119th (2025–2027)
H.R. 6251
H.R. 6251 would allow Americans to import polar bear trophies from sport hunts in Canada that were legally harvested before polar bears were listed as threatened species. Specifically, the bill permits the import of polar bear parts (excluding internal organs) if they were taken before February 18, 1997, or before May 15, 2008, depending on the polar bear population involved. The bill amends the Marine Mammal Protection Act to direct the Interior Secretary to issue import permits for these trophies without applying certain environmental protections and regulatory restrictions that currently apply to new polar bear imports. The legislation affects trophy hunters and hunting organizations seeking to bring back polar bear hunting trophies obtained years ago. No new funding or specific timeline requirements are included in the bill beyond requiring the Secretary to issue permits "expeditiously" after a 30-day review period.