The SWIMS Act of 2026 would prohibit the capture, breeding, and trade of four species of whales—orcas, beluga whales, false killer whales, and pilot whales—for public display in facilities like aquariums and marine parks. The bill amends two existing federal laws to ban the taking and importation of these cetaceans for display purposes, though it allows exceptions for transporting animals to marine sanctuaries or releasing them into the wild. The legislation also makes it illegal for anyone to breed these whale species or artificially inseminate them if the offspring would be used for public display. Congress's stated reasoning is that these large-brained marine mammals suffer significantly in captivity, exhibit signs of psychological distress, and have complex social and emotional needs that concrete tanks cannot meet. The bill directly affects facilities currently housing these species and would apply immediately upon enactment, with no specific implementation timeline or funding mechanism outlined.