By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block  

What just happened in the U.S. House of Representatives could spell tragedy for gray wolves. Thursday’s vote on H.R. 845, a bill to remove federal Endangered Species Act protections for gray wolves in the lower 48 states, passed by the smallest of margins, 211-204. Now, this legislation moves to the Senate, where we still have a chance to stop it.  

The last thing this nation needs is a pathway to more reckless trophy hunting and recreational trapping seasons that target wolves. But that’s what H.R. 845 is all about.

46 members of Congress support plan for national wolf conservation

Letter responds to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announcement that gray wolves no longer need protections

WASHINGTON (December 11, 2025)—Today, lawmakers dedicated to upholding the Endangered Species Act sent a letter urging the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to reverse course on its recently announced cancellation of the National Wolf Recovery Plan. In their letter, 46 members of Congress emphasized the need for a science-backed approach to gray wolf recovery in the lower 48 states, that engages ranchers, animal advocates and other concerned parties.

We have posted the preview version of our annual Humane Scorecard to help you assess the position of federal legislators on our priority measures. If you do not see your senators and your representative listed as co-sponsors of key bills, we hope you’ll reach out, asking them to promptly co-sponsor them. In addition to holding elected officials accountable for their votes, the scorecard creates incentives for federal legislators to assert leadership on humane issues and take the pro-animal position on a range of actions.