The House Natural Resources Committee approved legislation Thursday that would remove federal protections for the Mexican wolf despite strong opposition from Democrats who argue the change will eventually drive the wolves back to the brink of extinction.
The committee also voted to approve seven other public lands and wildlife bills via unanimous consent during an often-contentious markup hearing.
Lawmakers clashed markedly over Arizona Republican Rep. Paul Gosar’s H.R. 4255, which would eliminate Endangered Species Act protections for the Mexican wolf.
The “Enhancing Safety for Animals Act” advanced out of committee by a 23-13 vote, with only Democratic Rep. Adam Gray, who represents a farm-and-ranching district in California’s Central Valley, crossing party lines to support it.
