Congressional Record

Tuesday, June 2, 2026

Vol. 172, No. 93 · 119th Congress, 2nd session

House of Representatives

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The House met at noon and was called to order by the Speaker pro tempore (Mr. Jackson of Texas).

Designation of Speaker Pro Tempore

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The SPEAKER pro tempore laid before the House the following communication from the Speaker:

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June 2, 2026. I hereby appoint the Honorable Ronny Jackson to act as Speaker pro tempore on this day. Mike Johnson, Speaker of the House of Representatives.

Morning-Hour Debate

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The SPEAKER pro tempore

Pursuant to the order of the House of January 6, 2026, the Chair will now recognize Members from lists submitted by the majority and minority leaders for morning-hour debate. The Chair will alternate recognition between the parties, with time equally allocated between the parties and each Member other than the majority and minority leaders and the minority whip limited to 5 minutes, but in no event shall debate continue beyond 1:50 p.m.

Recognizing 82nd Anniversary of D-Day and Battle of Normandy

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(Mr. Joyce of Pennsylvania was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.)

John Joyce (R-PA)

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the 82nd anniversary of D-day and the Battle of Normandy. On June 6, 1944, more than 150,000 Allied troops, nearly half of them Americans, stormed the beaches of Normandy in one of the most consequential military operations that has ever been undertaken. Their actions not only changed the course of World War II but also left an enduring legacy of courage that continues to this day to inspire. Recently, I had the honor of visiting the Normandy American Cemetery, where I visited the grave of Harry Snyder of Pennsylvania. Harry gave his life for our Nation. During my visit, I had the privilege of reading a letter written posthumously by Anne Snyder, Harry's daughter. In the letter she wrote: "Dad, although your legacy is occasionally dimmed, it always emerges triumphant in the hearts and minds of the young and not so young. Rest well until the day that we meet again." Standing among the graves of those who gave their lives for freedom serves as a powerful reminder of the immense cost of liberty and our enduring obligation to preserve that liberty. Mr. Speaker, may we never forget their heroic actions. May we never forget their service. May we never forget the profound debt of gratitude that we owe each and every one of them.

John Joyce (R-PA)

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the Richland School District on its selection as a Great Pennsylvania School. Presented by the Pennsylvania School Boards Association, the designation recognizes school districts across Pennsylvania for academic excellence. As Superintendent Arnold Nadonley stated, this recognition speaks volumes about the entire school district. Mr. Speaker, I join with constituents throughout Cambria County in congratulating the Richland School District, Superintendent Nadonley, and the school board of directors on this incredible designation as one of the great Pennsylvania schools.

John Joyce (R-PA)

Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate the Jaffa Shriners of Blair County on the Jaffa Shrine being placed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Jaffa Shrine has been a venerable resource for the greater Altoona community since it opened in 1930. A cultural landmark on Broad Avenue, the Jaffa Shrine has brought people of all backgrounds together for multiple special events. The selection of the Jaffa Shrine for the National Register of Historic Places is a testament to the National Park Service's vital mission to identify America's historic landmarks. With a distinguished legacy of community enrichment and historic importance, the Jaffa Shrine has merited this profound recognition. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate all Jaffa Shriners for this designation.

John Joyce (R-PA)

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the dedicated public service of Joe Diamond of Bellwood, Pennsylvania. Joe has provided outstanding leadership as the Region 4 director at the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau for 32 years. Region 4's service area spans across a large portion of Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District. Joe, described as an expert in agriculture and farming, is the second-longest tenured staff member in the entire Pennsylvania Farm Bureau. Raised on his family's dairy farm, Joe is fulfilling a lifelong passion with his career in agriculture. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of all the constituents in Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District, I personally thank Joe Diamond for his distinguished legacy of advocacy on behalf of farmers and his significant impact on agriculture throughout the entire Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Recognizing 50th Anniversary of Sterling American Legion Post 150 Memorial

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RECOGNIZING 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF STERLING AMERICAN LEGION POST 150 MEMORIAL (Mr. Subramanyam of Virginia was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.)

Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA)

Mr. Speaker, this past Memorial Day, my office joined the Loudoun community in honoring the 50th Anniversary of the Sterling American Legion Post 150 Memorial. It was 50 years ago that Post 150, led by committee Chairman Jack Kapp, established the park on Memorial Day 1976. They recognized that our community needed a place to remember those who served and those who never returned home. As part of this important anniversary, my office was proud to provide four American flags that will now fly over the memorial next year. For 50 years, the Sterling American Legion Post 150 Memorial has stood as a reminder that freedom is never free and that the sacrifices of our fallen must never be forgotten. The members of Post 150 continue that mission every single day through their support for veterans and military families. Places like this memorial preserve the service and sacrifice of our fallen heroes for future generations. They must also serve as a reminder that actions are just as important as words and symbols. That means supporting our veterans and military families here in Congress. Mr. Speaker, may we always remember and recognize those who made the ultimate sacrifice for this Nation.

Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA)

Mr. Speaker, over the past year and a half, 10,000 USAID employees were forced out of their jobs. Many of them were my constituents, and many with decades of diplomatic experience were pushed into retirement as the agency was illegally dismantled. That was bad enough for them and for our country's security and safety, but now former USAID constituents are reaching out, saying that they aren't getting their full and accurate retirement annuities. In many cases, USAID retirees have received no benefits at all since July of 2025, benefits that they earned and are legally entitled to. This also includes discontinued health insurance, as well, making life hard for them and their families. As a result, according to the recent surveys of these USAID employees, 85 percent of them have experienced negative financial impacts, and 76 percent report negative impacts on their mental health. When people try to contact USAID's H.R. office for help, staff there have reportedly been directed to ignore emails and calls and funnel all outreach into a single ticket system. It is almost deliberately inefficient. When our constituents try to call to speak to a live staff member, they aren't able to. Questions are going unanswered, and people are left in the dark, waiting without pay while facing mortgages, college tuition payments, and rising costs of groceries and gas. Not paying retirees their earned benefits is a slap in the face to the people who dedicated their careers to public service and making America strong and secure through their work abroad. Mr. Speaker, I urge the administration to stop breaking the law and stealing from USAID employees. They must immediately fix this. That means issuing all owed retirement benefits to every eligible USAID employee.

Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA)

Mr. Speaker, on May 22, USCIS released a policy memo that it would grant adjustment of status from within the United States only in extraordinary circumstances. This broad policy abandons over 70 years of law and precedent. It is pulling the rug out from under families who have worked to be together and from businesses that thought their workers would continue to be able to work. It is effectively forcing hardworking students, family members, and entrepreneurs on a pathway to a green card to leave the country for many years while they wait for their status to change. Almost immediately, my office was flooded with inquiries about what this will mean for families. Over a week later, USCIS has tried to clarify their original memo. One spokesman said that people who provide an economic benefit will likely be able to continue on their current path. With no specific details, families are left with more questions than answers. Yesterday, I sent a letter to USCIS seeking clarification on how they plan to implement this policy but also urging the agency to immediately reverse it. Our immigrant communities that are doing everything right should not be punished. Our businesses, already struggling under the economic chaos of this administration, should not suddenly be told that many of their employees won't be able to continue working. These policies are undermining our greatest strength by driving away talent, innovation, and leaders in communities across the country and across the world. Mr. Speaker, these policies signal that the United States cannot be trusted to keep the promises it makes to immigrant communities and, really, to anyone. I urge my colleagues to join me in opposing this USCIS policy.

Recognizing Jax Gents

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(Mr. Bean of Florida was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.)

Aaron Bean (R-FL)

Mr. Speaker, they say the only thing harder than winning a championship is defending it. Don't tell that to the Jax Gents stomp team from Jacksonville, Florida, because, right now, they are celebrating back-to-back national championships. The Jax Gents are one of northeast Florida's premier youth leadership programs committed to developing young men through discipline, service, and excellence. This year, they once again stepped onto the national stage, earning their second Stomp Wars USA National Championship. This is more than just a trophy, Mr. Speaker. Through the art of step, these young men are developing teamwork and character as they grow into confident young leaders. Whether on stage, in the classroom, or at home, they proudly embody the Jax Gents core values of humility, scholarship, and leadership. A very special recognition to Head Coach Shomari Gloster, whose talent, mentorship, and unwavering dedication to these young men have not only shaped the championship team, but the young men that they are becoming. Mr. Speaker, the Jax Gents' steps made history, and their future is already marching toward greatness. I congratulate the Jax Gents. Northeast Florida is very proud of them.

Recess

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The SPEAKER pro tempore

Pursuant to clause 12(a) of rule I, the Chair declares the House in recess until 2 p.m. today.

Accordingly (at 12 o'clock and 13 minutes p.m.), the House stood in recess.

After Recess

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The recess having expired, the House was called to order by the Speaker at 2 p.m.

Prayer

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The Chaplain, the Reverend Margaret Grun Kibben, offered the following prayer: Spirit of the living God, be present among us and renew our spirits, for Your spirit alone gives wisdom and understanding--the ability to perceive in these days what is right and eternal and avoid what would be easier and more convenient. Your spirit gives direction and builds strength, offering us counsel and perseverance to see the way through the complexities of the discussions laid before us. It is Your holy spirit who instills in us the knowledge and the fear of the Lord. Far from frightening, Your spirit enables us to perceive the power of Your mercy and the capaciousness of Your grace, freeing us to be who You desire us to be and to do what You ask of us to do in this place. O holy spirit, inspire our innermost souls and enrich our attitudes throughout this day that we would strive for holiness. O divine presence, remind us constantly of Your nearness, that we would be encouraged to share in Your divine work in the world. We ask for the strength You offer to us when we pray in Your name. Amen.

The Journal

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The SPEAKER

The Chair has examined the Journal of the last day's proceedings and announces to the House the approval thereof. Pursuant to clause 1 of rule I, the Journal stands approved.

Pledge of Allegiance

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The SPEAKER

Will the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Griffith) come forward and lead the House in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Mr. GRIFFITH led the Pledge of Allegiance as follows:

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I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Honoring the 82nd Anniversary of D-Day

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(Mr. GRIFFITH asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)

H. Morgan Griffith (R-VA)

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the 82nd anniversary of D-Day. On June 6, 1944, American soldiers raced into the mouth of the Nazi war machine, storming the beaches of Normandy. For the town of Bedford, Virginia, D-Day is always particularly poignant. Twenty boys from Bedford lost their lives on D-Day. Bedford suffered the highest D-Day death toll per capita of any American community. We honor and remember our D-Day heroes with the National D-Day Memorial located in Bedford. This year, the memorial celebrates its 25th anniversary. However, this will be the first D-Day since the passing of memorial advocate Lucille Hoback Boggess. Ms. Hoback Boggess had two brothers killed on D-Day, and she helped lead efforts to create the memorial with founder Bob Slaughter. We continue to follow in her footsteps, preserving the legacy of her brothers and the many heroes who served in Normandy and through their heroism cracked the wall of Hitler's fortress Europe.

FEDERAL WORKER NDAs

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(Mr. SUBRAMANYAM asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)

Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA)

Mr. Speaker, as I was saying before, what do you do when people in your administration constantly break the law? Do you clean house of all corruption and self-dealing or increase transparency and accountability? Well, this administration decided to go the opposite direction and just announced a plan last week to require all Federal workers to sign NDAs. The new message: If you see something, don't say something, even if that something is against the law. These NDAs aren't just meant to cover sensitive, internal deliberations or classified information. They apply to nearly everything going on inside the administration, even the illegal stuff. This is about silencing whistleblowers. This is about punishing people who speak out about waste, fraud, and abuse. This is about putting loyalty to the President above service to our country and the Federal workforce. If you want to fight waste, fraud, and abuse in government, if you actually want to put our country first, then join me in fighting these Federal worker loyalty NDAs.

Recess

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The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Knott)

Pursuant to clause 12(a) of rule I, the Chair declares the House in recess subject to the call of the Chair.

Accordingly (at 2 o'clock and 6 minutes p.m.), the House stood in recess.

After Recess

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The recess having expired, the House was called to order by the Speaker pro tempore (Mr. Meuser) at 2 o'clock and 30 minutes p.m.

Permission to Postpone Proceedings on the Vote on Adoption of H. Con. Res. 86 Until June 3, 2026

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PERMISSION TO POSTPONE PROCEEDINGS ON THE VOTE ON ADOPTION OF H. CON. RES. 86 UNTIL JUNE 3, 2026

Darrell Issa (R-CA)

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that notwithstanding clause 8 of rule XX, further proceedings on the vote by the yeas and nays on the question of adoption of H. Con. Res. 86 may be postponed until the legislative day of June 3, 2026.

The SPEAKER pro tempore

Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from California?

There was no objection.

Announcement by the Speaker Pro Tempore

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The SPEAKER pro tempore

Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, the Chair will postpone further proceedings today on motions to suspend the rules on which a recorded vote or the yeas and nays are ordered, or votes objected to under clause 6 of rule XX. The House will resume proceedings on postponed questions at a later time.

Transfer of Land Into Trust for the Pechanga Band of Indians

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Bruce Westerman (R-AR)

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 5682) to take certain land in the State of California into trust for the benefit of the Pechanga Band of Indians, and for other purposes, as amended.

The Clerk read the title of the bill. The text of the bill is as follows:

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Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. TRANSFER OF LAND INTO TRUST FOR THE PECHANGA BAND OF INDIANS. (a) In General.--Subject to valid existing rights and the conditions described in subsection (c), the covered land is hereby taken into trust for the benefit of the Tribe. (b) Administration.--The land taken into trust under subsection (a) shall be-- (1) part of the reservation of the Tribe; and (2) administered in accordance with the laws and regulations generally applicable to property held in trust by the United States for the benefit of an Indian Tribe. (c) Conditions.-- (1) In general.--The land taken into trust under subsection (a) shall be-- (A) subject to all valid encumbrances, liens, rights-of-way, reciprocal road rights-of-way agreements, licenses, leases, permits, and easements existing on the date of the enactment of this Act; (B) maintained as open space; and (C) used only for-- (i) purposes consistent with the maintenance of the land as open space; and (ii) the protection, preservation, and maintenance of the archaeological, cultural, and wildlife resources on the land. (2) Construction and maintenance.--Nothing in this paragraph prohibits the construction or maintenance of utilities or structures that are-- (A) consistent with the maintenance of the land taken into trust under subsection (a) as open space; and (B) constructed for the protection, preservation, and maintenance of the archaeological, cultural, and wildlife resources on the land. (3) Prohibition on gaming.--The land taken into trust under subsection (a) shall not be used for any class II gaming or class III gaming under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (as those terms are defined in section 4 of that Act (25 U.S.C. 2703)). (d) Rights and Agreements.--Nothing in this Act shall alter, or require the alteration of, any existing water rights or service agreements. (e) Map on File.--The Map shall be kept on file and available for public inspection in the appropriate offices of the Bureau of Land Management. (f) Definitions.--In this Act: (1) Covered land.--The term "covered land" means all right, title, and interest of the United States in and to the approximately 860 acres of land in Riverside County, California, administered by the Bureau of Land Management and generally depicted as "Proposed Pechanga Land Conveyance Parcel" on the Map. (2) Map.--The term "Map" means the map titled "BLM Lands into Trust for the Pechanga Band of Indians", and dated August 21, 2025. (3) Secretary.--The term "Secretary" means the Secretary of the Interior. (4) Tribe.--The term "Tribe" means the Pechanga Band of Indians.

The SPEAKER pro tempore

Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Westerman) and the gentlewoman from New Mexico (Ms. Stansbury) each will control 20 minutes. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Arkansas.

Bruce Westerman (R-AR)

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on H.R. 5682, the bill under consideration.

The SPEAKER pro tempore

Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from Arkansas?

There was no objection.

Bruce Westerman (R-AR)

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise to support H.R. 5682, introduced by Congressman Issa, which would place approximately 860 acres of Bureau of Land Management land into trust for the Pechanga Band of Indians. Located in Temecula, California, the Pechanga Band has a deep desire to protect its ancestral and cultural land. This includes the Pu'eska Mountain, which is central to the Pechanga's creation stories and spiritual life. The Pechanga Band was able to purchase Pu'eska Mountain in 2012 and placed it into trust in 2015. The 860 acres of BLM-managed land conveyed in this legislation are interspersed within the Pechanga Band's existing holdings, including the Pu'eska Mountain. This unwieldy checkerboard pattern of land ownership has complicated the Pechanga Band's access to and stewardship of its sacred land. With this transfer, however, the Tribe will consolidate its ownership and will reasonably maintain the land. The legislation requires that the land remain as open space and be used only for cultural and conservation purposes. The bill also includes an explicit prohibition on gaming, pursuant to the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. I want to thank my friend Mr. Issa for working diligently with the Pechanga Band to develop H.R. 5682, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Melanie A. Stansbury (D-NM)

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise in support of H.R. 5682, which will return ancestral homelands in southern California to the Pechanga Band of Indians. The lands that would be returned under this bill are located within the Pu'eska Mountain, a sacred site with cultural, historic, and religious significance to the Tribe. In the mid-2000s, the Tribe fought tirelessly to protect these lands from destructive mining that would have destroyed the mountain. They ultimately purchased and took into trust much of these lands. In addition to the Tribe, the Bureau of Land Management holds several parcels on the mountain, including approximately 1,261 acres adjacent to the Tribe's trust land. H.R. 5682 will take these lands into trust for the benefit of the Tribe, consolidating most of the mountain into Tribal trust land and allowing the Tribe to steward their ancestral lands. I urge my colleagues to support the passage of this legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Bruce Westerman (R-AR)

Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Issa), the lead sponsor of this bill.

Darrell Issa (R-CA)

I thank the chairman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, this is not the first or the second time the Pechanga have reached out to expand these historic and ancestral lands and to preserve them. We have a long track history now of the Pechanga Indians taking into trust and improving the lands that they have purchased or that are transferred. Previously, the Bureau of Land Management came to us and said: We have land we cannot afford to maintain. It has no value. It is a mountainside. Is there any interest in it by the Native American Tribes in the area? We were pleasantly surprised to discover that, yes, there was. And, in fact, they had for years been clandestinely trying to do what they could to preserve the land. As many people know, California's Native Americans were landless for many years, displaced by the Spaniards, taken away, and not until Ulysses S. Grant did they begin returning to their ancestral homes. As a result, there are massive amounts of their historic lands that either lie in private hands or public hands. Pechanga has bought at its own expense private lands, in this case public lands which are not able to be maintained properly and which would have a cost to the Federal Government. These lands will be taken over and maintained by the Pechanga Band of Native American Indians. That means that the Federal Government saves money through this transfer. More importantly, their stewardship has, in fact, been good for the surrounding area. As many people know, fires rage in southern California on a regular basis. Land that is not properly maintained, especially with low-lying, highly flammable shrubbery, burns quickly and spreads to surrounding areas. Under the Pechanga stewardship, that will be partially abated and, in fact, managed. Lastly, Pechanga at its own expense has built a large fire department, one that maintains these lands as well or better than the surrounding communities. That means for Temecula, Riverside County, and other areas, again, this is a savings at the expense of the Tribe. They do this because of the importance of the land to their people. For that reason, I ask that this be moved forward positively on behalf of the Federal Government's benefit and the benefit of our Native Americans.

Bruce Westerman (R-AR)

Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time. I am prepared to close, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Melanie A. Stansbury (D-NM)

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Bruce Westerman (R-AR)

Mr. Speaker, again, the Pechanga Band of Indians have worked to consolidate their ancestral and cultural land for years. The conveyance authorized by this legislation will unwind much of the checkerboard pattern that has prevented the Pechanga Band from readily accessing its lands, including its most sacred site, the Pu'eska Mountain. I thank Mr. Issa for his work on this straightforward but important legislation. I support H.R. 5682, and I yield back the balance of my time.

The SPEAKER pro tempore

The question is on the motion offered by the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Westerman) that the House suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 5682, as amended.

