Strongly backed by the sportfishing industry, Dingell-Johnson collects an excise tax of up to 10% on the sale of most fishing equipment. In turn, this excise tax funding is distributed to states, tribes, and territories to fund habitat restoration, fisheries research and public access improvements.

For 75 years, Dingell-Johnson has generated over $12 billion to support fishery restoration, boating access, and infrastructure for recreational anglers. In 2024 alone, $381 million was invested back into all 50 states to support over 320 state fish hatcheries, 9,000 access sites, and engage 850,000 students in conservation and fishing programs — protecting treasured fish species while motivating the next generation of anglers.

The current authorization of Dingell-Johnson is set to expire in late 2026. If Congress does not reauthorize this legislation by then, the hundreds of millions of dollars generated through this program each year will disappear. 

On June 10th, Representatives Debbie Dingell (D-MI) and Rob Wittman (R-VA) introduced the Sport Fish Restoration, Recreational Boating Safety, and Wildlife Restoration Act of 2025, while Senators Sullivan (R-AK) and Cantwell (D-WA) later introduced companion legislation in the Senate. If approved, these bills would reauthorize the Dingell-Johnson Act through 2031, providing necessary support to one of the most important fisheries conservation programs in the U.S. 

Take action today! Urge your elected officials to cosponsor this legislation now!