Expressing support for continued Federal commitment to repopulation and recovery efforts for the red wolf in North Carolina and across the country.

Bill Number

H.Res. 642

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Animals

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-08-08: Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.

Last Updated

2025-09-18T19:30:27Z

AI-Generated Summary

H. Res. 642 Summary

Purpose

This resolution expresses support for ongoing Federal efforts to repopulate and recover the red wolf population in North Carolina and nationwide. It emphasizes the need for continued partnerships among Federal, State, local, educational, and nonprofit entities.

Key Provisions

• Recognizes the red wolf as an endangered species and the most endangered member of the Canis genus, unique to North America and serving as an apex predator essential for ecosystem balance.
• Notes the species' historical range across the eastern United States from New York to Florida and west to Texas.
• Highlights the 1967 Federal listing as threatened with extinction, the start of recovery efforts, and the establishment of the Red Wolf Recovery Program in 1973, which enabled the first reintroduction of a carnivore declared extinct in the wild in 1987.
• Identifies the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as the sponsor of the sole Federal program for restoring wild red wolf populations.
• States there are currently 270 captive red wolves maintained through zoological parks and repopulation programs, with the only wild population (estimated at 15 individuals) located in eastern North Carolina's Albemarle-Pamlico Peninsula.
• Acknowledges the role of biologists, zoologists, volunteers, and others in recovery work.
• References bipartisan presidential actions approving programs such as wildlife corridors to protect species like the red wolf.
• Describes wildlife corridors as landscape features managed to enhance ecological connectivity, reduce habitat fragmentation, and support species movement.
• Notes specific plans for wildlife corridors along Route 64 in the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge to protect red wolves and improve motorist safety through underpasses.
• Resolves that the House of Representatives supports continued Federal commitment to these efforts.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This is a non-binding resolution and introduces no amendments or changes to existing statutes, including the Endangered Species Act or related recovery programs.

Potential Impacts

• May encourage sustained Federal funding and agency resources for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Red Wolf Recovery Program and associated initiatives.
• Could support expansion of wildlife corridors and related infrastructure in North Carolina, potentially benefiting both wildlife movement and road safety for local motorists.
• Has no direct effects on international relations but reinforces domestic conservation priorities.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and other Federal agencies involved in species recovery.
• Zoological parks, repopulation programs, biologists, and volunteers.
• Residents and communities in eastern North Carolina, particularly those near the Albemarle-Pamlico Peninsula and Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge.
• State and local governments in North Carolina, as well as educational and nonprofit organizations.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Aligns with existing Federal authority under endangered species protections without creating new legal obligations.
• Highlights bipartisan support across recent presidential administrations for wildlife conservation measures.
• Carries symbolic weight in signaling congressional priorities but lacks enforceable provisions.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Foushee, Valerie P. [D-NC-4]

Cosponsors (1)

Rep. Murphy, Gregory F. [R-NC-3]

Recent Actions

• 2025-08-08: Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
• 2025-08-08: Submitted in House
• 2025-08-08: Submitted in House

Bill Versions

• Expressing support for continued Federal commitment to repopulation and recovery efforts for the red wolf in North Carolina and across the country. — issued 2025-08-08 — PDF (3 pages)