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".
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (15 Sep 2026): Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 618.
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Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and published in the Federal Register on July 14, 2026, rescinded the regulatory definition of “harm” under the Endangered Species Act.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.
Timeline
15 Sep 2026
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 618.
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?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for S.J.Res. 204. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored S.J.Res. 204?
- S.J.Res. 204 was sponsored by Sen. Schiff, Adam B. [D-CA] (D-CA), with 2 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on S.J.Res. 204?
- Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 618. (15 Sep 2026).
Related bills in Environmental Protection
Chemical Safety Board Accountability Act
Expressing support for the designation of the week of October 24, 2026, to October 31, 2026, as "Bat Week".
Wildfire Emissions Prevention Act of 2026
Data Center Transparency Act of 2026
More bills from Sen. Schiff, Adam B. [D-CA]
Food for Thought Act of 2026
Hot Meals for College Students Act of 2026
A bill to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to improve safety standards for wildland firefighters.
Water Cyber Shield Act of 2026
Bill100 mirrors the public U.S. legislative record from Congress.gov and GovTrack and adds plain-English AI summaries. It is an information tool, not legal, compliance or lobbying advice, and it is not affiliated with the U.S. Congress or any government agency. AI summaries can simplify or omit detail — every bill links to the official source; verify there before you rely on it.