The Senate on Wednesday shot down legislation to stop a Biden-era plan encouraging the killing of one species of owl to save another. The resolution, sponsored by Louisiana Republican Sen. John Kennedy, failed with a 25-72 vote, signaling a narrow defeat for those seeking to block the administration’s proposed action.
Senator Kennedy, known for his fiery rhetoric, argued that the federal regulation was an example of overreach by the administrative state. He described the policy as ‘stupid’ and warned that the government would ‘live to regret it.’ His comments were bolstered by posters of owls and the infamous cartoon character Elmer Fudd, symbolizing his stance against what he perceives as federal overreach.
The vote marked the latest in a series of challenges to Biden administration policies, with Republicans leveraging the Congressional Review Act to undo regulations. Kennedy’s resolution targeted the Fish and Wildlife Service plan, which aims to save the northern spotted owl by culling barred owls. The Trump administration’s support for the measure highlights the political and economic stakes, as loggers claim that reversing the policy could disrupt existing land-use plans and impact GOP efforts to boost logging.
Environmental advocates are divided on the issue. While some animal rights supporters align with Kennedy, others argue for the protection of the endangered spotted owl. The debate reflects broader tensions between conservation efforts and industry interests, with lawmakers across the aisle expressing conflicting views on the policy’s merits. Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas) supported the resolution, echoing Kennedy’s concerns, while Environment and Public Works Chair Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) emphasized the policy’s alignment with the Trump administration’s approach, noting the rare bipartisan agreement on environmental issues.