Defenders of Wildlife Unveils 2025 Conservation Report Card for 119th Congress

Defenders of Wildlife today released its 2025 Conservation Report Card for the 119th Congress, measuring members’ commitment to upholding federal laws that protect wildlife conservation during its first session. The report card analyzes nine House votes and nine Senate votes with significant implications for wildlife, habitat and the environment.  

“This report serves as an educational resource for constituents who seek a clear overview of how their elected officials responded to critical wildlife legislation,” said Mary Beth Beetham, director of legislative affairs at Defenders of Wildlife. “Congress took several votes to weaken conservation protections last year, including attacks on the integrity of the Endangered Species Act – a bedrock law that has prevented 99% of listed species from extinction – disregarding science to the detriment of wildlife.”  

Much like in the previous Congress, public lands remained a central target with proposals to ease environmental review processes to benefit logging, oil and mining interests over science-driven decision making. However, two harmful attempts to further undermine the ESA were rejected by both chambers, representing an urgent win for wildlife and habitat.  

“The votes we scored are critical to defending America’s lands and wildlife and we applaud the members who stood against these damaging bills,” said Beetham. “It’s important now more than ever for allies of wildlife everywhere to step up to join the fight against extinction.”  

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