To amend the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 to allow importation of polar bear trophies taken in sport hunts in Canada before the date the polar bear was determined to be a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973.

# Summary of HR 6251 **What the Bill Would Do:** This bill would change current law to allow the importation of polar bear hunting trophies into the United States from Canada, specifically for bears that were hunted before polar bears were officially classified as a threatened species under federal law. Currently, federal law restricts importing polar bear trophies to protect the species from overhunting. **Who It Affects:** The bill would primarily affect trophy hunters who have already hunted polar bears in Canada and want to bring their trophies back to the U.S., as well as trophy import/export businesses.

It could also impact polar bear conservation efforts, since restrictions on trophy imports are designed to help protect the species. **Current Status:** The bill was introduced in the 119th Congress by Representative Nicholas Begich (R-Alaska) and remains in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full House of Representatives. The bill has not advanced beyond the initial committee stage.