The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the rules were suspended and the bill, as amended, was passed. A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

Unrecognized Southeast Alaska Native Communities Recognition and Compensation Act

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Bruce Westerman (R-AR)

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 41) to provide for the recognition of certain Alaska Native communities and the settlement of certain claims under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, and for other purposes, as amended.

The Clerk read the title of the bill. The text of the bill is as follows: H.R. 41

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Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the "Unrecognized Southeast Alaska Native Communities Recognition and Compensation Act". SEC. 2. PURPOSE. The purpose of this Act is to redress the omission of the southeastern Alaska communities of Haines, Ketchikan, Petersburg, Tenakee, and Wrangell from eligibility under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (43 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.) by authorizing the Alaska Natives enrolled in the communities-- (1) to form Urban Corporations for the communities of Haines, Ketchikan, Petersburg, Tenakee, and Wrangell under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (43 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.); and (2) to receive certain settlement land pursuant to that Act. SEC. 3. ESTABLISHMENT OF ADDITIONAL NATIVE CORPORATIONS. Section 16 of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (43 U.S.C. 1615) is amended by adding at the end the following: "(e) Native Villages of Haines, Ketchikan, Petersburg, Tenakee, and Wrangell, Alaska.-- "(1) In general.--The Native residents of each of the Native Villages of Haines, Ketchikan, Petersburg, Tenakee, and Wrangell, Alaska, may organize as Urban Corporations. "(2) Effect on entitlement to land.--Nothing in this subsection affects any entitlement to land of any Native Corporation established before the date of enactment of this subsection pursuant to this Act or any other provision of law.". SEC. 4. SHAREHOLDER ELIGIBILITY. Section 8 of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (43 U.S.C. 1607) is amended by adding at the end the following: "(d) Native Villages of Haines, Ketchikan, Petersburg, Tenakee, and Wrangell.-- "(1) In general.--The Secretary shall enroll to each of the Urban Corporations for Haines, Ketchikan, Petersburg, Tenakee, or Wrangell those individual Natives who enrolled under this Act to the Native Villages of Haines, Ketchikan, Petersburg, Tenakee, or Wrangell, respectively. "(2) Number of shares.--Each Native who is enrolled to an Urban Corporation for Haines, Ketchikan, Petersburg, Tenakee, or Wrangell pursuant to paragraph (1) and who was enrolled as a shareholder of the Regional Corporation for Southeast Alaska shall receive 100 shares of Settlement Common Stock in the respective Urban Corporation. "(3) Natives receiving shares through inheritance.--If a Native received shares of stock in the Regional Corporation for Southeast Alaska through inheritance from a decedent Native who originally enrolled to the Native Village of Haines, Ketchikan, Petersburg, Tenakee, or Wrangell and the decedent Native was not a shareholder in a Village Corporation or Urban Corporation, the Native shall receive the identical number of shares of Settlement Common Stock in the Urban Corporation for Haines, Ketchikan, Petersburg, Tenakee, or Wrangell as the number of shares inherited by that Native from the decedent Native who would have been eligible to be enrolled to the respective Urban Corporation. "(4) Effect on entitlement to land.--Nothing in this subsection affects any previous or future allocation of acreage to any Regional Corporation pursuant to section 12(b) or 14(h)(8).". SEC. 5. DISTRIBUTION RIGHTS. Section 7 of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (43 U.S.C. 1606) is amended-- (1) in subsection (j)-- (A) in the third sentence, by striking "In the case" and inserting the following: "(3) Thirteenth regional corporation.--In the case"; (B) in the second sentence, by striking "Not less" and inserting the following: "(2) Minimum allocation.--Not less"; (C) by striking "(j) During" and inserting the following: "(j) Distribution of Corporate Funds and Other Net Income.-- "(1) In general.--During"; and (D) by adding at the end the following: "(4) Native villages of haines, ketchikan, petersburg, tenakee, and wrangell.--Native members of the Native Villages of Haines, Ketchikan, Petersburg, Tenakee, and Wrangell who become shareholders in an Urban Corporation for such a Native Village shall continue to be eligible to receive distributions under this subsection as at-large shareholders of the Regional Corporation for Southeast Alaska."; and (2) by adding at the end the following: "(s) Effect of Amendatory Act.--The Unrecognized Southeast Alaska Native Communities Recognition and Compensation Act and the amendments made by that Act shall not affect-- "(1) the ratio for determination of revenue distribution among Native Corporations under this section; or "(2) the settlement agreement among Regional Corporations or Village Corporations or other provisions of subsection (i) or (j).". SEC. 6. COMPENSATION. The Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (43 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following: "SEC. 43. URBAN CORPORATIONS FOR HAINES, KETCHIKAN, PETERSBURG, TENAKEE, AND WRANGELL. "(a) Definition of Urban Corporation.--In this section, the term `Urban Corporation' means each of the Urban Corporations for Haines, Ketchikan, Petersburg, Tenakee, and Wrangell. "(b) Conveyances of Land.-- "(1) Authorization.-- "(A) Conveyances to urban corporations.-- "(i) In general.--Subject to valid existing rights and paragraphs (3), (4), (5), and (6), the Secretary shall convey-- "(I) to the Urban Corporation for Haines, in accordance with clause (ii), the surface estate in 13 parcels of Federal land comprising approximately 23,040 acres, as generally depicted on the maps entitled `Haines Selections', numbered 1 through 3, and dated June 27, 2025; "(II) to the Urban Corporation for Ketchikan, the surface estate in 8 parcels of Federal land comprising approximately 23,040 acres, as generally depicted on the maps entitled `Ketchikan Selections', numbered 1 through 4, and dated June 27, 2025 (except the mining claim AA-91521 in Sec. 4, T. 78 S., R. 88 E., Copper River Meridian, as generally depicted on the map entitled `Kitkun Cove', numbered 1 of 4); "(III) to the Urban Corporation for Petersburg, the surface estate in 12 parcels of Federal land comprising approximately 23,040 acres, as generally depicted on the maps entitled `Petersburg Selections', numbered 1 through 3, and dated June 27, 2025 (except the Lighthouse withdrawals USS Nos. 1710 and 1711, in Sec. 15, 16, and 22, T. 56 S., R. 76 E., Copper River Meridian, as generally depicted on the map entitled `Portage Bay East', numbered 1 of 3); "(IV) to the Urban Corporation for Tenakee, the surface estate in 15 parcels of Federal land comprising approximately 23,040 acres, as generally depicted on the maps entitled `Tenakee Selections', numbered 1 through 3, and dated June 27, 2025; and "(V) to the Urban Corporation for Wrangell, the surface estate in 13 parcels of Federal land comprising approximately 23,040 acres, as generally depicted on the maps entitled `Wrangell Selections', numbered 1 through 5, and dated June 27, 2025. "(ii) Haines phases; conditions.-- "(I) Conveyance phases.--The conveyance to the Urban Corporation for Haines under clause (i)(I) in the selection area at Slate Creek, Berners Bay, as generally depicted on the map entitled `Haines Selections', map 2 of 3, and dated June 27, 2025 (referred to in this subclause as the `Map'), shall be completed in the following 2 phases: "(aa) Phase 1.--The Secretary shall convey to the Urban Corporation for Haines the parcel of Federal land comprising approximately 81 acres, as generally depicted on the Map as `Slate Ck. West Shore'. "(bb) Phase 2.--Subject to the conditions described in subclause (II), and on an application for conveyance by the Urban Corporation for Haines, the Secretary shall convey to the Urban Corporation for Haines-- "(AA) the parcel of Federal land comprising approximately 37 acres, as generally depicted on the Map as `Slate Ck. West Shore North'; and "(BB) the parcel of Federal land comprising approximately 55 acres, as generally depicted on the Map as `Slate Ck. East Shore'. "(II) Phase 2 conditions.--The phase 2 conveyance described in subclause (I)(bb) shall occur on the earliest of the date on which-- "(aa) the Federal mining claims underlying the Federal land described in that subclause are relinquished; "(bb) the Federal mining claims underlying the Federal land described in that subclause are abandoned, on a determination by the Secretary that the Federal mining claims are void and forfeited; and "(cc) Coeur Alaska Inc. (or a successor in interest) consents that the Federal land described in that subclause can be conveyed prior to any relinquishment or abandonment of the Federal mining claims underlying that land. "(B) Conveyances to regional corporation for southeast alaska.--Subject to valid existing rights, on the applicable date on which the surface estate in land is conveyed to an Urban Corporation under subparagraph (A)(i), the Secretary shall convey to the Regional Corporation for Southeast Alaska the subsurface estate for that land. "(C) Congressional intent.-- "(i) In general.--Subject to clause (ii), it is the intent of Congress that the Secretary complete the interim conveyance of the surface estate in land to an Urban Corporation under subparagraph (A)(i) not later than the date that is 2 years after the applicable date of incorporation of the Urban Corporation under section 16(e)(1). "(ii) Exception.--As the Secretary determines to be necessary, the Secretary may extend the 2-year deadline established by clause (i) by not more than 1 year for any individual parcel of land to allow for the conclusion of any pending appeal of a public easement decision for the applicable parcel pursuant to section 17(b), subject to the requirement that the final conveyance of the surface estate with respect to the applicable parcel shall be completed as soon as practicable after the date on which the appeal is concluded. "(D) Finalization of entitlement.--The conveyances under subparagraph (A)(i) of approximately 23,040 acres of land to each Urban Corporation shall be considered to be the full and final satisfaction of the entitlement of the southeastern Alaska communities of Haines, Ketchikan, Petersburg, Tenakee, and Wrangell under this Act, notwithstanding whether the surveyed acreage of the parcels of land described in subclauses (I) through (V) of that subparagraph is less than or more than 23,040 acres in the case of each Urban Corporation. "(2) Withdrawal.-- "(A) In general.--Subject to valid existing rights, the Federal land described in paragraph (1) is withdrawn from all forms of-- "(i) entry, appropriation, or disposal under the public land laws; "(ii) location, entry, and patent under the mining laws; and "(iii) disposition under all laws pertaining to mineral and geothermal leasing or mineral materials. "(B) Termination.--The withdrawal under subparagraph (A) shall remain in effect until the date on which the Federal land is conveyed under paragraph (1). "(3) Treatment of land conveyed.--Except as otherwise provided in this section, any land conveyed to an Urban Corporation under paragraph (1)(A)(i)-- "(A)(i) shall be considered to be land conveyed by the Secretary under paragraph (3) of section 14(h); but "(ii) shall not be subject to the requirements under that section that the land be vacant, unappropriated, and unreserved; and "(B) shall be subject to all laws (including regulations) applicable to entitlements under section 14(h)(3), including section 907(d) of the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (43 U.S.C.
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1636(d)). "(4) Public easements.-- "(A) In general.--Subject to subparagraph (C), the conveyance and patents for the land under paragraph (1)(A)(i) shall be subject to the reservation before the conveyance of public easements under section 17(b). "(B) Termination.--No public easement reserved on land conveyed under paragraph (1)(A)(i) shall be terminated by the Secretary without publication of notice of the proposed termination in the Federal Register. "(C) Reservation of easements.--In the conveyance and patent for any parcel of land under paragraph (1)(A)(i) for which the easement reservation process has not been completed by the date that is 2 years after the applicable date of incorporation of the Urban Corporation under section 16(e)(1), or, in the case of an appeal of a public easement under section 17(b), by the date that is 3 years after the applicable date of incorporation, the Secretary shall-- "(i) convey the parcel of land; and "(ii) as part of the conveyance and patent for the parcel of land under clause (i), reserve the right of the Secretary to amend the conveyance and patent to include reservations of public easements under section 17(b) until the date of completion of the easement reservation process. "(D) State of alaska easements.--Nothing in this Act modifies, changes, or terminates the rights-of-way granted to the State under-- "(i) section 4407 of the SAFETEA-LU (Public Law 109-59; 119 Stat. 1777); or "(ii) the 2006 memorandum of understanding between the State and the Forest Service to implement that section. "(5) Hunting, fishing, recreation, and access.-- "(A) In general.--Any land conveyed under paragraph (1)(A)(i), including access to the land through roadways, trails, and forest roads, shall remain open and available to subsistence uses, noncommercial recreational hunting and fishing, and other noncommercial recreational uses by the public under applicable law-- "(i) without liability on the part of the Urban Corporation, except for willful acts of the Urban Corporation, to any user as a result of the use; and "(ii) subject to-- "(I) any reasonable restrictions that may be imposed by the Urban Corporation on the public use-- "(aa) to ensure public safety; "(bb) to minimize conflicts between recreational and commercial uses; "(cc) to protect cultural resources; "(dd) to conduct scientific research; or "(ee) to provide environmental protection; and "(II) the condition that the Urban Corporation post on any applicable property, in accordance with State law, notices of the restrictions on use. "(B) Effect.--Access provided to any individual or entity under subparagraph (A) shall not-- "(i) create an interest in any third party in the land conveyed under paragraph (1)(A)(i); or "(ii) provide standing to any third party in any review of, or challenge to, any determination by the Urban Corporation with respect to the management or development of the land conveyed under paragraph (1)(A)(i), except as against the Urban Corporation for the management of public access under subparagraph (A). "(6) Miscellaneous.-- "(A) Special use authorizations.-- "(i) In general.--On the conveyance of land to an Urban Corporation under paragraph (1)(A)(i)-- "(I) any guiding or outfitting special use authorization issued by the Forest Service for the use of the conveyed land shall terminate; and "(II) as a condition of the conveyance and consistent with section 14(g), the Urban Corporation shall issue the holder of the special use authorization terminated under subclause (I) an authorization to continue the authorized use, subject to the terms and conditions that were in the special use authorization issued by the Forest Service, for-- "(aa) the remainder of the term of the authorization; and "(bb) 1 additional consecutive 10-year renewal period. "(ii) Notice of commercial activities.--The Urban Corporation, and any holder of a guiding or outfitting authorization under this subparagraph, shall have a mutual obligation, subject to the guiding or outfitting authorization, to inform the other party of any commercial activities prior to engaging in the activities on the land conveyed to the Urban Corporation under paragraph (1)(A)(i). "(iii) Negotiation of new terms.--Nothing in this paragraph precludes the Urban Corporation and the holder of a guiding or outfitting authorization from negotiating a new mutually agreeable guiding or outfitting authorization. "(iv) Liability.--Neither the Urban Corporation nor the United States shall bear any liability, except for willful acts of the Urban Corporation or the United States, regarding the use and occupancy of any land conveyed to the Urban Corporation under paragraph (1)(A)(i), as provided in any outfitting or guiding authorization under this paragraph. "(B) Mutual use agreement for roads and facilities.-- "(i) In general.--The Secretary of Agriculture shall seek to enter into a binding mutual use agreement for-- "(I) the use of National Forest System roads and related transportation facilities (including marine access facilities, log transfer facilities, sort yards, and associated log rafting and storage areas) in the Tongass National Forest by the Urban Corporation and designees of the Urban Corporation; and "(II) the use of the roads and related transportation facilities (including marine access facilities, log transfer facilities, sort yards, and associated log rafting and storage areas) of the Urban Corporation by the Forest Service and designees of the Forest Service. "(ii) Terms and conditions.--The binding mutual use agreement under clause (i)-- "(I) shall provide that the use of road and transportation facilities infrastructure by a third party shall not begin until the date on which the third party signs a mutual use agreement entered into with the Urban Corporation; "(II) shall provide that the State (including entities and designees of the State) shall be authorized to use the roads and related transportation facilities of the Urban Corporation on substantially similar terms as are provided by the Urban Corporation to the Forest Service; "(III) shall include restrictions on, and fees for, the use of the National Forest System roads and related transportation facilities in existence as of the date of enactment of this section, as necessary, that are reasonable and comparable to the restrictions and fees imposed by the Forest Service for the use of the roads and related transportation facilities; "(IV) shall not restrict or limit any access to the roads and related transportation facilities of the Urban Corporation or the Forest Service that may be otherwise provided by valid existing rights and agreements in existence as of the date of enactment of this section; and "(V) shall provide for periodic updates to the mutual use agreement if the terms and conditions of the updated mutual use agreement are consistent with the terms and conditions described in subclauses (I) through (IV). "(iii) Intent of congress.--It is the intent of Congress that the mutual use agreement under clause (i) shall be entered into as soon as practicable after the date of enactment of this section and in any case by not later than 1 year after the date of incorporation of the Urban Corporation. "(iv) Continued access.--Beginning on the date on which the land is conveyed to the Urban Corporation under paragraph (1)(A)(i) and ending on the effective date of a binding mutual use agreement entered into under clause (i), the Urban Corporation shall provide and allow administrative access to roads and related transportation facilities on the land under substantially similar terms as are provided by the Forest Service as of the date of enactment of this section. "(C) Effect on other laws.-- "(i) In general.--Nothing in this section delays the duty of the Secretary to convey land to-- "(I) the State under Public Law 85-508 (commonly known as the `Alaska Statehood Act') (48 U.S.C. note prec. 21); or "(II) a Native Corporation under-- "(aa) this Act; or "(bb) the Alaska Land Transfer Acceleration Act (43 U.S.C. 1611 note; Public Law 108-452). "(ii) Statehood entitlement.-- "(I) In general.--Statehood selections under Public Law 85-508 (commonly known as the `Alaska Statehood Act') (48 U.S.C. note prec. 21) are not displaced by the parcels of land described in subclauses (I) through (V) of paragraph (1)(A)(i). "(II) Boundary adjustments.--In the event of a dispute between an area selected as a Statehood selection and a parcel of land referred to in subclause (I), the Secretary shall work with the Urban Corporation and the State in good faith to adjust the boundary of the parcel to exclude any area selected as a Statehood selection. "(iii) Conveyances.--The Secretary shall promptly proceed with the conveyance of all land necessary to fulfill the final entitlement of all Native Corporations in accordance with-- "(I) this Act; and "(II) the Alaska Land Transfer Acceleration Act (43 U.S.C. 1611 note; Public Law 108-452). "(iv) Fish and wildlife.--Nothing in this section enlarges or diminishes the responsibility and authority of the State with respect to the management of fish and wildlife on public land in the State. "(D) Maps.-- "(i) Availability.--Each map referred to in paragraph (1)(A)(i) shall be available in the appropriate offices of the Secretary and the Secretary of Agriculture. "(ii) Corrections.--The Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of Agriculture, may make any necessary correction to a clerical or typographical error in a map referred to in paragraph (1)(A)(i). "(7) Escrow funds.--Beginning on the date of enactment of this section, the escrow requirements of section 2 of Public Law 94-204 (43 U.S.C.
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1613 note) shall apply to proceeds (including interest) derived from the land withdrawn under paragraph (2). "(c) Conveyance of Roads, Trails, Log Transfer Facilities, Leases, and Appurtenances.-- "(1) In general.--The land conveyed to an Urban Corporation under subsection (b)(1)(A)(i) shall include all right, title, and interest of the United States in all roads, trails, log transfer facilities, leases, and appurtenances on or related to the land conveyed to the Urban Corporation. "(2) Conditions.--The land conveyed to an Urban Corporation under subsection (b)(1)(A)(i) shall be subject to all valid existing rights in accordance with section 14(g), including any reciprocal rights-of-way, easements, or agreements for the use of the roads, trails, log transfer facilities, leases, and appurtenances conveyed under subsection (b)(1)(A)(i). "(3) Continuation of agreements.-- "(A) In general.--On or before the date on which land is conveyed to an Urban Corporation under subsection (b)(1)(A)(i), the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of the Interior shall provide to the Urban Corporation notice of all reciprocal rights-of-way, easements, and agreements for use of the roads, trails, log transfer facilities, leases, and appurtenances on or related to the land in existence as of the date of enactment of this section. "(B) Requirement.--In accordance with section 14(g), any right-of-way, easement, or agreement described in subparagraph (A) shall continue unless the right-of-way, easement, or agreement-- "(i) expires under its own terms; or "(ii) is mutually renegotiated. "(d) Settlement Trust.-- "(1) In general.--Each Urban Corporation may establish a settlement trust in accordance with section 39 for the purposes of promoting the health, education, and welfare of the trust beneficiaries, and preserving the Native heritage and culture, of the community of Haines, Ketchikan, Petersburg, Tenakee, or Wrangell, as applicable. "(2) Proceeds and income.--The proceeds and income from the principal of a trust established under paragraph (1) shall-- "(A) first be applied to the support of those enrollees, and the descendants of the enrollees, who are elders or minor children; and "(B) thereafter to the support of all other enrollees.".

