A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration relating to “Rescinding the Definition of ‘Harm’ Under the Endangered Species Act”.
Latest action (3 Aug 2026): Introduced
What this bill does
S.J.Res. 204 is a resolution of congressional disapproval, using authority under the Congressional Review Act (chapter 8 of title 5, U.S. Code), targeting a specific federal rule. That rule, jointly issued by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and published in the Federal Register on July 14, 2026, rescinded the regulatory definition of “harm” under the Endangered Species Act. If enacted, this resolution would formally disapprove that rule and declare that it "shall have no force or effect," effectively nullifying the rescission and leaving the prior definition of “harm” in place.
The resolution would primarily affect federal agencies administering the Endangered Species Act, as well as parties whose activities are regulated under that law—such as landowners, developers, and industries whose operations may affect threatened or endangered species—since the definition of “harm” determines what actions can trigger liability for harming protected species.
The bill was introduced in the Senate on August 3, 2026, by Senator Adam Schiff, with Senator Sheldon Whitehouse as a cosponsor, and was referred to the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works. As a resolution of disapproval under the Congressional Review Act, it would need to pass both the Senate and House and be signed by the President (or enacted over a veto) to take effect. No further action beyond committee referral has occurred.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
This resolution is in the first stage of the legislative process. It was introduced into Congress on August 3, 2026. It will typically be considered by committee next before it is possibly sent on to the House or Senate as a whole.
Common questions
- What does S.J.Res. 204 do?
- S.J.Res. 204 is a resolution of congressional disapproval, using authority under the Congressional Review Act (chapter 8 of title 5, U.S. Code), targeting a specific federal rule. That rule, jointly issued by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and published in the Federal Register on July 14, 2026, rescinded the regulatory definition of “harm” under the Endangered Species Act. If enacted, this resolution would formally disapprove that rule and declare that it "shall have no force or effect," effectively nullifying the rescission and leaving the prior definition of “harm” in place. The resolution would primarily affect federal agencies administering the Endangered Species Act, as well as parties whose activities are regulated under that law—such as landowners, developers, and industries whose operations may affect threatened or endangered species—since the definition of “harm” determines what actions can trigger liability for harming protected species. The bill was introduced in the Senate on August 3, 2026, by Senator Adam Schiff, with Senator Sheldon Whitehouse as a cosponsor, and was referred to the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works. As a resolution of disapproval under the Congressional Review Act, it would need to pass both the Senate and House and be signed by the President (or enacted over a veto) to take effect. No further action beyond committee referral has occurred.
- Has S.J.Res. 204 become law?
- Not yet. As of 3 Aug 2026, S.J.Res. 204 is introduced.
- Who sponsored S.J.Res. 204?
- S.J.Res. 204 was sponsored by Sen. Adam Schiff [D-CA] (Democrat-CA), with 2 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on S.J.Res. 204?
- Introduced (3 Aug 2026).
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