary shall--
(A) solicit project proposals for assistance under 
this section;
(B) provide a copy of each project proposal 
submitted in response to such solicitation to other 
Federal officials, as appropriate; and
(C) review each such proposal on a timeline that 
recognizes the urgency of the declining number of 
freshwater mussels in the United States to determine 
whether the proposal meets the criteria specified in 
subsection (d).
(2) Consultation; approval or disapproval.--The Secretary 
shall, after consulting with other Federal officials, as 
appropriate, with respect to each project proposal submitted 
under this section--
(A) consult on the project proposal with the 
government of each State in which the project is to be 
conducted;
(B) after taking into consideration any comments 
resulting from such consultation, approve or disapprove 
the project proposal; and
(C) provide written notification of the approval or 
disapproval to the individual or entity that submitted 
the project proposal, such other Federal officials, and 
each State described in subparagraph (A).
(d) Criteria for Approval.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary may approve a project 
proposal under this section if the project shows promise for 
contributing to recovering and sustaining freshwater mussel 
populations in the wild in the United States.
(2) Priority.--In selecting projects for approval, the 
Secretary shall give priority to projects that conserve species 
of freshwater mussels that are listed as a threatened or 
endangered species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 
U.S.C. 1531 et seq.).
(3) Project sustainability.--To the maximum extent 
practicable, in determining whether to approve a project 
proposal under this section, the Secretary shall give 
preference to projects that are designed to ensure effective 
and long-term United States freshwater mussel conservation.
(4) Matching funds.--In determining whether to approve a 
project proposal under this section, the Secretary shall give 
preference to projects for which matching funds are available.
(5) Waiver.--The Secretary may waive the application of 
paragraphs (2), (3), or (4) with respect to a project if the 
Secretary--
(A) has identified the project as of high priority; 
and
(B) finds that such waiver is necessary to support 
the project.
(e) Project Reporting.--
(1) In general.--Each individual or entity that receives 
assistance under this section for a project shall submit to the 
Secretary periodic reports (at such intervals as the Secretary 
determines appropriate) that include all information that the 
Secretary, after consultation with other government officials, 
determines is necessary to evaluate the progress and success of 
such project for the purposes of ensuring positive results, 
assessing problems, and fostering improvements.
(2) Availability to the public.--The Secretary shall make 
available to the public each report submitted under paragraph 
(1) and any other document relating to a project for which 
financial assistance is provided under this title.

SEC. 305. FRESHWATER MUSSEL CONSERVATION FUND.

(a) Establishment.--There is established in the Treasury a separate 
account, to be known as the ``Freshwater Mussel Conservation Fund'', 
consisting of--
(1) amounts transferred to the Secretary for deposit into 
the Fund under subsection (e);
(2) amounts appropriated to the Fund under section 306; and
(3) any interest earned on investment of amounts in the 
Fund under subsection (c).
(b) Expenditures From Fund.--
(1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (2), at the request 
of the Secretary, the Secretary of the Treasury shall transfer 
from the Fund to the Secretary, without further appropriation, 
such amounts as the Secretary determines are necessary to carry 
out section 304.
(2) Administrative expenses.--Of the amounts in the Fund 
available for each fiscal year, the Secretary may expend the 
greater of 3 percent of such amounts or $80,000 to pay the 
administrative expenses necessary to carry out this title.
(c) Investment of Amounts.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary of the Treasury shall invest 
such portion of the Fund as is not, in the judgment of the 
Secretary of the Treasury, required to meet current 
withdrawals. Such investments may be made only in interest-
bearing obligations of the United States.
(2) Acquisition of obligations.--For the purpose of 
investments under paragraph (1), obligations may be acquired--
(A) on original issue at the issue price; or
(B) by purchase of outstanding obligations at 
market price.
(3) Sale of obligations.--Any obligation acquired by the 
Fund may be sold by the Secretary of the Treasury at market 
price.
(4) Credits to fund.--The interest on, and the proceeds 
from the sale or redemption of, any obligations held in the 
Fund shall be credited to and form a part of the Fund.
(d) Transfers of Amounts.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary of the Treasury shall 
transfer at least monthly the amounts required to be 
transferred to the Fund under this section from the general 
fund of the Treasury to the Fund on the basis of estimates made 
by the Secretary of the Treasury.
(2) Adjustments.--The Secretary of the Treasury shall make 
proper adjustment in amounts subsequently transferred to the 
extent prior estimates were in excess of or less than the 
amounts required to be transferred.
(e) Acceptance and Use of Donations.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary may accept for the 
Government a gift of any of the following to provide assistance 
under section 304:
(A) Money.
(B) An obligation of the Government included in the 
public debt made only on the condition that the 
obligation be canceled and retired and not reissued.
(C) Other intangible personal property made only on 
the condition that the property is sold on the best 
terms available and the proceeds are deposited in the 
Fund.
(2) Discretion to reject a gift.--The Secretary may reject 
a gift under this section when the rejection is in the interest 
of the Government.
(3) Taxes.--If a gift received under this subsection is 
subject to a gift or inheritance tax, the Secretary may pay the 
tax out of the proceeds of the gift or the proceeds of the 
redemption or sale of the gift.