The SPEAKER pro tempore

Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Westerman) and the gentlewoman from New Mexico (Ms. Stansbury) each will control 20 minutes. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Arkansas.

Bruce Westerman (R-AR)

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on H.R. 41, the bill now under consideration.

The SPEAKER pro tempore

Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from Arkansas?

There was no objection.

Bruce Westerman (R-AR)

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 41, the Unrecognized Southeast Alaska Native Communities Recognition and Compensation Act, introduced by Mr. Begich of Alaska. This bill amends the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, or ANCSA, to recognize the Alaska Native communities of Haines, Ketchikan, Petersburg, Tenakee, and Wrangell. ANCSA was signed into law to resolve the longstanding issues surrounding the land claims of Alaska Natives. Under ANCSA, roughly 200 village corporations and 12 regional corporations were established. However, those five communities I just mentioned were excluded from the list of southeast Alaska Native villages. As a result, they have missed out on numerous opportunities afforded to other Alaska Native communities. Although the five communities objected to their exclusion, no right of appeal was provided for the southeast villages, so their challenges were rejected outright. Recognizing these five communities under ANCSA has been a longstanding goal of the Alaska delegation. Accordingly, this legislation amends ANCSA to allow them to organize into Alaska Native urban corporations and select one township each within the Tongass National Forest. The lands covered by this legislation were selected in consultation with the affected Alaska Native communities, local stakeholders, the U.S. Forest Service, and the general public. I commend Representative Begich for this work on behalf of his constituents, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Melanie A. Stansbury (D-NM)

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 41, the Unrecognized Southeast Alaska Native Communities Recognition and Compensation Act, would amend the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, or ANCSA, to address the exclusion of five southeast Alaska Native communities. When ANCSA was enacted in 1971 to resolve Alaska Native land claims, Congress created the Alaska Native Corporations, a structure that is vastly different than the framework established for Tribal nations in the lower 48. Most Alaska Natives were enrolled into both a village corporation and a regional corporation. However, the communities of Haines, Ketchikan, Petersburg, Tenakee, and Wrangell were left off the eligibility list for establishing village corporations under ANCSA. H.R. 41 seeks to address that omission by creating Alaska Native Urban Corporations for each of the five communities and authorizing the conveyance of approximately 23,040 acres of land, consistent with the acreage provided to the other southeast Alaska Native communities under ANCSA, from the Tongass National Forest in southeast Alaska. Mr. Speaker, I recognize that, over the years, this legislation has generated debate, particularly regarding the conveyance of Federal lands within the Tongass National Forest. As the legislation advances, we remain committed to working with our colleagues in the Senate to address the historic injustices that occurred for these communities while safeguarding the cultural, ecological, and economic importance of the Tongass National Forest. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote "yes," and I reserve the balance of my time.

Bruce Westerman (R-AR)

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Alaska (Mr. Begich), who is the lead sponsor of the bill.

Nicholas J. Begich III (R-AK)

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 41, the Unrecognized Southeast Alaska Native Communities Recognition and Compensation Act. This bill rights a wrong that has endured for more than 50 years. When Congress passed the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act in 1971, it made a promise to Alaska Native people: land and the right to form their own corporations to manage that land and build their futures. However, five southeast Alaska communities, Haines, Ketchikan, Petersburg, Tenakee, and Wrangell, were left out. Through no fault of their own, the Native people of these communities were given a name no Native community should ever have to carry: the Landless. For half a century, the people of these five communities have come to Washington, made their case, and waited patiently and persistently for this body to keep its word. They have done everything that was ever asked of them. My predecessors have introduced this bill ten times in this body, and in all those years, this House has yet to pass this bill. Today, we change that. H.R. 41 finally allows these communities to do what every other Alaska Native community was able to do decades ago: organize their corporations, receive their land, and chart their own course. This action fulfills a promise and recognizes that Alaska Native self-determination was always meant to include these communities. To the elders and leaders of Haines, Ketchikan, Petersburg, Tenakee, and Wrangell who never gave up: We thank them for persevering. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 41.

Bruce Westerman (R-AR)

Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time. I am prepared to close, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Melanie A. Stansbury (D-NM)

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Bruce Westerman (R-AR)

Mr. Speaker, H.R. 41 amends ANCSA to recognize the communities of Haines, Ketchikan, Petersburg, Tenakee, and Wrangell. For over 50 years, these communities have missed out on the opportunities afforded under ANCSA. This legislation will deliver the fairness these communities deserve. I, again, thank Mr. Begich for his work on behalf of his constituents, I urge passage of H.R. 41, and I yield back the balance of my time.

The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Issa)

The question is on the motion offered by the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Westerman) that the House suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 41, as amended.

The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the rules were suspended and the bill, as amended, was passed. A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

Benton Mackaye National Scenic Trail Feasibility Study Act of 2026

Pages H3749–H3751 · Official text

BENTON MACKAYE NATIONAL SCENIC TRAIL FEASIBILITY STUDY ACT OF 2026

Bruce Westerman (R-AR)

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 2768) to amend the National Trails System Act to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to conduct a study on the feasibility of designating the Benton MacKaye Trail as a national scenic trail, as amended.

The Clerk read the title of the bill. The text of the bill is as follows:

Text printed in the Record (962 characters)
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the "Benton MacKaye National Scenic Trail Feasibility Study Act of 2026". SEC. 2. BENTON MACKAYE NATIONAL SCENIC TRAIL FEASIBILITY STUDY. Section 5(c) of the National Trails System Act (16 U.S.C. 1244(c)) is amended by adding at the end the following: "(50) Benton mackaye trail.-- "(A) In general.--The Benton MacKaye Trail, a scenic, nonmotorized trail that traverses approximately 287 miles in the States of Georgia, Tennessee, and North Carolina. "(B) Study.--Not later than 2 years after the date of the enactment of this paragraph, the Secretary of Agriculture, in consultation with interested organizations, including the Benton MacKaye Trail Association, shall complete and submit to Congress the feasibility study for designating the Benton MacKaye Trail as a national scenic trail.".

The SPEAKER pro tempore

Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Westerman) and the gentlewoman from New Mexico (Ms. Stansbury) each will control 20 minutes. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Arkansas.

Bruce Westerman (R-AR)

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and to add extraneous material on H.R. 2786.

The SPEAKER pro tempore

Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from Arkansas?

There was no objection.

Bruce Westerman (R-AR)

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 2768, the Benton MacKaye National Scenic Trail Feasibility Study Act of 2026, sponsored by Representative Fleischmann. Named after the American forester who envisioned the Appalachian Trail, the Benton MacKaye Trail, or BMT for short, is a roughly 280-mile backcountry trail that extends across Georgia, Tennessee, and North Carolina. Beginning at Springer Mountain in northern Georgia, the BMT crosses several national forests and ultimately connects with the Appalachian Trail in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Approximately 95 percent of the trail is on land managed by the Forest Service or the National Park Service. H.R. 2768 authorizes a study to evaluate the feasibility of designating the BMT as a National Scenic Trail. There are currently 11 National Scenic Trails across the country. These routes generally extend 100 miles or more, are primarily nonmotorized, and offer exceptional recreational opportunities. This legislation will evaluate the BMT to ensure that it meets the criteria for designation as a National Scenic Trail before any designation is made. Importantly, this bill will not add any land to the Federal estate, and any designation of the BMT would require a separate act of Congress. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague Representative Fleischmann for his bipartisan work on this effort. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 2768, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Melanie A. Stansbury (D-NM)2:50 p.m.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 2768 would authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to study the feasibility of designating the Benton MacKaye Trail as a National Scenic Trail. This study is the first step toward securing a well-deserved national designation for this historic "sister trail" of the Appalachian Trail. Honoring the legacy of Benton MacKaye, the visionary regional planner who first proposed the Appalachian Trail and cofounded The Wilderness Society, the Benton MacKaye Trail spans nearly 300 miles across Georgia, Tennessee, and North Carolina, running through some of the most treasured national landscapes, including 93 miles within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This is exactly the type of trail meant for this official designation under the National Trails System Act, and it is encouraging to see bipartisan enthusiasm for the potential of expanding this system. I recognize and thank Representative Cohen, who was the former sponsor of this bill, for his leadership and dedication to this issue. I am strongly supportive of efforts to designate new trails and expand the conservation of our public lands. As we navigate the escalating biodiversity and climate crises, protecting these natural spaces and ensuring public access and recreation is more critical than ever. It is my sincere hope that we will work more frequently together on a bipartisan basis to pass conservation efforts just like this one moving forward. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Bruce Westerman (R-AR)2:50 p.m.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Fleischmann), the lead sponsor of this bill.

Charles J. "Chuck" Fleischmann (R-TN)2:50 p.m.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this bill. The Benton MacKaye Trail runs approximately 287 miles from Springer Mountain in north Georgia through east Tennessee and western North Carolina into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, ending in Big Creek in the northeast corner of the park. The Benton MacKaye Trail provides numerous opportunities for easy, moderate, and challenging day hikes, many routes for multiday backpacking and camping, and of course, for the most serious hikers, end-to-end hikes. More than 200 volunteers do maintenance work on the trail each year, generating approximately 8,000 hours of volunteer maintenance annually. It offers quite an alternative to the heavily used section of the Appalachian Trail from north Georgia to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Congress has not designated a new National Scenic Trail since 2009. This trail is long overdue for that recognition. The feasibility study is the next step. It is a low-cost, low-footprint measure. The trail is already on Federal land for about 95 percent of its length and would be administered by the Forest Service. This is bipartisan legislation that passed committee with unanimous consent. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this great bill.

Melanie A. Stansbury (D-NM)2:50 p.m.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Cohen).

Steve Cohen (D-TN)2:50 p.m.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Ms. Stansbury for yielding, and I appreciate her mentioning me in her remarks. Mr. Speaker, I was the original sponsor of this bill, and I am happy that Mr. Fleischmann, whose district is much closer to it and probably encompasses part of it, accepted the proud sponsorship that has got it to this point. The Benton MacKaye Trail is a beautiful and long trail. It is the longest trail in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. It overlaps the Appalachian Trail at six separate points and passes through three national forests. It would be a good idea for the Federal Government to make this a national trail, and this just sets up the study. It is good work on Mr. Fleischmann's part to get the study considered. Hopefully, the study will come up with the right answer, which is yes to the trail and take care of it. North Carolina, Georgia, and Tennessee all have parts in the trail, and a lot of residents from Chattanooga, Knoxville, Asheville, and Atlanta visit for camping and adventures. I am pleased to be a cosponsor and appreciate that.

Bruce Westerman (R-AR)2:50 p.m.

Mr. Speaker, I am prepared to close, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Melanie A. Stansbury (D-NM)2:50 p.m.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Bruce Westerman (R-AR)2:50 p.m.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, once again, I commend Representative Fleischmann and Representative Cohen for their leadership on behalf of Mr. Fleischmann's constituents. This legislation initiates an important process to evaluate a prominent trail in the South for potential designation as a National Scenic Trail. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

The SPEAKER pro tempore2:50 p.m.

The question is on the motion offered by the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Westerman) that the House suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 2768, as amended.

The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the rules were suspended and the bill, as amended, was passed. A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

Florida Safe Seas Act of 2025

Page H3751 · Official text

Bruce Westerman (R-AR)

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3831) to amend the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act to prohibit feeding sharks in the exclusive economic zone off the State of Florida.

The Clerk read the title of the bill. The text of the bill is as follows:

Text printed in the Record (504 characters)
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the "Florida Safe Seas Act of 2025". SEC. 2. PROHIBITION ON FEEDING SHARKS IN EXCLUSIVE ECONOMIC ZONE OFF STATE OF FLORIDA. Section 317 of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (16 U.S.C. 1866) is amended-- (1) by striking "the State" and inserting "the States"; and (2) by inserting "and Florida" after "Hawaii".

The SPEAKER pro tempore

Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Westerman) and the gentlewoman from New Mexico (Ms. Stansbury) each will control 20 minutes. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Arkansas.

Bruce Westerman (R-AR)

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H.R. 3831, the bill now under consideration.

The SPEAKER pro tempore

Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from Arkansas?

There was no objection.

Bruce Westerman (R-AR)

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 3831, the Florida Safe Seas Act of 2025, sponsored by Representative Webster of Florida. In recent years, shark populations have exploded in our waters. In Florida, this has posed considerable safety concerns, especially for those participating in the State's commercial and recreational fishing sectors, as well as in other recreational activities on or near the ocean. To address this issue, Florida enacted a ban more than two decades ago on feeding sharks while diving and snorkeling in State waters. While this ban has been effective in State waters, threats still exist in Federal waters. H.R. 3831 extends the existing State ban on shark feeding to Federal waters, aligning State and Federal policies. Mr. Speaker, I commend Representative Webster for his leadership on this important issue for the State of Florida, and I urge my colleagues to support the legislation. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Melanie A. Stansbury (D-NM)

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 3831 amends the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act to prohibit the feeding of sharks within the exclusive economic zone surrounding Florida. Currently, the Magnuson-Stevens Act only bans shark feeding in Federal waters around Hawaii and the U.S. territories. Feeding sharks can alter their natural behavior by creating an association between humans and food sources. This behavioral conditioning may increase the risk of human-shark interactions, placing both people and sharks in danger. These changes in behavior can also disrupt the balance of marine ecosystems overall. The increased risk of negative human and shark interactions is bad for the economy, too. It harms ecotourism and recreation, which is a multibillion-dollar industry that fuels coastal towns. In addition, the fishing community is increasingly concerned that shark feeding encourages depredation, which is the partial or complete removal of a hooked fish from an angler's line by a shark. NOAA Fisheries has noted that one of the reasons shark depredations have increased is that sharks are able to identify boats as an easy source of food. Florida State law already prohibits the feeding of sharks in State waters. This amendment would expand that ban to Florida's adjacent Federal waters, creating continuity and a cohesive approach to protecting the coast, supporting a strong coastal economy, safeguarding those who rely on these waters for work and recreation, and preserving Florida's cherished marine life. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 3831, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Bruce Westerman (R-AR)

Mr. Speaker, I am prepared to close, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Melanie A. Stansbury (D-NM)

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Bruce Westerman (R-AR)

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, this bill will improve administrative efficiency and enhance the safety of the ocean-going public by aligning State and Federal regulations. Congressman Webster's legislation is just the latest of several different bills that our committee has advanced to address issues related to shark depredation, which was exacerbated when Congress enacted the Shark Fin Sales Elimination Act of 2021. I thank Mr. Webster for his work on advancing this important issue. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

The SPEAKER pro tempore3:00 p.m.

The question is on the motion offered by the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Westerman) that the House suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 3831.

The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the rules were suspended and the bill was passed. A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

Future Membership of the Catawba Indian Tribe of South Carolina

Pages H3751–H3752 · Official text

Bruce Westerman (R-AR)

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 4463) to amend the Catawba Indian Tribe of South Carolina Land Claims Settlement Act of 1993.

The Clerk read the title of the bill. The text of the bill is as follows:

Text printed in the Record (575 characters)
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. FUTURE MEMBERSHIP OF THE CATAWBA INDIAN TRIBE OF SOUTH CAROLINA. Subsection (d) of section 7 of the Catawba Indian Tribe of South Carolina Land Claims Settlement Act of 1993 (Public Law 103-116), is amended by striking "; however, in no event may an individual be enrolled as a tribal member unless the individual is a lineal descendant of a person on the final base membership roll and has continued to maintain political relations with the Tribe".

The SPEAKER pro tempore

Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Westerman) and the gentlewoman from New Mexico (Ms. Stansbury) each will control 20 minutes. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Arkansas.

Bruce Westerman (R-AR)

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and to add extraneous material on H.R. 4463, the bill now under consideration.

The SPEAKER pro tempore

Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from Arkansas?

There was no objection.

Bruce Westerman (R-AR)

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 4463, introduced by Representative Norman of South Carolina, amends the Catawba Indian Tribe of South Carolina land Claims Settlement Act of 1993 to remove Federal restrictions on future membership in the Catawba Indian Nation. This is a straightforward Tribal sovereignty bill. In 1993, Congress passed the Catawba settlement act. That statute restored the Catawba Indian Nation's Federal recognition, resolved its land claims, and set out several rules for the Tribe in Federal law. The law also did something unusual. It put future membership rules for the Catawba Indian Nation directly into Federal statute. In practical terms, Congress, not the Tribe, set the requirements for who could be a Tribal member going forward. H.R. 4463 restores sovereignty to the Tribe. It removes Federal membership restrictions and allows the Catawba Indian Nation to determine its own membership under its own constitution and governing processes. That is how this should work. Deciding who belongs to a Tribe is one of the most basic parts of Tribal self-government. It should be handled by the Tribe through its own laws, not locked into Federal law by Congress. Mr. Speaker, I commend Mr. Norman for his work on this important bill. I support H.R. 4463, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Melanie A. Stansbury (D-NM)

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 4463, which would respect the principles of self-determination and self-governance by restoring the Catawba Indian Nation's right to determine their own citizenship criteria. Congress enacted the Catawba Indian Tribe of South Carolina land Claims Settlement Act in 1993 to resolve the Nation's longstanding land claims and provide for monetary settlement funds. The act included a restrictive provision that limited the Nation's enrollment to individuals who could demonstrate both lineal descent from the 1962 final roll and a maintained political relationship with the Tribe. While the intention of this requirement was to determine eligibility for settlement distributions, which have long been completed, it has had further-reaching implications for the Tribe's ability to enroll its own members. H.R. 4463 is a simple but meaningful fix to remove this restriction so that the Nation can determine their own citizenship criteria. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote "yes," and I reserve the balance of my time.

Bruce Westerman (R-AR)

Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time. I am prepared to close, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Melanie A. Stansbury (D-NM)

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Bruce Westerman (R-AR)

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time to close. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 4463 is a narrow, commonsense bill. It removes a unique Federal restriction on the Catawba Indian Nation and returns future membership decisions to the Tribe's own constitution and governing processes. Membership is a core part of Tribal self-government. This bill respects that principle. Mr. Speaker, I thank Congressman Norman for his leadership. I urge passage of H.R. 4463, and I yield back the balance of my time.

The SPEAKER pro tempore

The question is on the motion offered by the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Westerman) that the House suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 4463.

The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the rules were suspended and the bill was passed. A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

Crystal Reservoir Conveyance Act

Pages H3752–H3754 · Official text

Bruce Westerman (R-AR)

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 5911) to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to convey to the City of Ouray, Colorado, certain land managed by the Forest Service, together with a reservoir, as amended.

