# Plain Language Summary: American Sovereignty and Species Protection Act

This bill makes two main changes to how the federal government protects endangered animals. First, it prevents the government from protecting non-native species under the Endangered Species Act. In practical terms, this means if an animal doesn't naturally live in the United States, the federal government cannot declare it endangered or threatened, even if that species is dying out elsewhere in the world. So if a rare tiger in India or a specific frog species in Brazil were facing extinction, the U.S. government would no longer be able to use federal endangered species protections for them.

The second part of the bill restricts how the government can spend money to help endangered species. Currently, the government can use federal funds to buy or lease land and water anywhere in the world to protect endangered animals. This bill says that money can no longer be used to purchase land or water in foreign countries. The government could still spend money on other conservation efforts abroad, like research or education programs, but it cannot buy property outside U.S. borders for species protection.

The bill's supporters argue these changes protect American sovereignty and keep federal resources focused on protecting species within U.S. territory. Critics might worry that it limits the government's ability to help prevent global extinctions and could reduce international conservation efforts. For most everyday Americans, the practical impact would likely be minimal unless you're involved in wildlife conservation work or international environmental organizations.

American Sovereignty and Species Protection Act

Biggs, Andy

American Sovereignty and Species Protection Act This bill limits the protection of endangered or threatened species to species that are native to the United States. In addition, the bill prohibits certain funding for endangered or threatened species from being used to acquire lands, waters, or other interests in foreign countries.