SEC. 306. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary $5,000,000 
for each of fiscal years 2027 through 2032 to carry out this title.

SEC. 307. REPORT TO CONGRESS.

(a) In General.--Not later than January 31 of each calendar year 
after the date of the enactment of this title, the Secretary shall 
submit to Congress a report regarding the Fund and the status of 
freshwater mussels in the United States during the preceding calendar 
year.
(b) Contents of Reports.--Each such report shall include with 
respect to the calendar year for which the report is submitted--
(1) the total amount deposited into and expended from the 
Fund;
(2) the costs associated with carrying out this title;
(3) a summary of the projects for which the Secretary has 
provided assistance under section 304 and an evaluation of 
those projects; and
(4) an evaluation of the status of threatened and 
endangered populations of freshwater mussel in the United 
States.

TITLE IV--SOUTHWEST DESERT FISH CONSERVATION FUND ACT OF 2026

SEC. 401. SHORT TITLE.

This title may be cited as the ``Southwest Desert Fish Conservation 
Fund Act of 2026''.

SEC. 402. PURPOSES.

The purposes of this title are--
(1) to assist in the conservation of threatened and 
endangered desert fish and the habitats of such desert fish in 
the Southwest; and
(2) to support and provide financial resources for projects 
to conserve such desert fish and the habitats of such desert 
fish and to address other threats to the survival of such 
desert fish species.

SEC. 403. DEFINITIONS.

In this title:
(1) Southwest desert fish conservation.--The term 
``Southwest desert fish conservation'' means the use of all 
methods and procedures necessary to protect habitats of desert 
fish species in the Southwest and of the desert fish species in 
those habitats, including--
(A) protection, restoration, and management of 
habitats;
(B) onsite research and monitoring of populations, 
habitats, annual reproduction, and desert fish species 
population trends;
(C) assistance in the development, implementation, 
and improvement of national and regional management 
plans;
(D) enforcement and implementation of applicable 
conservation laws; and
(E) community outreach and education.
(2) Fund.--The term ``Fund'' means the Southwest Desert 
Fish Conservation Fund established by section 405.
(3) Desert fish.--The term ``desert fish'' means any member 
of the class Osteichthyes living in a desert ecosystem.
(4) Southwest.--The term ``Southwest'' means the States of 
Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, and 
Utah.
(5) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary 
of the Interior.

SEC. 404. SOUTHWEST DESERT FISH CONSERVATION ASSISTANCE.