The Clerk read the title of the bill. The text of the bill is as follows:

Text printed in the Record (7,782 characters)
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the "Crystal Reservoir Conveyance Act". SEC. 2. CONVEYANCE OF FEDERAL LAND TO OURAY, COLORADO. (a) Definitions.--In this section: (1) City.--The term "City" means the City of Ouray, Colorado. (2) Federal land.--The term "Federal land" means-- (A) the site known as "Crystal Reservoir" in Ouray County, Colorado, including-- (i) the lake associated with that reservoir; (ii) Full Moon Dam and associated facilities, including the spillway and outlet; (iii) Full Moon Ditch and Reservoir Number 10; and (iv) all infrastructure associated with the reservoir; and (B) the parcel comprising approximately 45 acres of land underlying and surrounding Crystal Reservoir, as depicted on the Map, managed by the Forest Service as necessary for access for repair, operation, and maintenance of Crystal Reservoir and the features described in clauses (i) through (iv) of subparagraph (A). (3) Map.--The term "Map" means the map prepared by the Forest Service entitled "Crystal Reservoir Conveyance" and dated June 23, 2025. (4) Secretary.--The term "Secretary" means the Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the Chief of the Forest Service. (b) Conveyance.--As soon as practicable after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall convey to the City-- (1) except as otherwise provided in this Act, all right, title, and interest of the United States in and to the Federal land; and (2) all right, title and interest of the United States in and to any water rights held for use on, appurtenant to, or otherwise associated with the Federal land, including the Full Moon Ditch and Reservoir Number 10 water rights described in the decree of the State of Colorado in Civil Action No. 1959, dated May 11, 1942. (c) Requirements.--The conveyance under subsection (b) shall-- (1) convey fee simple title to the Federal land; (2) be subject to-- (A) valid existing rights; (B) the reservation to the United States, in the deed conveying the Federal land, of easements for each road, trail, and trailhead in existence on the date of the conveyance, together with such additional rights as are reasonably necessary for access, administration, operation, maintenance, repair, and replacement of those improvements; and (C) the reversionary interest described in subsection (e)(3); and (3) except as provided in subsection (d)(2), be completed at no cost to the City. (d) Costs.-- (1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), the Secretary shall pay all costs associated with the conveyance under subsection (b). (2) Survey.--The City shall pay all costs associated with any surveys conducted for the purpose of accomplishing the conveyance under subsection (b). (e) Terms and Conditions.-- (1) In general.--As a condition of the conveyance of the Federal land under subsection (b), the City shall agree-- (A) effective beginning on the date of the conveyance, to assume responsibility for the costs of all repairs, operations, maintenance, replacement, rehabilitation, and regulatory compliance relating to Full Moon Dam and related infrastructure, including Full Moon Ditch and Reservoir Number 10; (B) to maintain the Federal land in perpetuity as open space, to be held open-- (i) for public access for recreational activities, including fishing, except as reasonably necessary for public safety, resource protection, emergency response, or the operation, maintenance, repair, replacement, or rehabilitation of Full Moon Dam, Crystal Reservoir, or related infrastructure; and (ii) not subject to any fee for recreational access; (C) not to conduct on the Federal land any development, commercial operations, or construction, other than as needed for the operation, maintenance, repair, replacement, rehabilitation, public safety, and regulatory compliance for dam safety of Full Moon Dam, Crystal Reservoir, and related infrastructure, including Full Moon Ditch and Reservoir Number 10; and (D) not to expand the surface footprint of Crystal Reservoir at normal operating levels (as depicted on the Map) in a manner that would flood, impair, or harm any wetlands located upstream of the Federal land, subject to the condition that deepening Crystal Reservoir in a manner consistent with the water rights of the City shall otherwise be allowed. (2) Necessary action agreement.--The conveyance under subsection (b) shall be made subject to terms agreed to by the Secretary and the City that authorize the City to take such action on the easements described in subsection (c)(2)(B) as the City determines is reasonable and necessary for-- (A) public safety; (B) emergency response; or (C) the operation, maintenance, repair, replacement, or rehabilitation by the City of Full Moon Dam, Crystal Reservoir, or related infrastructure. (3) Other terms and conditions.--The conveyance under subsection (b) shall be subject to such other terms and conditions as the Secretary determines to be appropriate. (4) Reversionary interest.-- (A) Written notice.--If the Federal land conveyed under subsection (b) ceases to be used in accordance with the terms and conditions under this subsection the Secretary shall submit to the City written notice with respect to such use. (B) Reversion.--After the 90-day period beginning on the date written notice is submitted to the City under subparagraph (A), if the Federal land conveyed under subsection (b) continues to be used in a manner not in accordance with the terms and conditions under this subsection during such period, the Federal land shall revert to the United States, at the discretion of the Secretary, if the Secretary determines that reversion is in the best interest of the United States. (f) Easement.-- (1) In general.--After the conveyance under subsection (b), the Secretary-- (A) shall recognize a perpetual easement for the Red Mountain Ditch for use by the City-- (i) for the purposes relating to the Ditch specified in the decrees entitled "Case No. 1751-B" and "Case No. 2013CW3040" for the State of Colorado, including the diversion and delivery of water (not to exceed 6 cubic feet per second) for storage in Crystal Reservoir and subsequent beneficial use; and (ii) to access, operate, maintain, repair, replace, or improve the Ditch and its appurtenances for such purposes; and (B) may require special use authorizations for non-routine maintenance and repairs of Red Mountain Ditch or for the replacement or improvement of the Ditch. (2) Red mountain ditch defined.--In this subsection, the term "Red Mountain Ditch" means the Ditch known as Red Mountain Ditch constructed in or about 1945 located, as of the date of the enactment of this Act, on lands administered by the San Juan National Forest and the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forest, in Section 14, Township 42 North, Range 8 West, New Mexico Principal Meridian. (g) Water Rights.--After the conveyance under subsection (b), the City may use water in Crystal Reservoir for any beneficial use, subject to applicable water laws of the State of Colorado. (h) Map and Legal Description.-- (1) In general.--As soon as practicable after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall finalize the Map and a legal description of the Federal land to be conveyed under subsection (b). (2) Corrections.--The Secretary and the City, by mutual agreement, may correct any clerical or typographical errors in the Map or legal description under paragraph (1). (3) Map on file.--The Map and legal description under paragraph (1) shall be on file and available for public inspection in each appropriate office of the Forest Service.

The SPEAKER pro tempore

Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Westerman) and the gentlewoman from New Mexico (Ms. Stansbury) each will control 20 minutes. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Arkansas.

Bruce Westerman (R-AR)

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and add extraneous material to H.R. 5911, the bill now under consideration.

The SPEAKER pro tempore

Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from Arkansas?

There was no objection.

Bruce Westerman (R-AR)

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 5911, the Crystal Reservoir Conveyance Act, which is sponsored by my colleague on the Natural Resources Committee, Representative Hurd. This is a commonsense bill that conveys the Crystal Reservoir, Full Moon Dam and Ditch, and surrounding 45 acres of land from the U.S. Forest Service to the city of Ouray, Colorado. This legislation reflects a simple but important idea: When a local community depends on reliable access to a resource, they should be empowered to take responsibility for it. This is especially true when the Federal Government is no longer in a position to manage that resource effectively. The city of Ouray is also known as the Outdoor Recreation Capital of Colorado. It is surrounded by Federal land and deeply tied to the Crystal Reservoir. That reservoir is not just a scenic feature. It plays a critical role in wildfire response, supports local agriculture, sustains recreation, and helps to provide water for the community and the city's well-known hot springs. Today, the reservoir is drained. The aging Full Moon Dam was found to have structural issues. Instead of being quickly repaired to restore access to the reservoir, the dam has been taken offline. This has left Ouray without a critical asset. H.R. 5911 offers a straightforward solution to make the reservoir operational again by conveying the water infrastructure, water rights, and surrounding land to the city. In doing so, this legislation allows the city to step in, repair the Full Moon Dam, and manage the reservoir in a way that reflects local needs and priorities. At the same time, this bill includes strong guardrails to ensure the public interest is protected. The land must remain as open space for public recreation with continued access to existing roads and trails. The city must assume full responsibility for operating and maintaining the dam and ensuring compliance with safety requirements. There are clear limitations on development and expansion, including provisions to conserve upstream wetlands. This transfer of responsibility represents good stewardship of taxpayer dollars. Instead of the Federal Government taking on potentially costly repairs to aging infrastructure, this bill allows a willing and capable partner to assume that burden, ensuring that the people who depend on the infrastructure have a direct stake in its future. More broadly, this legislation reflects the kind of partnerships we should be encouraging across the country. Communities like Ouray are not asking for less access or less responsibility. They are asking for the ability to manage resources that are essential to their livelihoods, their safety, and their local economies. When we empower these communities, we get faster action and solutions that are tailored to realities on the ground. H.R. 5911 employs common sense to restore a critical resource, strengthen local water security, support wildfire preparedness, and maintain public access for recreation. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this fiscally responsible legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Melanie A. Stansbury (D-NM)

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 5911 would authorize the conveyance of the Crystal Reservoir in Colorado and its surrounding infrastructure from the U.S. Forest Service to the city of Ouray, Colorado. In early 2024, the Forest Service was forced to drain this reservoir because the Full Moon Dam had become structurally compromised. For the city of Ouray, this was a crisis. The community relies heavily on this reservoir to maintain its municipal water supply, support vital wildfire preparedness, and sustain the outdoor recreational economy in the Red Mountains. The bill before us provides a straightforward solution: transfer of the 45-acre area to the city so that Ouray can repair the dam, refill the reservoir, and secure the water rights necessary to protect its residents. But just as importantly, this legislation demonstrates exactly the right way to execute a public land conveyance. This transfer is transparent. It is strictly accountable, and it guarantees that the land will perpetually benefit the public. The bill explicitly mandates that the area be maintained as open space in perpetuity. It guarantees permanent free public access for recreation. It strictly prohibits commercial development, allowing only for necessary dam operations that comply with Colorado water law. To ensure total accountability, the bill includes a strict reversionary clause that if any of these conditions are violated, the transfer is canceled. Because this bill was crafted in the right way, it has earned broad and enthusiastic local support. It is backed by the city of Ouray, the towns of Ridgway and Silverton, Ouray and San Juan Counties, and the Ouray County Sheriff. It has also earned the endorsement of vital community groups, including the Colorado River District, the Uncompahgre Watershed Partnership, the Trust For Public Land restoration, and the Ouray Trail Group. Furthermore, this responsible, public-first approach has garnered strong bipartisan support in the Senate, proving that when we prioritize transparency and perpetual public benefit, we can build robust consensus. H.R. 5911 is a model for how to empower local communities, while protecting public access and conservation. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Bruce Westerman (R-AR)3:10 p.m.

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Hurd), the lead sponsor of this bill and the chairman on the House Committee on Natural Resources Subcommittee on Indian and Insular Affairs.

Jeff Hurd (R-CO)3:10 p.m.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 5911, the Crystal Reservoir Conveyance Act. I will begin by thanking committee staff, whose hard work helped move this legislation across the finish line. At its core, this bill reflects a simple principle: Where there is strong local support, a clear public purpose, and appropriate safeguards, decisions should be made by the people closest to the resource. That principle is, in fact, at the heart of this legislation. H.R. 5911 would convey the Crystal Reservoir, Full Moon Dam and Ditch, and the surrounding land necessary for their operations to the city of Ouray, along with the associated water rights and infrastructure. This request came from the city of Ouray itself. It is not a top-down proposal. It is a locally driven solution to a local problem. For generations, Crystal Reservoir has served the community in multiple ways. It provides water for municipal use and agriculture. It supports recreation. It supports the city's hot springs, and it serves as an important resource for wildfire suppression in a region where that responsibility becomes more and more important each year. In 2024, structural concerns at Full Moon Dam forced the United States Forest Service to drain the reservoir. Almost overnight, the community lost a resource it had relied upon for generations. Today, the question before us is straightforward: Who is best positioned to restore, maintain, and manage this resource going forward? The city of Ouray has answered that question. The city is prepared to assume full responsibility for repair, operation, maintenance, and liability. The city is prepared to do the work. The city is prepared to bear the responsibility, and the city is prepared to make the long-term investments necessary to restore this important asset. At the same time, this legislation protects the public interest. It preserves public access. It protects recreational opportunities. It prohibits commercial development. It includes a reversionary provision to ensure that the land continues to be used for its intended purpose, the land remains protected, and the public remains welcome. The difference is that management moves closer to the people who depend on this resource every day. This legislation is also good government. At a time when Federal land management agencies face substantial deferred maintenance backlogs, this bill relieves the Federal Government of future operational and maintenance obligations, while placing the resource in the hands of a willing and capable local partner. In the West, we often say that water is life. This bill recognizes that reality. It respects local stewardship. It respects taxpayers, and it recognizes that communities willing to assume responsibility should be empowered to do so. This is a story about local responsibility. The community is stepping forward to preserve an important resource, maintain public access, and ensure that future generations can continue to benefit from it. Congress should support that effort. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of H.R. 5911.

Melanie A. Stansbury (D-NM)3:10 p.m.

Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time. I am prepared to close, and I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Bruce Westerman (R-AR)3:10 p.m.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, at its core, this bill is about restoring a public recreation site that is vital to a nearby community. We have an opportunity to turn a stalled Federal asset into a functioning local resource, to replace uncertainty with action, and to show that when communities are ready to step up, Congress is willing to meet them there. That is a result that is worth supporting. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote "yes" on this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

The SPEAKER pro tempore3:10 p.m.

The question is on the motion offered by the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Westerman) that the House suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 5911, as amended.

The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the rules were suspended and the bill, as amended, was passed. A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

Albuquerque Indian School Act of 2025

Pages H3754–H3755 · Official text

Bruce Westerman (R-AR)

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 6162) to transfer certain Federal land into trust for certain Indian Pueblos in the State of New Mexico, and for other purposes, as amended.

The Clerk read the title of the bill. The text of the bill is as follows:

Text printed in the Record (4,671 characters)
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the "Albuquerque Indian School Act of 2025". SEC. 2. TRANSFER OF LAND INTO TRUST FOR THE 19 PUEBLOS. (a) Definitions.--In this section: (1) 19 pueblos.--The term "19 Pueblos" means the New Mexico Indian Pueblos of-- (A) Acoma; (B) Cochiti; (C) Isleta; (D) Jemez; (E) Laguna; (F) Nambe; (G) Ohkay Owingeh (San Juan); (H) Picuris; (I) Pojoaque; (J) San Felipe; (K) San Ildefonso; (L) Sandia; (M) Santa Ana; (N) Santa Clara; (O) Santo Domingo; (P) Taos; (Q) Tesuque; (R) Zia; and (S) Zuni. (2) Secretary.--The term "Secretary" means the Secretary of the Interior. (3) Survey.--Except as provided in subsection (e), the term "survey" means the survey plat entitled "Plat of Tracts 1 Thru 3 Lands of US Indian Service and Bureau of Indian Affairs", prepared by Surv-Tek, Inc., and dated May 2023. (b) Transfer of Jurisdiction.--Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator of General Services shall-- (1) complete the relocation of all Federal tenants; and (2) transfer to the Secretary administrative jurisdiction over the Federal land described in subsection (d). (c) Land Into Trust.--Not later than 90 days after completion of the relocation of all Federal tenants under subsection (b)(1) and transfer of administrative jurisdiction under subsection (b)(2), the Secretary shall take into trust all right, title, and interest of the United States in and to the Federal land described in subsection (d) for the benefit of the 19 Pueblos. (d) Federal Land.--The Federal land referred to in this section is the 3 tracts of Federal land, the combined acreage of which is approximately 9.89 acres, that were historically part of the Albuquerque Indian School and, as of the date of enactment of this Act, are under the administrative jurisdiction of the General Services Administration, more particularly described as follows: (1) Tract 1.--The approximately 3.57 acres located in secs. 7 and 8 of T. 10 N., R. 3 E., of the New Mexico Principal Meridian in Albuquerque, New Mexico, on which stands a 76,682 square foot warehouse, as identified on the survey. (2) Tract 2.--The approximately 5.78 acres located in secs. 7 and 8 of T. 10 N., R. 3 E., of the New Mexico Principal Meridian in Albuquerque, New Mexico, as identified on the survey. (3) Tract 3.--The approximately .54 acres located in secs. 7 and 8 of T. 10 N., R. 3 E., of the New Mexico Principal Meridian in Albuquerque, New Mexico, as identified on the survey. (e) Survey.-- (1) In general.--The Secretary-- (A) shall obtain, with respect to the land transferred under subsection (b)(2)-- (i) a survey; and (ii) from the Administrator of General Services, copies of all encumbrances of the land; and (B) may make minor corrections to the survey and legal description of the Federal land described in subsection (d) as the Secretary determines to be necessary to correct clerical, typographical, and surveying land title errors. (2) Availability.--The survey and all applicable transfer documents obtained under paragraph (1) shall be recorded in the public records of the County Clerk Office of Bernalillo County, New Mexico, and in the appropriate Land Titles and Records Office of the Bureau of Indian Affairs. (f) Use of Land.--The Federal land taken into trust under subsection (c) shall be-- (1) used for the educational, health, cultural, business, and economic development of the 19 Pueblos; and (2) subject to Federal laws applicable to Indian trust land in the State of New Mexico. (g) Limitations and Conditions.--The Federal land taken into trust under subsection (c) shall remain subject to any private or municipal encumbrance, right-of-way, restriction, easement of record, or utility service agreement in effect on the date of enactment of this Act. (h) Conveyance of Buildings and Other Structures.--Not later than 90 days after the relocation of all Federal tenants in subsection (b)(1) and the transfer of administrative jurisdiction under subsection (b)(2), the United States shall convey all ownership interests of the United States in all buildings, structures, improvements, and appurtenances located within Tract 1 described in subsection (d)(1), to the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, to own in fee. (i) Gaming Prohibition.--The land taken into trust under subsection (c) shall not be used for any class II gaming or class III gaming under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (as those terms are defined in section 4 of that Act (25 U.S.C. 2703)).

The SPEAKER pro tempore

Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Westerman) and the gentlewoman from New Mexico (Ms. Stansbury) each will control 20 minutes. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Arkansas.

Bruce Westerman (R-AR)

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and to add extraneous material on H.R. 6162, the bill now under consideration.

The SPEAKER pro tempore

Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from Arkansas?

There was no objection.

Bruce Westerman (R-AR)

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may assume. Mr. Speaker, I rise to support H.R. 6162, the Albuquerque Indian School Act of 2025. This legislation conveys approximately 9.89 acres of Federal land in Albuquerque, New Mexico, to the Department of the Interior to be held in trust for the 19 pueblos of New Mexico. The land is currently owned by the General Services Administration. The transfer includes three tracts formerly used by the Albuquerque Indian School, which operated for a century, from 1881 to 1981. Those tracts remain historically and culturally significant to the 19 pueblos. H.R. 6162 requires the 19 pueblos to use the transferred land for educational and cultural purposes, as well as economic development. The legislation has received wide support from the All Pueblo Council of Governors, the Albuquerque City Council, the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce, and various local officials. It also includes a prohibition on gaming, subject to the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. Mr. Speaker, I support this legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Melanie A. Stansbury (D-NM)

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, it is always a good day when New Mexico is in the House, and we are in the House today with the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, which is why I am so honored to be able to speak about my legislation supported by the entire New Mexico delegation, H.R. 6162, which is the Albuquerque Indian School Act. Back home in New Mexico, the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center is a place for community, culture, language, celebration, education, and economic development for our 19 pueblos right in the heart of my hometown in Albuquerque. What is now the nationally recognized Indian Pueblo Cultural Center was once the Albuquerque Indian School, which was established as an Indian boarding school in the 1880s. Although the school operated through 1981, Congress began efforts to return the property to New Mexico's 19 pueblos in 1969, and the center was reopened as a cultural center in 1976. Since then, Congress has passed a number of bills to place this land into trust for the benefit of the pueblos. H.R. 6162 continues this important work, and this bill will transfer 9.89 acres of land that was historically a part of the former Albuquerque Indian School from the GSA to the Department of the Interior so that it can be taken into trust for the benefit of our 19 pueblos who helped to govern the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center. The IPCC campus serves as a vibrant gathering place, where Pueblo culture is celebrated through community events, educational experiences, the arts, and economic opportunities for Pueblo and local economic development. This property is managed by the All Pueblo Council of Governors and New Mexico's 19 sovereign Pueblos. This council traces its origins back to before 1598 and is one of the oldest, continuous intertribal governing organizations in North America today. It serves as a collective voice for the Pueblo nations. Through leadership, advocacy, and cultural stewardship, the council works to protect Tribal sovereignty and advance the shared priorities of our Pueblo communities. Under the leadership and dedication of the Pueblos, a site that was once marked by trauma and cultural loss has been transformed into a place of renewal, resilience, and investment in Tribal communities. Since its opening in 1976, the IPCC has served as a living hub for Pueblo languages, art, culture, dance, storytelling, and empowerment of our Pueblo communities, right in the heart of our city, as thousands of visitors from all over the world come every year to visit. We invite everyone across the country and the world to come visit and to join us in celebrating Pueblo culture. The center serves as a home not only to the thriving communities of our New Mexico Pueblo communities but also as a place for education. It is home to regional BIE and BIA offices; tribally run businesses; a Native-run charter school; and a meeting space, of course, for the All Pueblo Council of Governors. Mr. Speaker, passing H.R. 6162 will allow the IPCC to continue to expand its work to promote cultural preservation, economic opportunity, community development, and economic development, while honoring the history, traditions, and enduring strength of the 19 Pueblos. It also represents another step in restoring Tribal stewardship over ancestral lands and ensuring that this historic site continues to serve future generations in New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to pass this legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Bruce Westerman (R-AR)3:20 p.m.

