Earth Day reversal signals growing resistance to legislation that would undermine federal wildlife protections
WASHINGTON (April 22, 2026)—Humane World Action Fund, formerly called Humane Society Legislative Fund, shared a significant update regarding the ESA Amendments Act. Republican leadership has officially pulled the bill from the House floor and postponed today's scheduled vote after it became clear there was sufficient opposition to prevent its passage.
Sara Amundson, president, Humane World for Animals Action Fund, said:
“On Earth Day, pulling the House vote on the deeply flawed Endangered Species Act bill is a clarion call that legislators need to stop heeding their own leadership and start doing the will of their constituents. At a time when we should be strengthening protections for species like grizzly bears and sea turtles, not weakening them, it’s clear there is growing opposition to efforts that put special interests ahead of science and conservation. We urge Congress to abandon this harmful proposal altogether and instead focus on upholding and strengthening the Endangered Species Act for future generations.”
🚨BREAKING🚨
The House just cancelled its ill-advised plan to celebrate #EarthDay by voting on the ESA Amendments Act (H.R. 1897)—a disastrous bill designed to gut the Endangered Species Act.
For over 53 years, the #EndangeredSpeciesAct has been a critical lifeline for iconic… pic.twitter.com/uA002IbBZl— Humane World Action Fund (@humaneactfund) April 22, 2026
Media Contact: Liz Bartolomeo; ebartolomeo@humaneaction.org
