MAWS Act of 2026
Sponsor: Sarah Elfreth (D-MD)
This bill requires the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to establish a pilot program to facilitate the purchase of blue catfish caught within the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. ) Under the program, NOAA must enter into cooperative agreements with manufacturers or processors of pet food, animal feed, or aquaculture feed for the purchase of blue catfish from watermen and seafood processors. NOAA must determine the minimum price per pound after considering market factors; feedback from watermen, seafood processors, and participants in the program; and differentiation of price points for fillet and byproduct.
Public Lands and Natural Resources Topic assigned by the Congressional Research Service.
Who won, and how much of the country was behind them
The dotted gap is 11.4% of U.S. adults whose member did not vote, voted “present,” or whose seat was vacant.
| Side | Outcome | Votes | Share of U.S. adults |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yea | Won | 320 | 73.1% |
| Nay | Lost | 66 | 15.5% |
| Not represented on this question | No position taken | 0 | 11.4% |