Mr. Speaker, I am prepared to close, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Melanie A. Stansbury (D-NM)3:20 p.m.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Bruce Westerman (R-AR)3:20 p.m.

Mr. Speaker, H.R. 6162 furthers the 19 Pueblos' efforts to consolidate parcels of land related to the former Albuquerque Indian School, which holds significant cultural and historical value. I commend my colleague, the gentlewoman from New Mexico (Ms. Stansbury), for her work on behalf of her constituents. Mr. Speaker, I support this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

The SPEAKER pro tempore3:20 p.m.

The question is on the motion offered by the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Westerman) that the House suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 6162, as amended.

The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the rules were suspended and the bill, as amended, was passed. A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

American Battlefield Protection Program Amendments Act of 2026

Pages H3755–H3757 · Official text

Bruce Westerman (R-AR)

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 7618) to amend title 54, United States Code, to modify certain cost-sharing requirements for grant programs under the American Battlefield Protection Program, and for other purposes, as amended.

The Clerk read the title of the bill. The text of the bill is as follows:

Text printed in the Record (4,512 characters)
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the "American Battlefield Protection Program Amendments Act of 2026". SEC. 2. AMERICAN BATTLEFIELD PROTECTION PROGRAM GRANT PROGRAMS. (a) Reauthorization of Battlefield Acquisition Grant Program.--Section 308103(f) of title 54, United States Code, is amended by striking "2028" and inserting "2036". (b) Battlefield Interpretation Modernization Grant Program.--Section 308104 of title 54, United States Code, is amended by striking subsection (d). (c) Battlefield Restoration Grant Program.--Section 308105 of title 54, United States Code, is amended by striking subsection (e) and inserting the following: "(e) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to provide grants under section 308104 and this section $2,000,000 for each fiscal year through fiscal year 2036.". SEC. 3. FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR AND MEXICAN-AMERICAN WAR SITES STUDIES. (a) In General.--Subject to the availability of appropriations made in advance for such purpose, the Secretary of the Interior (acting through the Director of the National Park Service) (referred to in this section as the "Secretary"), shall prepare or certify, pursuant to subsection (b), studies of sites and structures located in the United States that are thematically tied with nationally significant events that occurred during-- (1) the French and Indian War from 1754-1763; and (2) the Mexican-American War from 1846-1848. (b) Preparation.-- (1) In general.--The studies under subsection (a) may be carried out-- (A) by the Secretary, in consultation with affected States, Indian Tribes, local governments, the American Battlefield Trust, historic preservation organizations, and any other interested individuals or entities, as determined by the Secretary; or (B) by interested individuals or entities, if the Secretary certifies that the completed study meets the requirements of subsection (c). (2) Certification.--Not later than 1 year after receiving a study carried out by interested individuals or entities under subsection (b)(1)(B), the Secretary shall review and certify whether the study meets the requirements of subsection (c). (c) Contents.--The studies prepared under subsection (a) shall-- (1) identify French and Indian War and Mexican-American War sites, respectively, located within the United States; (2) determine the relative significance of the identified sites; (3) assess short- and long-term threats to the integrity of the identified sites; and (4) provide alternatives for the preservation and interpretation of the identified sites by the Federal Government, State, local, and Tribal governments, or other public or private entities, including potential designation of the identified sites as units of the National Park System, as appropriate. (d) Consideration of Previous Studies and Reports.--In preparing the studies under subsection (b)(1), the Secretary shall consider and may include information from previous studies and reports relating to French and Indian War or Mexican-American War historic sites prepared by the National Park Service, the American Battlefield Trust, or other historic preservation organizations, as appropriate. (e) Submission to Congress.-- (1) Studies carried out by the secretary.--With respect to studies carried out by the Secretary in accordance with subsection (b)(1)(A), the Secretary shall submit such studies to the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives and Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate not later than 2 years after the date on which funds are made available to carry out such studies. (2) Studies carried out by other interested parties.--With respect to studies carried out by interested individuals or entities in accordance with subsection (b)(1)(B), the Secretary shall submit such studies to the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives and Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate not later than 180 days after the date on which the Secretary certifies under subsection (b)(2) that the studies meet the requirements of subsection (c). (3) Battlefield report definition clarification.--A study submitted under this subsection shall be deemed to be a document included in the definition of "Battlefield Reports" in section 308101 of title 54, United States Code.

The SPEAKER pro tempore

Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Westerman) and the gentlewoman from New Mexico (Ms. Stansbury) each will control 20 minutes. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Arkansas.

Bruce Westerman (R-AR)

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H.R. 7618, the bill now under consideration.

The SPEAKER pro tempore

Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from Arkansas?

There was no objection.

Bruce Westerman (R-AR)

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 7618, the American Battlefield Protection Program Amendments Act of 2026, introduced by Representative Kiggans. America's battlefields are more than just parks. They are hallowed grounds that tell a story of our Nation's struggles, triumphs, and defining moments. They are the places where ordinary people made extraordinary sacrifices in defense of liberty, self-government, and the ideals that continue to define us today. As the settings of battles spanning from the Revolutionary War to the Civil War, these historic sites serve as living classrooms that continue to teach generations of Americans about the conflicts that forged our great Nation, but many of these places are being lost. Today, the majority of Revolutionary War and War of 1812 battlefields no longer retain significant land from the period of battle, and more than 20 percent of Civil War battlefields have been lost altogether. That is why 30 years ago, Congress created the American Battlefield Protection Program to help protect and restore historic battlefields through public-private partnerships, and the numbers speak for themselves. Since its inception, this program has helped to protect more than 100 battlefields in 42 States and conserve battlefield lands at 110 battlefield sites in 19 States. Representative Kiggans' bipartisan legislation keeps that momentum going, fittingly, during our Nation's semiquincentennial year. Her legislation reauthorizes and strengthens this successful program through 2036 and streamlines the program by consolidating separate authorizations for the restoration and interpretation modernization grant programs into a single, unified authorization. This legislation also directs the National Park Service to study sites associated with the French and Indian War and the Mexican-American War, two important conflicts that helped to shaped our Nation's history but which are not currently included in the program. This is a targeted bill. It doesn't create a new program or expand Federal control. Rather, it builds onto something that already works and makes it better. It also comes at the right time. In this year of America's 250th anniversary, there is growing interest in making sure that we take stock of our Nation's history, not just through books but on the ground, where people can see and experience it. From Gettysburg and Vicksburg to Manassas and beyond, H.R. 7618 ensures that we are able to appreciate the places where American history was made and that future generations will be able to experience these hallowed grounds firsthand for America's next 250 years. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 7618, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Melanie A. Stansbury (D-NM)

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, for over three decades, the American Battlefield Protection Program has been instrumental in saving sites from the Revolutionary War, The War of 1812, and the Civil War. H.R. 7618 would build on that legacy by reauthorizing the program for another 7 years, beyond the current expiration through fiscal year 2036, at the existing authorization level of $20 million per annum. This bill would also streamline the program by combining funding for interpretation grants and restoration grants into a single $2 million authorization. This is a smart technical improvement to how we provide support for State, local, and nonprofit partners who work to protect these lands. Since history does not start and stop with just these three conflicts, the legislation rightly directs the Secretary of the Interior to prepare resource studies for sites from the French and Indian War and the Mexican-American War, two pivotal eras currently ineligible for these specific grants, laying the groundwork to protect even more of our shared heritage. Preserving our history is a bipartisan obligation, so I thank Representative Seth Magaziner for his leadership on the Democratic side in bringing this bill forward, along with our colleagues across the aisle. As we celebrate America250 this year, preserving the physical landscapes of our past has never been more vital. Our battlegrounds are living classrooms. Protecting these sacred grounds ensures historical accuracy, allowing future generations to walk where our forebearers fought, sacrificed, and demonstrated the true cost of our freedoms. Bills like this one show the importance of bipartisan unity. It is so important that we not allow partisanship to destroy this historic moment. We must work together to safeguard the unvarnished truth of our history. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 7618, honoring our past and ensuring that our history remains intact for the next 250 years, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Bruce Westerman (R-AR)3:30 p.m.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from Virginia (Mrs. Kiggans), the lead sponsor of this bill.

Jennifer A. Kiggans (R-VA)3:30 p.m.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of my bill, H.R. 7618, the American Battlefield Protection Program Amendments Act of 2026. I thank Chairman Westerman, Chairman Tiffany, and my bipartisan colleague, Congressman Seth Magaziner, for their support of this important legislation. America's battlefields are more than historic sites. They are outdoor classrooms, living memorials, and sacred grounds where generations of Americans fought and sacrificed for our great Nation. Yet, many of these irreplaceable landmarks remain threatened by development and the passage of time. H.R. 7618 reauthorizes the American Battlefield Protection Program through fiscal year 2036, streamlines and improves the flexibility of existing battlefield interpretation and restoration grants, and directs the National Park Service to evaluate significant sites associated with the French and Indian War and the Mexican-American War to help inform future preservation efforts. These changes will help ensure future generations can learn from and experience the places where our Nation's history was made. As we approach the 250th anniversary of the United States, preserving these hallowed grounds is one of the most meaningful ways we can honor the Americans who came before us and pass their stories on to those who will follow. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bipartisan legislation.

Melanie A. Stansbury (D-NM)3:30 p.m.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Bruce Westerman (R-AR)3:30 p.m.

Mr. Speaker, Representative Kiggans' bill is a practical step to keep a proven program working and to prevent further loss of historic battlefields across America. We are not creating something new. We are building on a program with a track record of success so that it can continue to deliver results. If we do not act, more of these hallowed grounds will be lost to time. This bill ensures that those landscapes are conserved and able to tell the full story of our Nation for generations to come. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this important legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

The SPEAKER pro tempore3:30 p.m.

The question is on the motion offered by the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Westerman) that the House suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 7618, as amended.

The question was taken.

The SPEAKER pro tempore3:30 p.m.

In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.

Bruce Westerman (R-AR)3:30 p.m.

Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

The yeas and nays were ordered.

The SPEAKER pro tempore3:30 p.m.

Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, further proceedings on this motion will be postponed.

License to Drill Act

Pages H3757–H3758 · Official text

Bruce Westerman (R-AR)

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 7831) to amend the Mineral Leasing Act to extend the period of time during which the Secretary of the Interior is required to collect a fee for each new application for a permit to drill, and for other purposes.

The Clerk read the title of the bill. The text of the bill is as follows:

Text printed in the Record (840 characters)
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the "License to Drill Act". SEC. 2. BLM OIL AND GAS PERMIT PROCESSING FEE. Section 35(d) of the Mineral Leasing Act (30 U.S.C. 191(d)) is amended-- (1) in paragraph (1), by striking "2026" and inserting "2037"; (2) in paragraph (3)-- (A) by striking "Of the fees collected under this subsection for a fiscal year, the" and inserting "The"; and (B) by striking "transfer--" and all that follows through "the Fund" and inserting "transfer, for each of fiscal years 2027 through 2037, all of the fees collected under this subsection for each such fiscal year to the BLM Permit Processing Improvement Fund"; and (3) in paragraph (4), by striking "2026" and inserting "2037".

The SPEAKER pro tempore

Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Westerman) and the gentlewoman from New Mexico (Ms. Stansbury) each will control 20 minutes. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Arkansas.

Bruce Westerman (R-AR)

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and to add extraneous material on H.R. 7831, the bill now under consideration.

The SPEAKER pro tempore

Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from Arkansas?

There was no objection.

Bruce Westerman (R-AR)

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 7831, the License to Drill Act, sponsored by Representative Kennedy of Utah. Since its creation under the Energy Policy Act of 2005, the Permit Processing Improvement Fund, or PPIF, has been a critical tool for the Bureau of Land Management. Congress created this program to provide BLM with the resources necessary to process Applications for Permits to Drill, or APDs, in a timely manner. To support that effort, Congress authorized an APD application fee to help fund the PPIF and reduce permitting delays. Over the years, BLM has relied on the PPIF to ensure APDs are processed consistently and efficiently. While past administrations have not always maintained a satisfactory APD approval record, the PPIF has served as a reliable backstop, helping maintain continuity and staffing at BLM field offices. Under President Trump, Secretary Burgum's Department of the Interior has approved 63.7 percent more Federal and Indian drilling permits than the previous administration had approved during an equivalent period of time in office. In fact, President Trump's BLM has approved 6,027 new oil and gas permits and more APDs than any other year over the past 15 years. Just last month, the Department of the Interior generated over $4 billion in total receipts from a BLM oil and gas lease sale in New Mexico and Texas under the Working Families Tax Cut Act. That is four times the previous record. This commendable performance demonstrates strong demand for domestic energy production on Federal lands, the Trump administration's success in unleashing American energy, and House Republicans' commitment to responsible management of our natural resources and lowering American energy prices. H.R. 7831 reauthorizes the APD fee program. The fees, which are paid when submitting an application to drill, are deposited into the PPIF and used by the BLM to support application review and permitting activities. Since the implementation of these fees, operators and industry stakeholders have observed more reliable and timely permit approvals, prompting their strong support for the fees as good policy. H.R. 7831 takes an important step toward maintaining a predictable, efficient, and durable permitting framework for oil and natural gas development on Federal lands. Reauthorizing fees for oil and gas drilling permits will help ensure that BLM has the resources necessary to process the permits needed to unleash American energy. I urge all my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 7831, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Melanie A. Stansbury (D-NM)

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 7831, the License to Drill Act. This bill would reauthorize a commonsense permitting program, allowing the Bureau of Land Management to continue collecting fees with applications for permits to drill oil and gas wells. These fees go into the Permit Processing Improvement Fund, which funds the expert staff responsible for processing drilling permits, conducting inspections, and ensuring compliance with environmental laws. Studies have consistently found that understaffing at agencies is one of the most common causes of permitting delays. Funding expert agency staff, as the Permit Processing Improvement Fund does, is the simplest solution to speeding up permitting without cutting corners on safety. Without this bill, BLM's authority to collect these fees will expire at the end of this year. Allowing this authority to expire would have serious consequences for staffing and permitting efficiency, especially given the devastating cuts to the Federal workforce that have been undertaken by this administration. I urge support for this legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Bruce Westerman (R-AR)

Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Utah (Mr. Kennedy), the lead sponsor of the bill.

Mike Kennedy (R-UT)

Mr. Speaker, I thank Chair Westerman and his outstanding staff for their help in getting this bill to the floor. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of my legislation, the License to Drill Act. This bill ensures the Federal Government has the operational resources to process energy permits efficiently without unnecessary delay. Every American takes part in an electrified economy, whether they choose to or not, and right now that economy is facing a critical point. We are heading toward a severe energy deficit. We possess the most dynamic economy in the world, but every single engine of that economy runs on power. We need more of it every year to build, manufacture, and to put people to work, yet much of our existing generating capacity is at the end of its useful life. As those plants go offline, our energy deficit worsens. We cannot close an energy gap this massive with wishful thinking. We must take practical steps to meet demand because meeting demand is how we keep energy affordable for working families. The answer isn't to bet everything on a single source. The answer is an all-of-the-above energy strategy. We have already proven that this works. Just last year, the United States produced more energy than at any point in its history, hitting record highs in oil, natural gas, and renewables simultaneously, but when one source is choked off, everyday Americans pay the price. Producing that energy requires the capacity to efficiently permit it. Right now, a single permit can sit for months, not because the technology or industry isn't ready, but because the Federal Government often lacks the ability to keep up. Let's be clear: Cutting red tape is not about cutting corners on safety. It is about speeding up our bureaucracy. We can maintain rigorous oversight without ensuring years of needless delay. Every day a permit sits idly on a bureaucrat's desk is a day that costs American jobs, drives up utility bills, and hands global leverage to our adversaries. My License to Drill Act will extend a proven, bipartisan program that has successfully cleared permit backlogs since 2004. By utilizing an industry-funded fee model, energy companies foot the bill for the administrative costs of these reviews. This means faster approvals, smaller backlogs, and more American energy, all without costing the taxpayers a single dollar. The License to Drill Act is a commonsense step in the right direction. Let's keep American energy moving forward. I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Melanie A. Stansbury (D-NM)3:40 p.m.

Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time. I am prepared to close, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Bruce Westerman (R-AR)3:40 p.m.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Stauber), who is also the chair of the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources.

Pete Stauber (R-MN)3:40 p.m.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 7831, the License to Drill Act; H.R. 1687, the CLEAN Act; and H.R. 5631, the Geothermal Energy Advancement Act, three good, bipartisan bills that were put forth by my colleagues on the Natural Resources Committee. Now more than ever, the United States needs to be bringing more energy online to drive our 21st century economy. These bills will help guarantee we have durable, proenergy policy no matter who is in the White House. These pieces of legislation will provide much-needed certainty for domestic energy producers, ensuring leaseholders will be able to responsibly produce on Federal lands, including onshore oil and gas and geothermal energy development. Representative Kennedy's bill will reauthorize the BLM's authority to collect permit processing fees for oil and gas drilling permits and direct these fees toward processing the permits. This will help ensure that producers will actually have the ability to produce oil and gas on Federal lands, rather than sit in limbo for months or even years on end waiting for paperwork to be processed. Representative Fulcher's bill will require BLM to hold annual lease sales for geothermal development on Federal lands. It also imposes deadlines for the BLM to process geothermal drilling permits, which again, will ensure these energy producers will actually be able to produce on the Federal leases they are issued. Representative Hurd's bipartisan package of geothermal bills will build on this by enacting a series of reforms that will streamline the permitting of and collection of Federal royalties for geothermal projects on Federal lands. Ultimately, all three of these bills will bring more energy online faster, increase our strategic national security by lessening our dependence on foreign adversarial nations, and most importantly, lower costs for the American people. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleagues on the Natural Resources Committee for their work on these bills, and I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this package of good, bipartisan legislation.

Melanie A. Stansbury (D-NM)3:40 p.m.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Bruce Westerman (R-AR)3:40 p.m.

Mr. Speaker, I, again, urge my colleagues to support the License to Drill Act. America has some of the richest energy resources in the world, and House Republicans are working alongside the Trump administration to put those resources to work. I, again, thank Representative Kennedy for his diligent work on this issue, and I yield back the balance of my time.

The SPEAKER pro tempore3:40 p.m.

The question is on the motion offered by the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Westerman) that the House suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 7831.

The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the rules were suspended and the bill was passed. A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

Committing Leases for Energy Access Now Act

Pages H3758–H3760 · Official text

Bruce Westerman (R-AR)

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1687) to amend the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 to increase the frequency of lease sales, to require replacement sales, and for other purposes, as amended.

