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H.R.5552 / 116th Congress

Migratory Bird Protection Act of 2020

Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 386.

Official summary

Version 07 · Reported to House · Sep 1, 2020

Migratory Bird Protection Act of 2020

This bill prohibits the incidental taking (e.g., capturing or killing) of migratory birds by commercial activities unless the activity is authorized under a permit or is identified as posing de minimis risk to migratory birds.

The Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) must regulate such incidental taking, including by (1) issuing general permits for certain industries, (2) creating a mitigation fee for any incidental taking of migratory birds, and (3) identifying categories of de minimis risk activities that are exempt from liability for the taking of migratory birds.

In addition, the FWS must establish and maintain a research program: (1) to evaluate the impacts of commercial activities on birds, (2) to evaluate the effectiveness of best management practices and technologies to avoid or minimize such impacts, and (3) to develop new or improved best management practices and technologies.

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Who introduced it

Rep. Lowenthal, Alan S. [D-CA-47] · D–CA

Committees

  • Natural Resources Committee
95 cosponsorship records, including any withdrawals

Actions

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  1. Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 386.

  2. Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 116-482.

  3. Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 116-482.

  4. Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 20 - 14.

  5. Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.

  6. Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.

  7. Introduced in House

  8. Introduced in House

  9. Hearings Held by the Subcommittee on Water, Oceans, and Wildlife Prior to Introduction.

Bill text & related measures

Text links open the official source. We currently store references to these documents.

Related bills identified by Congress.gov

No related bills are listed in this snapshot. This does not establish whether the proposal has appeared in earlier Congresses.

Source last updated: Apr 7, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.

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Neutral evidence review

Objective

Analyze H.R.5552 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.

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Fairness and public impact

Progressive lens

Examine H.R.5552 through a progressive lens, focusing on fairness, access, economic inequality, and effects on vulnerable communities. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and distinguish stated goals from demonstrated outcomes.

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Institutions and government scope

Conservative lens

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Individual rights and government power

Liberty lens

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