March 20, 2026 — Bipartisan opportunities exist for updating the Endangered Species Act, lawmakers and witnesses agreed at a notably even-keeled Senate panel hearing Wednesday.
Forgoing the rhetorical fireworks that sometimes light up ESA discussions, the Senate Environment and Public Works Subcommittee on Fisheries, Water and Wildlife hearing suggested at least the possibility of legislative compromise.
That’s a sharp contrast to developments in the House, where Republicans are moving forward with a proposed overhaul that many Democrats have blasted as little more than an industry wishlist.