The Clerk read the title of the bill. The text of the bill is as follows:

Text printed in the Record (3,295 characters)
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the "Committing Leases for Energy Access Now Act" or the "CLEAN Act". SEC. 2. GEOTHERMAL LEASING. (a) Annual Leasing.--Section 4(b) of the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 (30 U.S.C. 1003(b)) is amended-- (1) in paragraph (2), by striking "2 years" and inserting "year"; (2) by redesignating paragraphs (3) and (4) as paragraphs (5) and (6), respectively; and (3) after paragraph (2), by inserting the following: "(3) Replacement sales.--If a lease sale under paragraph (1) for a year is canceled or delayed, the Secretary of the Interior shall conduct a replacement sale during the same year. "(4) Requirement.--Of the nominated parcels eligible for geothermal development and utilization under the resource management plan in effect for the State, the Secretary shall, in conducting a lease sale under paragraph (2), offer for lease-- "(A) 75 percent of such nominated parcels; and "(B) the remaining 25 percent of such nominated parcels, unless the Secretary provides a written justification that identifies a statutory, environmental, or administrative basis that prevents the Secretary from offering such nominated parcels for lease.". (b) Deadlines for Consideration of Geothermal Drilling Permits.--Section 4 of the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 (30 U.S.C. 1003) is amended by adding at the end the following: "(h) Deadlines for Consideration of Geothermal Drilling Permits.-- "(1) Notice.--Not later than 30 days after the date on which the Secretary receives an application for any geothermal drilling permit, the Secretary shall-- "(A) provide written notice to the applicant that the application is complete; or "(B) notify the applicant that information is missing and specify any information that is required to be submitted for the application to be complete. "(2) Issuance or deferral.-- "(A) In general.--Not later than 30 days after the Secretary has provided written notice to an applicant for a geothermal drilling permit that the application for such permit is complete pursuant to paragraph (1)(A), the Secretary shall-- "(i) issue the permit, if the requirements under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) and other applicable law have been completed within such timeframe; or "(ii) defer the decision on the permit and provide to the applicant a notice-- "(I) that specifies any steps that the applicant could take for the permit to be issued; and "(II) that includes a list of actions that need to be taken by the agency to comply with applicable law, together with timelines and deadlines for taking such actions, which shall not exceed the deadlines specified in section 107(g) of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4336a(g)). "(B) Deadline for deferred decisions.--If the Secretary defers a decision on a permit under subparagraph (A)(ii), the Secretary shall issue a decision on the permit not later than 10 days after the applicant takes any steps specified pursuant to subparagraph (A)(ii)(I) and the agency takes the actions listed pursuant to subparagraph (A)(ii)(II) in accordance with any applicable timelines and deadlines.".

The SPEAKER pro tempore

Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Westerman) and the gentlewoman from New Mexico (Ms. Stansbury) each will control 20 minutes. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Arkansas.

Bruce Westerman (R-AR)

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material to H.R. 1687, the bill now under consideration.

The SPEAKER pro tempore

Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from Arkansas?

There was no objection.

Bruce Westerman (R-AR)

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise today in support of H.R. 1687, the Committing Leases for Energy Access Now Act, or the CLEAN Act. Introduced by Representative Fulcher, this bill is essential to bolstering geothermal energy production. Across the United States, the Bureau of Land Management is responsible for geothermal permitting on roughly 245 million acres of public land. The previous administration, however, was unwilling to hold lease sales at the rate necessary to support the industry and lower energy costs for Americans. Thankfully, President Trump and Secretary Burgum understand the need for abundant, low-cost, reliable energy sources and have made expanding domestic energy production a priority. Under their leadership, BLM has begun promoting annual geothermal lease sales. Representative Fulcher's CLEAN Act codifies these annual lease sales into law and furthers prudent efforts to secure American energy dominance for generations to come. In October 2025, the BLM held a geothermal lease sale in Nevada that brought in a record-setting $9.4 million in bids. Similarly, the BLM's geothermal lease sale in California last August netted over $2.7 million across just 13 parcels of land. These revenues help fund other important functions of the Bureau, including mapping, permitting, scientific research, and conservation. In addition to requiring annual lease sales, the bill sets clear expectations and deadlines for geothermal permitting. By implementing transparent, predictable, and timely reviews, the CLEAN Act incentivizes further investment and helps meet the Nation's rapidly rising energy demands. During committee markup, the bipartisan CLEAN Act was unanimously approved with an amendment reflecting meaningful collaboration among Democrats, Republicans, the Department of the Interior, and industry. The bill's commonsense approach to incentivizing domestic geothermal energy investment and helping everyday Americans lower their monthly electric bills is a crucial step that Congress should not hesitate to take. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 1687, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Melanie A. Stansbury (D-NM)

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may concern. The CLEAN Act is designed to speed up geothermal leasing and permitting, which we support. It would add a 30-day deadline for the Secretary to issue geothermal permits to drill if all environmental reviews have been completed. The CLEAN Act would also require the Department of the Interior to hold lease sales once a year instead of every 2 years. The current leasing schedule means that geothermal developers can wait for years just for the chance to lease public lands, creating delays in getting clean, reliable energy to American communities. This faster leasing schedule only applies to States where developers have expressed interest in geothermal leasing, so it won't make extra work for field offices that have no reason to do this work. I thank the bill's sponsor and my colleagues across the aisle for working with the Natural Resources Committee Democrats to retain important agency discretion in which public lands are leased. The bill, as originally drafted before these revisions, required that the Department of the Interior offer a lease to every piece of public land that the industry expressed an interest in. That old language mirrored language that passed in the big, ugly bill for oil and gas, requiring the Secretary to offer to lease all the public lands that any industry would want. It doesn't matter if that meant allowing drilling next to a drinking water source like Colorado's Aurora Reservoir or the destruction of beloved trails like a popular trail in North Dakota's Badlands. Since the passage of the big, ugly bill, BLM has put up public lands for leasing in both of these areas, creating local backlash. Geothermal drilling is certainly less dangerous than oil and gas, but there are still risks and places that are inappropriate to lease for environmental, cultural, and other reasons. Natural Resources Committee Democrats have worked across the aisle in good faith to make a compromise, which will allow BLM to lease most of the industry-nominated public lands but allows the Secretary to choose not to lease lands for legal or environmental reasons. We can speed up the build-out of clean, reliable geothermal energy without sacrificing special places and community support. While I recognize that this bill still contains controversial provisions, including the requirement that 75 percent of nominated parcels for geothermal development be leased, we are encouraged by the reduction of that threshold. Committee Democrats are urging the Senate to carefully consider the legislation and prioritize a balanced approach to managing our public lands, one that prioritizes responsible management of public lands for our communities and for the environment. Mr. Speaker, Committee Democrats urge our colleagues to support the legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Bruce Westerman (R-AR)3:50 p.m.

Mr. Speaker, most of America's geothermal resources lie beneath Federal lands, and interest in leasing those areas continues to grow. It is imperative that we increase the frequency of geothermal lease sales from every 2 years to annually and further streamline the permitting process. Doing so will help keep energy costs low and keep America's lights on. Mr. Speaker, I applaud Representative Fulcher for his work on this important legislation which I urge my colleagues to support, and I yield back the balance of my time.

The SPEAKER pro tempore3:50 p.m.

The question is on the motion offered by the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Westerman) that the House suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 1687, as amended.

The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the rules were suspended and the bill, as amended, was passed. A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

Geothermal Energy Advancement Act

Pages H3760–H3765 · Official text

Bruce Westerman (R-AR)

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 5631) to appoint a Geothermal Ombudsman and establish a Geothermal Permitting Task Force from within the Bureau of Land Management, and for other purposes, as amended.

The Clerk read the title of the bill. The text of the bill is as follows:

Text printed in the Record (8,889 characters)
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the "Geothermal Energy Advancement Act". SEC. 2. EFFECT OF PENDING CIVIL ACTIONS ON PROCESSING APPLICATIONS RELATED TO GEOTHERMAL LEASING. Section 4 of the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 (30 U.S.C. 1003) is amended by adding at the end the following: "(h) Effect of Pending Civil Actions on Processing Applications Related to Geothermal Leasing.-- "(1) Requirement to process applications.--Notwithstanding the existence of any pending civil action that affects an application for a geothermal drilling permit, sundry notice, notice to proceed, right-of-way, or any other authorization under a valid existing geothermal lease, the Secretary shall, unless a United States Federal court vacates or provides injunctive relief for the applicable geothermal lease, geothermal drilling permit, sundry notice, notice to proceed, right-of-way, or other authorization, approve and issue, or deny, each such application not later than 60 days after completing all requirements under applicable Federal laws and regulations, including the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, the Endangered Species Act of 1973, and division A of subtitle III of title 54, United States Code. "(2) No new authority for federal courts.--Nothing in this subsection shall be construed as modifying any existing authority of a Federal court to vacate or provide injunctive relief for a geothermal lease, geothermal drilling permit, sundry notice, notice to proceed, right-of-way, or other authorization. "(3) Definition of authorization.--In this subsection, the term `authorization' means any license, permit, approval, finding, determination, or other administrative decision issued by a Federal agency, or any interagency consultation, that is required or authorized under Federal law or regulations in order to site, construct, reconstruct, or commence operations of a geothermal project administered by a Federal agency.". SEC. 3. COST RECOVERY FROM GEOTHERMAL LEASING, PERMITTING, AND INSPECTIONS. Section 6 of the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 (30 U.S.C. 1005) is amended by adding at the end the following: "(j) Cost Recovery.-- "(1) In general.--During the period that begins on the date of enactment of this subsection and ends September 30, 2033, the Secretary may require an applicant for, or a holder of, a geothermal lease to reimburse the United States for all reasonable administrative and other costs incurred by the United States from-- "(A) processing the application for the geothermal lease, including any application for an operations plan, geothermal drilling permit, utilization plan, site license, facility construction permit, commercial use permit, and any other approval associated with a geothermal lease; and "(B) inspecting and monitoring-- "(i) geophysical exploration activities; "(ii) the drilling, plugging, and abandonment of wells; and "(iii) the construction, operation, termination, and reclamation of any well site or facility for the utilization of geothermal resources pursuant to the geothermal lease. "(2) Considerations.--In determining whether to require reimbursement under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall consider whether there is in existence a cooperative cost share agreement between the United States and the holder of a geothermal lease. "(3) Adjustments.--The Secretary may reduce the amount to be reimbursed under paragraph (1) if the Secretary determines-- "(A) that full reimbursement would impose an economic hardship on the applicant; or "(B) that a less than full reimbursement is necessary to promote the greatest use of geothermal resources. "(4) Use.--The amounts reimbursed under this subsection shall be credited to the currently applicable appropriation, account, or fund of the Department of the Interior as discretionary offsetting collections, and shall be available only to the extent provided in advance in appropriations Acts for-- "(A) processing the application for geothermal leases, including any application for operations plans, geothermal drilling permits, utilization plans, site licenses, facility construction permits, commercial use permits, and any other approval associated with geothermal leases; and "(B) inspecting and monitoring-- "(i) geophysical exploration activities; "(ii) the drilling, plugging, and abandonment of wells; and "(iii) the construction, operation, termination, and reclamation of any well site or facility for the utilization of geothermal resources pursuant to geothermal leases.". SEC. 4. REPORT. (a) Report.--Not later than 5 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Interior, in consultation with the geothermal industry and other stakeholders, shall submit to the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate, and make publicly available on the website of the Department of the Interior, a report that includes-- (1) an assessment of how the amendments made by section 3 of this Act affected the Bureau of Land Management's geothermal program; (2) any recommendations for reauthorization of section 6(j) of the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970, as added by this Act; and (3) any other recommendations for updates to such section and the Bureau of Land Management's geothermal program. (b) Considerations.--In developing the report required in subsection (a), the Secretary of the Interior shall solicit facts or information from the geothermal industry and other stakeholders. SEC. 5. PUBLICATION OF "GOLD BOOK" FOR GEOTHERMAL OPERATIONS ON FEDERAL LANDS. (a) Identification.--Not later than one year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Interior, in consultation with other relevant Federal agencies, shall identify standard procedures and guidelines for efficient and environmentally responsible geothermal leasing and permitting to the extent such standard procedures and guidelines are not addressed in the fourth edition of the Bureau of Land Management's "Surface Operating Standards and Guidelines for Oil and Gas Exploration and Development", commonly known as the "Gold Book" and last revised in 2007. (b) Publication.-- (1) In general.--Not later than 270 days after identifying standard procedures and guidelines under subsection (a), the Secretary of the Interior shall publish an updated version of the Gold Book incorporating any changes necessary to support efficient and environmentally responsible geothermal leasing and permitting for use by the field offices of the Bureau of Land Management and geothermal operators. (2) Renaming gold book.--The Secretary of the Interior shall rename the Gold Book to reflect the incorporation of standard procedures and guidelines related to geothermal development. (c) Consultation.--Before publishing an updated version of the Gold Book, the Secretary of the Interior shall consult with-- (1) other relevant Federal agencies, including field offices of the Bureau of Land Management; and (2) outside stakeholders, including developers and other experts. (d) Inclusions.--Each updated version of the Gold Book shall include standard procedures and guidelines for ensuring the efficient review and approval of environmentally responsible geothermal development, including-- (1) exploration and geophysical operations; (2) permitting lease operations; (3) compliance with all applicable laws and regulations; (4) construction and maintenance; and (5) drilling, production, and utilization operations. (e) Periodic Revision.--The Secretary of the Interior shall-- (1) at least once every five years, review the most recent version of the Gold Book; and (2) if determined necessary by the Secretary of the Interior to support efficient and environmentally responsible geothermal leasing and permitting, publish an updated version of the Gold Book. SEC. 6. GEOTHERMAL OMBUDSMAN AND PERMITTING TASK FORCE. (a) Definitions.--In this section: (1) Geothermal authorization.--The term "geothermal authorization" means any license, permit, approval, finding, determination, or other administrative decision issued by the Bureau of Land Management and any interagency consultation that is required or authorized under Federal law in order to site, construct, reconstruct, or commence operations of a geothermal energy project administered by the Bureau of Land Management. (2) Geothermal energy project.--The term "geothermal energy project" means a project wholly or partially located on public land that uses geothermal energy to generate heat or electricity. (3) Public land.--The term "public land" means lands subject to geothermal leasing under section 3 of the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 (30 U.S.C.
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1002). (4) Secretary.--The term "Secretary" means the Secretary of the Interior. (5) Task force.--The term "Task Force" means the Geothermal Permitting Task Force established under subsection (c). (b) Geothermal Ombudsman.-- (1) In general.--Not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall appoint from within the Bureau of Land Management a Geothermal Ombudsman. (2) Duties.--The Geothermal Ombudsman appointed under paragraph (1) shall-- (A) act as a liaison between-- (i) the individual field, district, and State offices of the Bureau of Land Management; (ii) the Division Chief of the National Renewable Energy Coordination Office of the Bureau of Land Management; and (iii) the Director of the Bureau of Land Management; (B) provide dispute resolution services between the individual field, district, and State offices of the Bureau of Land Management and applicants for geothermal authorizations; (C) monitor and facilitate permit processing practices and timelines across individual field offices of the Bureau of Land Management; (D) develop best practices for the permitting and leasing process for geothermal resources; and (E) coordinate with the Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council. (c) Geothermal Permitting Task Force.-- (1) Establishment.--Not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall establish within the Bureau of Land Management a Geothermal Permitting Task Force. (2) Leadership.--The Task Force shall be headed by the Geothermal Ombudsman appointed under subsection (b). (3) Permitting support.--The Task Force shall support the duties of the Geothermal Ombudsman appointed under subsection (b). (4) Cross-office personnel assignments.-- (A) In general.--In their capacity as head of the Task Force, the Geothermal Ombudsman may coordinate with any Departmental bureau or office to assign personnel with relevant expertise to assist with completion of geothermal authorizations in field, district, or State offices other than the official duty station where such personnel are located if-- (i) the Departmental bureau or office determines that such assignment will not materially delay ongoing completion of authorizations within the office where the employee is located; and (ii) approval is received from the head of the official duty station where the assigned employee is located. (B) Assigned personnel requirements.--Department personnel assigned to assist with completion of geothermal authorizations under subparagraph (A) shall-- (i) work in-person full-time at an official Department office; (ii) if necessary as determined by the Geothermal Ombudsman, travel to the Bureau of Land Management field, district, or State office with jurisdiction over the geothermal authorization to which the employee has been assigned by the Geothermal Ombudsman; (iii) participate as part of the team of personnel working on geothermal authorizations to which the employee has been assigned by the Geothermal Ombudsman; and (iv) regularly report to the head of the field, district, or State office of the Bureau of Land Management with jurisdiction over geothermal authorizations to which the employee has been assigned by the Geothermal Ombudsman. (C) Retention allowances.-- (i) In general.--Subject to the availability of appropriations, the Geothermal Ombudsman may pay a retention allowance to an employee assigned to assist with the completion of geothermal authorizations under subparagraph (A). Retention allowances-- (I) shall be stated as the percentage of the rate of basic pay of an employee, and may not exceed 25 percent of such rate of basic pay; (II) may not be considered to be part of the basic pay of an employee, and the reduction or elimination of a retention allowance may not be appealed; and (III) shall be paid at the same time and in the same manner as the employee's basic pay is paid. (ii) Considerations.--In exercising the retention allowance authority described in clause (i), the Geothermal Ombudsman shall consider-- (I) an employee's specialized expertise related to geothermal authorizations; (II) the demonstrated need to retain an employee to meet the performance improvement objectives for geothermal authorization timelines and develop best practices for completion of geothermal authorizations; and (III) the difficulty in recruiting or replacing qualified personnel with relevant expertise related to geothermal authorizations. (D) Savings clause.--Cross-office personnel assignments carried out under this paragraph shall not alter the underlying jurisdiction of other offices of the Bureau of Land Management over applicable geothermal authorizations. (d) Report.--The Geothermal Ombudsman shall submit to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate and the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives an annual report that describes the activities of the Task Force and evaluates the effectiveness of geothermal permit processing during the preceding 1-year period. SEC. 7. GEOTHERMAL ROYALTIES. (a) Definitions.--Section 2 of the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 (30 U.S.C. 1001) is amended by adding at the end the following: "(h) `Geothermal electric generating facility' means a facility, including all necessary equipment or structures (including turbines and cooling equipment), that produces electricity using geothermal resources. For purposes of section 5(a)(1), a facility described in the preceding sentence shall be considered a separate facility from any other such facility unless the facility shares a turbine with any other such facility. "(i) `In-service date' means, with respect to a geothermal electric generating facility, the date on which the geothermal electric generating facility begins operating.". (b) Geothermal Royalties.--Section 5(a)(1) of the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 (30 U.S.C. 1004(a)(1)) is amended-- (1) in subparagraph (A)-- (A) by inserting "with respect to a geothermal electric generating facility producing electricity from such resources," before "not less than"; (B) by inserting "by the geothermal electric generating facility" after "produced"; and (C) by striking "the first 10 years of production under the lease" and inserting "each year of the 10-year period following the in-service date of the geothermal electric generating facility"; and (2) in subparagraph (B)-- (A) by inserting "with respect to a geothermal electric generating facility producing electricity from such resources," before "not less than"; (B) by inserting "by the geothermal electric generating facility" after "produced"; and (C) by striking "such 10-year period" and inserting "the period of 10 years described in subparagraph (A)". SEC. 8. NEPA REVIEW. Section 390 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 15942) is amended-- (1) in subsection (a), by inserting ", or the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 (30 U.S.C. 1001 et seq.) for the purpose of exploration or development of geothermal resources" after "or gas"; and (2) in subsection (b)-- (A) in paragraph (2), by striking "or gas" and inserting ", gas, or geothermal"; and (B) in paragraph (3), by striking "or gas" and inserting ", gas, or geothermal".