(a) Assistance.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary shall, in consultation with 
other Federal officials, use amounts in the Fund to provide 
competitive financial assistance, including multiyear grants, 
for Southwest desert fish conservation projects.
(2) Use of existing authorities.--Assistance provided under 
this section shall be carried out in a manner consistent with 
authorities available to the Secretary under the Endangered 
Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.).
(b) Project Proposals.--
(1) Eligible applicants.--A project proposal for Southwest 
desert fish conservation may be submitted to the Secretary 
under this section by a State or Tribal agency, research 
institution, nonprofit organization, or any other individual or 
entity, as determined appropriate by the Secretary, with the 
expertise required to carry out Southwest desert fish 
conservation.
(2) Federal partnership opportunities.--A Federal agency 
may not be a lead entity or receive funding for a project under 
this section, but may be included as a partner or collaborator 
on a project that receives such funding.
(3) Required elements.--A project proposal submitted under 
this section shall include--
(A) a statement of the purposes of the project;
(B) the name of the individual or entity with 
overall responsibility for the project;
(C) a description of--
(i) the qualifications of the individual or 
entity that will conduct the project;
(ii) methods for project implementation and 
outcome assessment;
(iii) staffing and stakeholder engagement 
for the project, including mechanisms to ensure 
adequate local public participation in project 
development and implementation;
(iv) the logistics of the project, 
including cost estimates and timelines;
(v) anticipated outcomes of the project; 
and
(vi) how the project will promote 
sustainable, effective, long-term programs to 
conserve desert fish in the Southwest;
(D) assurances that the project will be implemented 
in consultation with relevant wildlife management 
authorities, Tribes, and other appropriate government 
officials;
(E) demonstrated sensitivity to local historic and 
cultural resources and compliance with applicable laws;
(F) information that demonstrates the potential of 
the project to contribute to Southwest desert fish 
conservation;
(G) information regarding the source and amount of 
any matching funding available for the project; and
(H) such other information as the Secretary 
determines appropriate.
(c) Project Review and Approval.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary shall--
(A) solicit project proposals for assistance under 
this section;
(B) provide a copy of each project proposal 
submitted in response to such solicitation to other 
Federal officials, as appropriate; and
(C) review each such proposal on a timeline that 
recognizes the urgency of the declining number of 
desert fish in the Southwest to determine whether the 
proposal meets the criteria specified in subsection 
(d).
(2) Consultation; approval or disapproval.--The Secretary 
shall, after consulting with other Federal officials, as 
appropriate, with respect to each project proposal submitted 
under this section--
(A) consult with respect to the proposal with the 
government of each State in which the project is to be 
conducted;
(B) after taking into consideration any comments 
resulting from such consultation, approve or disapprove 
the project proposal; and
(C) provide written notification of the approval or 
disapproval to the individual or entity that submitted 
the proposal, such other Federal officials, and each 
State described in subparagraph (A).
(d) Criteria for Approval.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary may approve a project 
proposal under this section if the project shows promise for 
contributing to recovering and sustaining desert fish 
populations in the wild in the Southwest.
(2) Priority.--In selecting projects for approval, the 
Secretary shall give priority to projects that conserve 
threatened and endangered species of desert fish listed under 
the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.).
(3) Project sustainability.--To the maximum extent 
practicable, in determining whether to approve a project 
proposal under this section, the Secretary shall give 
preference to projects that are designed to ensure effective 
and long-term Southwest desert fish conservation.
(4) Matching funds.--In determining whether to approve a 
project proposal under this section, the Secretary shall give 
preference to projects for which matching funds are available.
(5) Waiver.--The Secretary may waive the application of 
paragraph (2), (3), or (4) with respect to a project if the 
Secretary--
(A) has identified the project as of high priority; 
and
(B) finds that such waiver is necessary to support 
the project.
(e) Project Reporting.--
(1) In general.--Each individual or entity that receives 
assistance under this section for a project shall submit to the 
Secretary periodic reports (at such intervals as the Secretary 
determines appropriate) that include all information that the 
Secretary, after consultation with other government officials, 
determines is necessary to evaluate the progress and success of 
such project for the purposes of ensuring positive results, 
assessing problems, and fostering improvements.
(2) Availability to the public.--The Secretary shall make 
available to the public each report submitted under paragraph 
(1) and any other document relating to a project for which 
financial assistance is provided under this title.

