Endangered Species Act

Republicans Cancel Vote on Bill to Weaken Endangered Species Act After Party Opposition

House Republicans abruptly canceled a scheduled vote on the ESA Amendments Act, which would weaken endangered species protections, after concerns from Florida lawmakers worried about oil and gas drilling in the Gulf of Mexico. The bill, introduced by Rep. Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.), faced opposition from Republicans representing tourism-dependent areas along the Gulf, with Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.) posting 'Don\'t tread on my turtles. Protected means protected.' The vote was scheduled for Earth Day.