The SPEAKER pro tempore

Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Westerman) and the gentlewoman from New Mexico (Ms. Stansbury) each will control 20 minutes. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Arkansas.

Bruce Westerman (R-AR)

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and to add extraneous material on H.R. 5631, the bill now under consideration.

The SPEAKER pro tempore

Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from Arkansas?

There was no objection.

Bruce Westerman (R-AR)

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 5631, the Geothermal Energy Advancement Act, sponsored by Representative Hurd. The United States has an abundance of natural resources, and many of these resources are found on Federal land throughout the country. There is one resource in particular that is uniquely positioned to help meet our growing energy demand in the Western United States, and that is geothermal energy. The first geothermal project on Bureau of Land Management lands was approved in 1978. Since then, technological advancements and increased data collection have given geothermal projects significant momentum, and BLM lands have attracted strong interest from geothermal producers. The U.S. Geological Survey estimates that the Great Basin Region alone holds about 135 gigawatts of next-generation geothermal potential. That is enough to power roughly 100 to 135 million homes. Today, there are 51 operating power plants producing geothermal energy on BLM-managed public lands, with a combined installed capacity of more than 2.6 gigawatts. Unfortunately, cumbersome leasing and permitting practices on Federal lands have prolonged project timelines and increased costs for geothermal developers. This is why I am pleased to support the Geothermal Energy Advancement Act. This past December, during a legislative hearing, we heard from multiple witnesses who stressed the importance of commonsense measures that further exploration, provide timely lease sales, and enhance geothermal expertise within Federal agencies. This legislation includes provisions from six bipartisan bills that accomplish just that. The Geothermal Ombudsman for National Deployment and Optimal Reviews Act, introduced by Representative Hurd, will provide BLM with the needed staffing flexibility by appointing a geothermal ombudsman from within that agency who will coordinate among offices and assign expert personnel from across the Department of the Interior to assist with approvals as part of a newly formed Geothermal Permitting Task Force. The Geothermal Gold Book Development Act, introduced by Representative Ansari, directs DOI to identify and publish standard procedures and guidelines in a Gold Book for efficient and environmentally responsible geothermal leasing and permitting for use by BLM field offices and geothermal operators. The Geothermal Royalty Reform Act, introduced by Representative Kennedy, provides a much-needed fix to the royalty system for geothermal energy, ensuring fair cost distribution for new geothermal facilities on Federal land. The Streamlining Thermal Energy through Advanced Mechanisms Act, or the STEAM Act, introduced by Representative Lee, extends categorical exclusions available to oil and gas activities to geothermal development. The Geothermal Cost-Recovery Authority Act, introduced by Representative Ocasio-Cortez, would authorize the BLM to establish fees for geothermal operators to offset permitting costs. Lastly, the Geothermal Energy Opportunity Act, or the GEO Act, introduced by Representative Maloy, requires the BLM to follow through on its job of processing geothermal permits and authorizations unless a Federal court directs it to do otherwise. Together, these reforms will help to release the heat below our feet and bolster American energy dominance. Mr. Speaker, I urge all my colleagues to join me in support of H.R. 5631, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Melanie A. Stansbury (D-NM)

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 5631, the Geothermal Energy Advancement Act. This bipartisan package will deliver safe, clean, and reliable energy for the American people, helping to lower energy prices and meet growing electricity demand. The bills in this package will let us make use of recent breakthroughs in geothermal technology that unlock gigawatts of clean domestic energy, helping get American families off of the fossil fuel roller coaster. I thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for working together to speed up the build-out of next-generation geothermal without sacrificing environmental or community protections. These bills will help fund the experts needed to efficiently process permits, establish a specialized problem-solving ombudsman to coordinate and resolve permitting disputes, and to standardize best practices across field offices. They will extend a streamlined permitting pathway available to oil and gas wells on already developed lands to geothermal development, give the Department of the Interior a deadline to issue authorizations after reviews are complete, and modify how royalties are collected to incentivize new developments on one lease. All of these are commonsense reforms that safely speed up the build-out of clean, reliable energy, and I am proud to stand in support of this timely, bipartisan package. Mr. Speaker, I look forward to hearing more from our bill's cosponsors, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Bruce Westerman (R-AR)

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Hurd), who is the lead sponsor of this bill.

Jeff Hurd (R-CO)

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 5631, the Geothermal Energy Advancement Act. I begin by thanking my Republican colleagues Representatives Lee, Maloy, and Kennedy and my Democratic colleagues Representatives Ansari and Ocasio-Cortez for their partnership on this bipartisan legislation. At a time when Americans are often told Congress cannot work together across the aisle, this bill is proof that we still can. Geothermal energy represents one of the most promising opportunities in America's energy future. When we talk about geothermal energy in this bill, we are not talking about heating and cooling systems for individual buildings. We are talking about large-scale electricity generation from the heat miles beneath the Earth's surface, energy available around the clock and dispatched when the grid needs it. It is American energy. It is always available. It strengthens grid reliability. It supplies reliable power for military installations, advanced manufacturing, and critical infrastructure. It can help meet growing energy demand without relying on foreign supply chains. The good news is that the challenge facing geothermal energy today is not a lack of resources. It is not a lack of innovation. It is not technology. It is not lack of entrepreneurial spirit. The challenge is process. It is red tape. Geothermal projects can be complex and capital intensive. Now, this legislation does not solve every challenge facing the industry, but it addresses one of the challenges that Congress can solve: unnecessary delay, fragmented permitting, and regulatory uncertainty. When projects spend years navigating regulatory uncertainty, these costs ultimately get built into the project. Greater certainty helps attract investment, accelerate deployment, and bring promising projects online more quickly. Across the West, we have extraordinary geothermal potential, but permitting remains fragmented, timelines are uncertain, and expertise is often spread unevenly across the Federal Government. As a result, projects face delays that serve no one's interests. This legislation takes a practical approach to solving those problems. It improves coordination. It increases certainty. It streamlines permitting. It helps ensure that expertise is available where it is needed. It also provides the tools necessary to move worthy projects through the process more efficiently while maintaining responsible environmental stewardship. In short, this bill helps the system work the way Congress intended it to work. America has tremendous geothermal potential, but we have a deployment problem. The good news, though, is we can solve it. If we are serious about American energy security, American competitiveness, and American innovation, we should remove unnecessary barriers that prevent us from developing the resources that we already possess. The future will require more electricity, more reliability, more domestic energy production. Geothermal can help meet that challenge. This legislation helps unlock that potential. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Westerman for his invaluable help on this legislation, and I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 5631.

Melanie A. Stansbury (D-NM)4:00 p.m.

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from Nevada (Ms. Lee).

Susie Lee (D-NV)4:00 p.m.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman and my colleague from Colorado for their leadership in this package. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of a rare issue that is uniting Americans from the right, the left, and the center: geothermal energy. Particularly during a time when it too often can feel like Congress can't agree on anything, today's package is a standout in the best way. As the United States continues to face increasing energy demand here at home and rising energy costs from abroad, fully harnessing our domestic geothermal resources is more important than ever. My home State of Nevada has been a pioneer of both conventional and next-generation geothermal energy, including as the site of the country's first enhanced geothermal plant. With exciting and ongoing developments in the geothermal technology, the Department of Energy has estimated that America will be able to affordably capture enough of our abundant geothermal resources nationwide to power more than 65 million homes over the next 25 years. Let me be clear: This is baseload, 24/7 clean energy, and that is why I am proud to co-lead the Geothermal Energy Advancement Act with Congressman Hurd. Our bipartisan package is the most significant geothermal legislation in more than a half a century since the foundational Geothermal Steam Act of 1970. I am thrilled that the package includes my STEAM Act, which I am proud to co-lead with Representative Celeste Maloy and Senator Catherine Cortez Masto. The STEAM Act will ensure that the geothermal industry has the same flexibility to explore and develop on previously disturbed or studied public lands that the oil and gas industry has had for upwards of two decades. At long last, we will be leveling the playing field for this promising and proven 24/7 clean energy source. Mr. Speaker, there is a reason that the STEAM Act and all six bills in the package unanimously passed out of the House Natural Resources Committee: It is because Members from all corners of the ideological spectrum know that geothermal can make a real difference. The U.S. contains more than five terawatts of geothermal resources, enough to meet the electricity needs of the entire world. With energy costs going up, I have long said that we need to embrace an all-of-the-above approach to bring down these costs for hardworking Americans. This geothermal package and the homegrown energy that it supports will do just that. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support our bipartisan, commonsense, and cost-saving legislation.

Bruce Westerman (R-AR)4:00 p.m.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Utah (Mr. Kennedy).

Mike Kennedy (R-UT)4:00 p.m.

Mr. Speaker, today, we have an opportunity to unlock one of America's greatest untapped energy resources and invest in our Nation's future. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 5631, the Geothermal Energy Advancement Act. First, I thank Representative Hurd, Chairman Westerman, and my colleagues on the Natural Resources Committee, and the staff, theirs and mine, who put the work in to build this historic geothermal package. I am proud that my own bill, the Geothermal Royalty Reform Act, is being passed as part of it, giving developers the regulatory certainty they need to build. Geothermal is one of the most promising, untapped renewable energy resources on the planet, and no State is better positioned to lead the world into this frontier than the State of Utah, with more than 10 gigawatts of reliable power beneath it. The Department of Energy projects that next-generation geothermal could provide 90 gigawatts of power nationwide by 2050, a 20 times increase, enough to power millions of homes while meeting our rising demand. It is firm, baseload power, the kind that can keep the grid stable and energy affordable for working families. Energy costs are climbing, and families feel it every month. Geothermal can be part of the answer. What is standing in the way? For too long, it was our own regulatory environment. Geothermal developers have been forced through a maze of outdated permitting and duplicative reviews. This bill will clear those obstacles instead of creating them. Mr. Speaker, the resource is real, the technology is proven, and American industry is ready to build. The only thing holding us back now is Washington itself. This bill changes that and puts the clean power beneath our feet to work. Let's unlock American energy and deliver the reliable power this country runs on.

Melanie A. Stansbury (D-NM)4:00 p.m.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Bruce Westerman (R-AR)4:00 p.m.

Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record six letters of support for the Geothermal Energy Advancement Act. These letters are from ClearPath Action, Corporate Energy Buyers Association, Enhanced Geothermal Systems Deployment Coalition, Geothermal Rising Action, Ormat Technologies, and Zanskar Geothermal & Minerals.
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June 2, 2026. Hon. Bruce Westerman, Chairman, House Committee on Natural Resources, Washington, DC. Hon. Jared Huffman, Ranking Member, House Committee on Natural Resources, Washington, DC. Dear Chairman Westerman and Ranking Member Huffman: On behalf of ClearPath Action, I write to express our strong support for two pieces of legislation under House floor consideration this week: H.R. 1687, the Committing Leases for Energy Access Now (CLEAN) Act and H.R. 5631, the Geothermal Energy Advancement Act. Together, these bipartisan bills will help unlock America's geothermal potential--delivering clean, firm, baseload power to meet surging electricity demand while advancing energy security. ClearPath Action advocates for more clean energy innovation, modernized permitting and regulatory reform, America's global competitiveness for manufacturing, and unlocking more American resources. For over a decade, ClearPath Action has championed policies that harness the power of the private sector and reduce government red tape to deploy innovative American energy technologies, including next-generation geothermal. Geothermal power remains an underutilized resource that is largely stranded on federal lands due to outdated and inefficient leasing and permitting regimes. The legislation before the House this week will take meaningful action to reduce these barriers and allow the technology to reach commercial scale. The moment is ripe for action. A new wave of enhanced geothermal technologies is rapidly maturing, promising to extend geothermal to geologies far beyond traditional hotspots. Nearly 90 percent of U.S. geothermal resources are located on federal lands, yet the current leasing backlog and permitting uncertainty make it difficult for developers to plan and finance projects with confidence. The industry needs a permitting process that keeps pace with commercial ambition. The CLEAN Act and the Geothermal Energy Advancement Act deliver exactly that. Passage of both bills would send a powerful signal that Congress is serious about unleashing domestic geothermal resources, diversifying America's clean energy supply, and ensuring that federal land management serves as a platform for American energy dominance rather than an obstacle to it. ClearPath Action urges the House to pass both bills. We stand ready to work with the Committee, House leadership, and the Senate on additional steps to enact these measures into law. Thank you for your leadership on this critical issue. Sincerely, Chief Executive Officer, ClearPath Action. ____ June 1, 2026. Hon. Mike Johnson, Speaker of the House, Washington, DC. Hon. Hakeem Jeffries, Minority Leader, Washington, DC. Re The Corporate Energy Buyers Association Supports H.R. 5631, The Geothermal Energy Advancement Act Dear Speaker Johnson and Leader Jeffries: On behalf of the Corporate Energy Buyers Association (CEBA) and our more than 320 member companies, I write to share our strong support for H.R. 5631, the Geothermal Energy Advancement Act. CEBA appreciates your leadership in bringing this bipartisan legislation to the House floor. We are also grateful to the bill's sponsors and the House Natural Resources Committee for developing a package that addresses real barriers to geothermal deployment. CEBA respectfully urges Members of the House to vote in favor of H.R. 5631. As a business association representing the largest corporate clean energy buyers in the United States, CEBA strongly supports policies that will accelerate the development and deployment of low-cost, reliable, carbon emissions-free energy sources, including geothermal technologies. Geothermal energy is an abundant, reliable electricity source that can help support increasing demand from economic growth, particularly in the West, while strengthening energy security. With a high capacity factor of about 90 percent geothermal power plants provide a steady output of baseload electricity to power large energy customers or support other renewable energy resources. While the U.S. has significant geothermal potential, the relatively nascent sector faces high upfront capital costs, investment barriers, and technological limitations that lawmakers are seeking to address. Passing the Geothermal Energy Advancement Act will accelerate the permitting process for geothermal projects, addressing some of the major regulatory barriers hindering greater buildout. CEBA is pleased to see significant bipartisan support for this legislation. We look forward to continuing our work with your offices and all members of Congress to advance commonsense geothermal permitting policies. Again, we respectfully urge House leadership to support passage of the Geothermal Energy Advancement Act and encourage your colleagues to vote in favor of the package when it is brought before the full House. Thank you for your leadership in working to ensure reliable, affordable, domestically sourced electricity for all Americans. Sincerely, Rich Powell, CEO, CEBA. ____ June 1, 2026. The Enhanced Geothermal Systems Deployment Coalition (EGS DC) encourages the U.S. House of Representatives to pass the Geothermal Energy Advancement Act (H.R. 5631) and the Committing Leases for Energy access Now (CLEAN) Act (H.R. 1687). The Geothermal Energy Advancement Act is a package of six bills that would modernize the federal geothermal leasing, permitting, and regulatory process, including: Geothermal Energy Opportunity (GEO) Act (H.R. 301; Rep. Celeste Maloy, R-UT) Geothermal Cost-Recovery Authority Act of 2025 (H.R. 398; Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-NY) Streamlining Thermal Energy through Advanced Mechanisms (STEAM) Act (H,R. 1077; Rep. Susie Lee, D-NV) Geothermal Gold Book Development Act (H.R. 5617; Rep. Yassamin Ansari, D-AZ) Geothermal Ombudsman for National Deployment and Optimal Reviews Act (H.R. 5631; Rep. Jeff Hurd, R-CO) Geothermal Royalty Reform Act (H.R. 5638; Rep. Mike Kennedy, R-UT) Together alongside the CLEAN Act, these bills would improve permitting timelines, establish clearer federal coordination, and provide greater certainty for geothermal project development, accelerating the responsible deployment of enhanced geothermal technologies nationwide. This package represents the most significant geothermal legislative effort in years and reflects broad bipartisan recognition of geothermal energy's role in supporting reliable, domestic power generation. While testifying on this legislation, Fervo Energy CEO Tim Latimer emphasized that "the greatest barrier to geothermal growth isn't technology--its process. [. . .] With targeted reforms to environmental review and transmission permitting, geothermal can become a cornerstone of America's energy supply." EGS DC supports passage of this package and encourages the Senate to act on this legislation and advance solutions that expand enhanced geothermal energy and strengthen American energy leadership. ____ Geothermal Rising Action, Re Support for H.R. 5631, the Geothermal Energy Advancement Act, and H.R. 1687, the CLEAN Act. Dear Members of the House of Representatives: On behalf of Geothermal Rising Action, an affiliate of the national trade association for the American geothermal industry representing over 100 organizational members, we urge a YES vote on H.R. 5631, the Geothermal Energy Advancement Act, and H.R. 1687, the Committing Leases for Energy Access Now (CLEAN) Act. H.R. 5631 combines six bipartisan bills approved unanimously by the House Natural Resources Committee: The Geothermal Ombudsman for National Deployment and Optimal Reviews Act; The Streamlining Thermal Energy through Advanced Mechanisms (STEAM) Act; The Geothermal Energy Opportunity (GEO) Act; The Geothermal Cost-Recovery Authority Act of 2025; The Geothermal Gold Book Development Act; and The Geothermal Royalty Reform Act. Together with the CLEAN Act, this legislation addresses key barriers to geothermal development on federal lands by streamlining the permitting process, increasing the frequency of lease sales, improving agency coordination and best practices, and providing greater regulatory certainty for geothermal developers. Geothermal energy operates 24/7 at over 90 percent capacity, has the smallest land footprint per megawatt-hour of any energy source, creates jobs using the same workforce and equipment as oil and gas, and can co-produce critical minerals essential for national security. Over 90 percent of discoverable geothermal resources are on federal lands. Federal permitting remains one of the most persistent bottlenecks to deployment, and this legislation provides practical, bipartisan solutions. We respectfully urge the House to pass both bills and welcome the opportunity to serve as a resource to any Member or staff with questions about geothermal energy. Sincerely, Caity Smith, President, Geothermal Rising Action. ____ June 1, 2026. Hon. Mike Johnson, Speaker, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Hon. Hakeem Jeffries, Democratic Leader, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Speaker Johnson and Leader Jeffries: On behalf of Ormat Technologies Inc. (Ormat) I am writing in support of H.R. 5631, the Geothermal Energy Advancement Act. Ormat is a vertically integrated global leader in geothermal power, energy storage, solar, and recovered energy generation. Headquartered in Reno, Nevada, Ormat is a leading geothermal company with more than 1,650 employees and over six decades of experience in the geothermal power business. Ormat is a vertically integrated company that designs, develops, manufactures, owns, and operates geothermal power plants all over the world, with a generating portfolio of 1.8 gigawatts. In Nevada, Ormat operates 14 facilities which produce 507 megawatts and employ more than 400 employees. This provides enough power for 325,000 homes, contributes more than $30 million in operations, taxes, and royalties, and avoids 59 million metric tons of CO2 annually. Ormat has extensive experience developing and producing renewable energy on public lands, with 22 operating facilities utilizing 338,855 acres of Bureau of Land Management (BLM) leases in California, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, and Utah. In 2020 Ormat paid $2.6 million in royalties and almost $1 million in rentals to the BLM. Ormat strongly supports the permitting reforms in the Geothermal Energy Advancement Act. Specifically, among other measures, the bill would (1) establish deadlines for the issuance of administrative permits that are necessary to commence operations after the environmental review for a geothermal energy project is complete; (2) ensure fair royalty treatment for leases that have multiple projects; and (3) establish a Geothermal Ombudsman at the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to serve as a liaison between BLM field offices and the BLM Director and develop best practices for geothermal energy leasing and permitting. All of these reforms would streamline the permitting process for geothermal development and would allow for more energy to be deployed on federal lands. We strongly support this legislation and urge you to advance these reforms as expeditiously as possible. Sincerely, Director, Business Development, Ormat Technologies Inc. ____ Hon. Mike Johnson, Speaker, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Hon. Hakeem Jeffries, House Minority Leader, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Speaker Johnson and Minority Leader Jeffries: On behalf of Zanskar Geothermal & Minerals, Inc. ("Zanskar"), I write to express our strong support for the Advancing Geothermal Energy Act and the CLEAN Act. We appreciate the House Natural Resources Committee's bipartisan work to advance this practical package of reforms, and we urge the full House to pass these important bills. Zanskar is an American energy technology company focused on discovering America's hidden geothermal resources and transforming them into baseload, clean power plants.
Text printed in the Record (1,428 characters)
We build artificial intelligence tools that map the Earth's subsurface with a level of precision that, just a decade ago, was considered impossible, and we deploy them through what we believe is the most significant field data collection and drilling campaign for geothermal in American history. Through this work, we are showing that the American age of geothermal discovery is just getting started, and that geothermal development can be systematic, repeatable, and scalable. Unlocking our nation's geothermal frontier will require real partnership between the public and private sectors, and a practical policy framework to steward American geothermal development on federal lands. Today, developers may spend five to ten years navigating leasing and permitting processes before demonstrating whether a resource is commercially viable. This deters capital and strands projects that should be moving forward. The bills in this package make practical, long-overdue reforms to help address these barriers, from permitting timelines and leasing consistency to royalty structures and interagency coordination. Together, they take important steps to create the policy framework needed to accelerate our efforts to discover and develop America's geothermal frontier. Thank you for your leadership on this issue. We welcome the opportunity to serve as a resource to you and your staff as these efforts move forward. Respectfully,

Bruce Westerman (R-AR)4:00 p.m.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the Geothermal Energy Advancement Act. At a time when competition with China on AI and data centers is at an all-time high, we cannot afford to fall behind in power generation. Geothermal energy can provide reliable, baseload power throughout the West, as well as other parts of the country, and enhance American energy independence. Mr. Speaker, I thank the sponsors of the bill included in this bipartisan package for their work to bring this legislation to the floor, and I yield back the balance of my time.