SEC. 405. SOUTHWEST DESERT FISH CONSERVATION FUND.

(a) Establishment.--There is established in the Treasury a separate 
account, to be known as the ``Southwest Desert Fish Conservation 
Fund'', consisting of--
(1) amounts transferred to the Secretary for deposit into 
the Fund under subsection (e);
(2) amounts appropriated to the Fund under section 406; and
(3) any interest earned on investment of amounts in the 
Fund under subsection (c).
(b) Expenditures From Fund.--
(1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (2), at the request 
of the Secretary, the Secretary of the Treasury shall transfer 
from the Fund to the Secretary, without further appropriation, 
such amounts as the Secretary determines are necessary to carry 
out section 404.
(2) Administrative expenses.--Of the amounts in the Fund 
available for each fiscal year, the Secretary may expend the 
greater of 3 percent of such amounts or $80,000 to pay the 
administrative expenses necessary to carry out this title.
(c) Investment of Amounts.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary of the Treasury shall invest 
such portion of the Fund as is not, in the judgment of the 
Secretary of the Treasury, required to meet current 
withdrawals. Such investments may be made only in interest-
bearing obligations of the United States.
(2) Acquisition of obligations.--For the purpose of 
investments under paragraph (1), obligations may be acquired--
(A) on original issue at the issue price; or
(B) by purchase of outstanding obligations at 
market price.
(3) Sale of obligations.--Any obligation acquired by the 
Fund may be sold by the Secretary of the Treasury at market 
price.
(4) Credits to fund.--The interest on, and the proceeds 
from the sale or redemption of, any obligations held in the 
Fund shall be credited to and form a part of the Fund.
(d) Transfers of Amounts.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary of the Treasury shall 
transfer at least monthly the amounts required to be 
transferred to the Fund under this section from the general 
fund of the Treasury to the Fund on the basis of estimates made 
by the Secretary of the Treasury.
(2) Adjustments.--The Secretary of the Treasury shall make 
proper adjustment in amounts subsequently transferred to the 
extent prior estimates were in excess of or less than the 
amounts required to be transferred.
(e) Acceptance and Use of Donations.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary may accept for the 
Government a gift of any of the following to provide assistance 
under section 404:
(A) Money.
(B) An obligation of the Government included in the 
public debt made only on the condition that the 
obligation be canceled and retired and not reissued.
(C) Other intangible personal property made only on 
the condition that the property is sold on the best 
terms available and the proceeds are deposited in the 
Fund.
(2) Discretion to reject a gift.--The Secretary may reject 
a gift under this section when the rejection is in the interest 
of the Government.
(3) Taxes.--If a gift received under this subsection is 
subject to a gift or inheritance tax, the Secretary may pay the 
tax out of the proceeds of the gift or the proceeds of the 
redemption or sale of the gift.

SEC. 406. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary $5,000,000 
for each of fiscal years 2027 through 2032 to carry out this title.

SEC. 407. REPORT TO CONGRESS.

(a) In General.--Not later than January 31 of each calendar year 
after the date of the enactment of this title, the Secretary shall 
submit to Congress a report regarding the Fund and the status of desert 
fish in the Southwest during the preceding calendar year.
(b) Contents of Reports.--Each such report shall include with 
respect to the calendar year for which the report is submitted--
(1) the total amount deposited into and expended from the 
Fund;
(2) the costs associated with carrying out this title;
(3) a summary of the projects for which the Secretary has 
provided assistance under section 404 and an evaluation of 
those projects; and
(4) an evaluation of the status of threatened and 
endangered populations of desert fish in the Southwest.
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