SWIMS Act of 2026

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IntroducedPassed one chamberPassed both chambersBecame law (gold)Resolution agreed to (full, dark)Failed or vetoed (gray)

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Not yet voted on. This bill is still a proposal: it hasn't reached a floor vote, and its text can change in committee or on the floor before any vote.

D DelBeneSponsor

26 cosponsors · 26 D

23 signed on when it was introduced; the rest joined later. Cosponsors who withdrew aren't shown.

Strengthening Welfare in Marine Settings Act of 2026 or the SWIMS Act of 2026

What it does: CRS summary · Introduced in House · Oct 9, 2026

Strengthening Welfare in Marine Settings Act of 2026 or the SWIMS Act of 2026

This bill establishes prohibitions on capturing, importing, exporting, or breeding of orcas, beluga whales, false killer whales, or pilot whales for the purpose of public display.

Specifically, the bill prohibits the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration from issuing any permit under the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 that authorizes the taking (e.g., capturing) or importation of such orcas or whales for the purpose of public display. The bill further revises the act to make it unlawful to export such orcas or whales, unless they are being transported to marine mammal sanctuaries or for release into the wild.

Further, the bill makes it unlawful under the Animal Welfare Act for any person to breed or artificially inseminate such marine mammals for purposes of using their progeny for public display.

Written by the nonpartisan Congressional Research Service. All summary versions on Congress.gov

About this bill and sources

Official title: SWIMS Act of 2026

Also known as: Strengthening Welfare in Marine Settings Act of 2026

Latest action (Oct 9, 2026): Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committee on Agriculture, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

Policy area: Animals · Origin: House · Introduced: Oct 9, 2026

Official page on Congress.gov · Bill text (GovInfo) · Status record (XML)

No recorded floor vote found.