House · HR 1676 · 119th Congress
Make SWAPs Efficient Act of 2025
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Summary
This bill sets a 180-day deadline for the federal government to approve state wildlife conservation plans. States get a temporary go-ahead to start their programs right after they submit their plans. If the government misses the deadline, the plan is automatically approved and funding is set aside for the state.
In Favor
States often wait too long for federal approval before they can protect local wildlife. This bill lets states start their conservation work right away and guarantees a decision within 180 days. That means wildlife programs get off the ground faster and federal money reaches state agencies without long delays.
Against
Automatic approval after a missed deadline removes the federal check on whether a state plan meets conservation standards. A flawed plan could move forward with federal funding before reviewers catch problems. This shifts accountability away from a nationwide review process and puts wildlife resources at risk if state plans fall short.
Additional Considerations
Purpose & Problem
Is the problem real and worth federal action?
The bill sets a 180-day deadline for the U.S. Department of the Interior to review and approve state wildlife conservation and restoration plans. It targets delays in the approval process that hold up funding to state wildlife agencies.
Scope & Related Provisions
Does it stay focused, or carry unrelated add-ons?
The provisions stay on topic. All sections address the timing and process for Interior to review and approve state wildlife conservation and restoration plans submitted under an existing federal program.
Who Is Affected
Who benefits, and who bears the cost?
State wildlife agencies submit plans and gain faster access to set-aside funds. The Department of the Interior takes on a new review deadline and must report to Congress if it misses that deadline.
Cost & Funding
Is it affordable and responsibly funded?
The bill does not set a new spending amount. It requires Interior to set aside funds already held in the Wildlife Conservation and Restoration Account for a state once that state submits its plan and approval is pending or automatic.
Risks & Implementation
What could go wrong in practice?
If Interior lacks staff or resources to review all state plans within 180 days, submitted plans are automatically approved. This shifts review burden onto an agency that must also build a new process in consultation with all states.
For the actual bill text, see congress.gov.
AI-generated · Published 6/5/2026