The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Goldman of Texas)4:00 p.m.

The question is on the motion offered by the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Westerman) that the House suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 5631, as amended.

The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the rules were suspended and the bill, as amended, was passed. The title of the bill was amended so as to read: "A bill to promote responsible geothermal energy development on public lands, and for other purposes.". A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

Alaska's Right to Ivory Sales and Tradition Act

Pages H3765–H3766 · Official text

Bruce Westerman (R-AR)

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (S. 254) to amend the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 to protect the cultural practices and livelihoods of producers of Alaska Native handicrafts and marine mammal ivory products, and for other purposes.

The Clerk read the title of the bill. The text of the bill is as follows:

Text printed in the Record (4,945 characters)
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the "Alaska's Right to Ivory Sales and Tradition Act" or the "ARTIST Act". SEC. 2. ALASKA NATIVE HANDICRAFTS. Section 101(b) of the Marine Mammal Protection Act Of 1972 (16 U.S.C. 1371(b)) is amended to read as follows: "(b) Exemption for Alaskan Natives.-- "(1) Definitions.--In this subsection: "(A) Authentic alaska native article of handicrafts and clothing.--The term `authentic Alaska Native article of handicrafts and clothing' means an item composed wholly, or in some significant respect, of natural materials and that is produced, decorated, or fashioned in the exercise of traditional Alaska Native handicrafts by an Alaska Native who resides in Alaska and who dwells on the coast of the North Pacific Ocean or the Arctic Ocean without the use of a pantograph, multiple carvers, or any other mass copying device. "(B) Marine mammal ivory.--The term `marine mammal ivory' includes a tooth or tusk from a walrus (Odobenus rosmarus) or a species of cetacean. "(C) Traditional alaska native handicrafts.--The term `traditional Alaska Native handicrafts' includes weaving, carving, stitching, sewing, lacing, beading, drawing, and painting. "(2) Exemption.-- "(A) In general.--Except as provided in section 109, the provisions of this Act shall not apply with respect to the taking of any marine mammal by any Alaska Native who resides in Alaska and who dwells on the coast of the North Pacific Ocean or the Arctic Ocean if such taking-- "(i)(I) is for subsistence purposes; or "(II) is done for purposes of creating and selling authentic Alaska Native articles of handicrafts and clothing; and "(ii) in each case, is not accomplished in a wasteful manner. "(B) Special rules.-- "(i) Interstate commerce of items.--An item presented as an authentic Alaska Native article of handicrafts and clothing may be sold in interstate commerce only if it comports with the definition provided in paragraph (1)(A). "(ii) Edible portion of marine mammal.--Any edible portion of a marine mammal taken for the purpose of creating and selling authentic Alaska Native articles of handicrafts and clothing may be sold for native consumption or in a native village or town in Alaska. "(3) Limitations.-- "(A) In general.--Notwithstanding paragraph (2), if, under this Act, the Secretary determines any species or stock of marine mammal subject to taking by Alaska Natives to be depleted, the Secretary may prescribe regulations upon the taking of such marine mammals by any Alaska Native described in this subsection. "(B) Content of regulations.--The regulations described in subparagraph (A) may be established with reference to species or stocks, geographical area, the season for taking, or any other factors related to the reason for establishing such regulations and consistent with the purposes of this Act. "(C) Notice and hearing; removal of regulations.--The regulations described in subparagraph (A) shall be prescribed after notice and hearing required by section 103 of this title and shall be removed as soon as the Secretary determines that the need for their imposition has disappeared. "(D) Regulations to be supported by substantial evidence.--In promulgating any regulation or making any assessment pursuant to a hearing or proceeding under this subsection or section 117(b)(2), or in making any determination of depletion under this subsection or finding regarding unmitigable adverse impacts under subsection (a)(5) that affects stocks or persons to which this subsection applies, the Secretary shall demonstrate in writing (and make such writing publicly available on the website of the Secretary) that, in consideration of the whole record, including Indigenous knowledge, such regulation, assessment, determination, or finding is supported by substantial evidence. "(E) Applicability.--The requirement under subparagraph (D) shall only be applicable in an action brought by one or more Alaska Native organizations representing persons to which this subsection applies. "(4) Prohibitions.--No State shall prohibit the interstate commerce, importation, sale, offer for sale, transfer, trade, barter, possession, or possession with the intent to sell, transfer, trade, or barter of marine mammal ivory or marine mammal bone or baleen incorporated under this title by an Alaska Native, into an authentic Alaska Native article of handicrafts and clothing. "(5) Rule of construction.--Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to-- "(A) impact the rights of any Indian Tribe (as defined in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304)) in effect on the date of enactment of the Alaska's Right to Ivory Sales and Tradition Act; or "(B) undermine any government-to-government consultation or engagement.".

The SPEAKER pro tempore

Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Westerman) and the gentlewoman from New Mexico (Ms. Stansbury) each will control 20 minutes. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Arkansas.

Bruce Westerman (R-AR)

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material to S. 254, the bill now under consideration.

The SPEAKER pro tempore

Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from Arkansas?

There was no objection.

Bruce Westerman (R-AR)

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of S. 254, Alaska's Right to Ivory Sales and Tradition Act, or the ARTIST Act. Subsistence harvest of marine mammals is a key aspect of Alaska Native culture. Subsistence hunters harvest marine mammals for both food and to create Native handicrafts, clothing, and artwork. Many of the millions of Americans that visit Alaska each year purchase these products. However, as States have enacted bans on ivory to prevent the trafficking of elephant tusks, these bans have been incorrectly applied to walrus ivory, a central component of the Alaska Natives' creations. The ARTIST Act fixes this longstanding issue by allowing Alaska Natives' handicraft and artworks to be sold in interstate commerce. Ultimately, this bill recognizes the immeasurable ways in which Alaska Natives have contributed to the story of Alaska. I thank Congressman Begich for his leadership on this important issue in the House and Senator Sullivan for his leadership in the Senate. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Melanie A. Stansbury (D-NM)

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, S. 254 would amend section 101(b) of the Marine Mammal Protection Act, which allows Alaska Native communities to take marine mammals for subsistence purposes. This proposed amendment would allow Alaska Native communities to take marine mammals for the creation and sale of arts and crafts. The MMPA already permits the use of marine mammal ivory in Alaska Native art when the animal was taken for subsistence. However, Alaska Native artists have faced barriers to markets due to State-level bans on the sale of ivory. They routinely used whale baleen, bones, and ivory walrus tusks in their artwork, which have been caught up in good faith efforts to curb the trade of elephant and rhinoceros ivory. This bill would clarify that authentic Alaska Native art made with marine mammal products may be sold nationwide. This will provide greater flexibility and certainty to Alaska Native artists. Importantly, this bill would maintain the Secretary's authority under the MMPA to regulate the take of depleted marine mammal stocks based on scientific evidence and the consideration of indigenous knowledge. It also maintains the authority of States to regulate or ban the sale of other ivory, such as elephant ivory. The artwork this bill would support is important to Alaska Native traditions and cultures. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting S. 254, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Bruce Westerman (R-AR)

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Alaska (Mr. Begich), the lead sponsor of the House companion to the bill.

Nicholas J. Begich III (R-AK)

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of S. 254, the Alaska's Right to Ivory Sales and Tradition Act, the ARTIST Act. For generations, Alaska Native artisans along our north Pacific and Arctic coasts have carved walrus ivory into works of extraordinary beauty, a tradition handed down through families, woven into the culture life of entire communities, and for many, a vital source of income. In recent years, well-meaning efforts to crack down on the illegal elephant ivory trade have swept up something they were never meant to touch: the legal, sustainable, lawfully harvested ivory at the heart of Alaska Native art. Buyers grew confused. Some States moved to ban these handicrafts outright. Alaska Native carvers, who have done nothing wrong, watched their livelihoods and their heritage put at risk. The ARTIST Act fixes that. It makes it clear that authentic Alaska Native handicrafts may be bought and sold across this country. It stops States from outlawing a responsible tradition that predates them by centuries. This is about cultural durability and the right of Alaska Native families to practice their traditions and provide for their communities. Mr. Speaker, I thank Senator Dan S. Sullivan for his leadership in carrying this bill through the Senate. With House action, the ARTIST Act will be one step away from restoring the rights of Alaska Native craftsmen. Mr. Speaker, I urge my college to support S. 254.

Melanie A. Stansbury (D-NM)

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Bruce Westerman (R-AR)

Mr. Speaker, last year, a bipartisan group of members of our committee traveled to Alaska. As part of that visit, we held a roundtable with Alaska Native organizations during which we heard about the importance of subsistence hunting for Alaska Native communities, cultures, and economies. Enacting this bill will remove a longstanding barrier for the sale of Alaska Native handicrafts and artwork, and I am pleased that Congress is championing policies that are important to the Alaska Native way of life. Mr. Speaker, I urge adoption of S. 254, and I yield back the balance of my time.

The SPEAKER pro tempore

The question is on the motion offered by the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Westerman) that the House suspend the rules and pass the bill, S. 254.

The question was taken.

The SPEAKER pro tempore

In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.

Bruce Westerman (R-AR)

Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

The yeas and nays were ordered.

The SPEAKER pro tempore

Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, further proceedings on this motion will be postponed.

Reauthorizing the Fort Peck Reservation Rural Water System Act of 2000

Pages H3766–H3767 · Official text

Bruce Westerman (R-AR)

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 7250) to reauthorize the Fort Peck Reservation Rural Water System Act of 2000.

The Clerk read the title of the bill. The text of the bill is as follows:

Text printed in the Record (387 characters)
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. REAUTHORIZATION. Section 9 of the Fort Peck Reservation Rural Water System Act of 2000 (Public Law 106-382; 114 Stat. 1457; 123 Stat. 2856; 128 Stat. 164; 132 Stat. 2906) is amended, in each of subsections (a)(1) and (b), by striking "2026" and inserting "2028".

The SPEAKER pro tempore

Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Westerman) and the gentlewoman from New Mexico (Ms. Stansbury) each will control 20 minutes. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Arkansas.

Bruce Westerman (R-AR)

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H.R. 7250, the bill now under consideration.

The SPEAKER pro tempore

Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from Arkansas?

There was no objection.

Bruce Westerman (R-AR)

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 7250, a bill to reauthorize the Fort Peck Reservation Rural Water System, sponsored by Representative Troy Downing of Montana. The system consists of two interconnected water systems in northeastern Montana, which serve Tribal and non-Tribal communities. Major features of the system have already been completed, and a substantial portion is operational. Some work remains to complete the project. This legislation would extend the Bureau of Reclamation's authority to carry out work on the project through fiscal year 2028, which will provide enough time to complete the project using existing funds. Mr. Speaker, I commend Representative Downing for his leadership on this important issue. I urge my colleagues to support the legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Melanie A. Stansbury (D-NM)

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 7250. This legislation would extend the Fort Peck Reservation Rural Water System completion date to December 2028. In 2000, Congress authorized the Fort Peck Reservation Rural Water System to address water quality and supply concerns in northeastern Montana. This project consists of the Assiniboine and Sioux Rural Water System and the Dry Prairie Rural Water System. Together, they will provide safe, reliable water from the Missouri River to over 32,000 residents across the Fort Peck Indian Reservation and communities in northeastern Montana. Over the years, Congress has provided extensions to account for delays in project construction due to insufficient appropriations and rising construction costs. H.R. 7250 would provide another simple 2-year extension to ensure that construction of the final components of the Assiniboine and Sioux and the Dry Prairie Rural Water Systems can be completed. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote "yes," and I reserve the balance of my time.

Bruce Westerman (R-AR)

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Montana (Mr. Downing), the lead sponsor of this bill.

Troy Downing (R-MT)

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 7250, my legislation to reauthorize the Fort Peck Reservation Rural Water System Act. Passage of this bill will ensure the completion of a vital piece of water infrastructure for my constituents living in one of the most rural areas of the country. Northeast Montana faces a variety of significant water access challenges, including regular droughts and contaminated groundwater. Towns, farms, ranches, and Tribes in the region need reliable water treatment facilities and infrastructure in order to overcome these issues. To address these challenges, the Fort Peck Reservation Rural Water System Act of 2000 authorized a major water infrastructure partnership between the Assiniboine and Sioux Rural Water Supply System of the Fort Peck Reservation and the Dry Prairie Rural Water System in northeast Montana. It also provided funding and technical support for the project through the Bureau of Reclamation. In the ensuing two and a half decades, the two water systems have successfully worked together with Federal partners to build an extensive network of over 3,000 miles of water pipeline, along with multiple pumping stations and a water treatment plant to service the region's 18,000 residents. The project is nearly finished, with only 2 out of Dry Prairie's 23 pipeline phases in need of completion. However, its current Federal authorization is set to expire at the end of the year. My legislation, H.R. 7250, extends the water system's authorization by 2 years to provide the necessary time for the completion of these final phases of the project. Without an authorization to build, the project's completion would be jeopardized. Notably, this legislation does not appropriate any additional Federal funds. It solely reauthorizes work already on the verge of completion. H.R. 7250 will continue a critical infrastructure project that directly benefits rural and Tribal communities in northeast Montana. Moreover, passage of this bill will allow this congressionally directed project to carry through to completion, ensuring that taxpayer dollars are spent as they were initially intended. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this important initiative for Montana.

Bruce Westerman (R-AR)4:20 p.m.

Mr. Speaker, I have no more speakers. I am prepared to close, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Melanie A. Stansbury (D-NM)4:20 p.m.

Mr. Speaker, in closing, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Bruce Westerman (R-AR)4:20 p.m.

Mr. Speaker, this bill will provide for the completion of a water system that is necessary for the long-term sustainability of rural communities in Montana. I urge my colleagues to support the legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

The SPEAKER pro tempore4:20 p.m.

The question is on the motion offered by the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Westerman) that the House suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 7250.

The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the rules were suspended and the bill was passed. A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

Cross-Boundary Wildfire Solutions Act

Pages H3767–H3769 · Official text

Bruce Westerman (R-AR)

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3922) to direct the Comptroller General of the United States to conduct a study on existing programs, rules, and authorities that enable or inhibit wildfire mitigation across land ownership boundaries on Federal and non-Federal land, and for other purposes, as amended.

The Clerk read the title of the bill. The text of the bill is as follows:

Text printed in the Record (3,053 characters)
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the "Cross-Boundary Wildfire Solutions Act". SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS. In this Act: (1) Covered agency.--The term "covered agency" means-- (A) each Federal land management agency (as defined in section 802 of the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (16 U.S.C. 6801)); (B) the Natural Resources Conservation Service; (C) the Environmental Protection Agency; (D) the Federal Emergency Management Agency; (E) the United States Fire Administration; (F) States; (G) Indian Tribes; and (H) local governments. (2) Covered authority.--The term "covered authority" means-- (A) the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (16 U.S.C. 6501 et seq.); (B) the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 2101 et seq.); (C) the good neighbor authority under section 8206 of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (16 U.S.C. 2113a); (D) the Tribal Forest Protection Act of 2004 (25 U.S.C. 3101 et seq.); (E) the collaborative forest landscape restoration program under section 4003 of the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 (16 U.S.C. 7303); and (F) any other statutory authority that facilitates cross-boundary wildfire mitigation or forest health improvement activities, as determined by the Comptroller General of the United States. SEC. 3. STUDY ON WILDFIRE MITIGATION ACROSS LAND OWNERSHIP BOUNDARIES. (a) Study Required.--The Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct a study on-- (1) the existing Federal programs, rules, and authorities that enable or inhibit wildfire mitigation from being completed across land ownership boundaries on Federal and non-Federal land; (2) whether changes to any program, rule, or authority (including changes to existing statutory definitions) identified pursuant to paragraph (1) would-- (A) allow a covered agency increased capacity or access to funding to mitigate wildfires or improve forest health; and (B) enable better community protection and prevent the loss of structures due to wildfire; and (3) the activities carried out pursuant to a covered authority, including-- (A) how to improve the efficacy of such activities with respect to mitigating wildfire; and (B) whether the enactment of such covered authority has increased capacity or access to funding to mitigate wildfires for a covered agency. (b) Report.--Not later than 2 years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to the Committee on Natural Resources and the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a report that contains-- (1) the results of the study required under subsection (a); and (2) recommendations to simplify cross-boundary wildfire mitigation between Federal land management agencies and State, local, and Tribal governments.

The SPEAKER pro tempore

Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Westerman) and the gentlewoman from New Mexico (Ms. Stansbury) each will control 20 minutes. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Arkansas.

Bruce Westerman (R-AR)

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on H.R. 3922, the bill now under consideration.

The SPEAKER pro tempore

Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from Arkansas?

There was no objection.

Bruce Westerman (R-AR)

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 3922, the Cross-Boundary Wildfire Solutions Act, a bipartisan bill led by Representatives Neguse and Kim. This important, straightforward legislation directs the Government Accountability Office to conduct a study analyzing barriers to cross-boundary forest management between the Federal Government and non-Federal partners. Catastrophic wildfires do not respect manmade boundaries. They burn across a patchwork of Federal, State, Tribal, local, and private lands, wreaking havoc all along the way. Confronting our Nation's forest health and wildfire crisis requires an all-hands-on-deck approach with stronger coordination and collaboration across all jurisdictions. Tools like Good Neighbor Authority and Shared Stewardship have successfully allowed non-Federal partners to work with Federal agencies to carry out cross-boundary treatments to restore forest health and mitigate wildfire threats. Recently, the Trump administration signed a new Shared Stewardship agreement with Montana to treat up to 200,000 acres of fire-prone, overgrown forest. Just last week, another Shared Stewardship agreement was signed between the Forest Service and South Dakota, which will allow more fuels reduction treatments on South Dakota's nearly 2 million acres of forest land. This type of proactive collaboration is exactly what is needed, especially as we approach the height of what some are anticipating will be one of the worst wildfire years on record. However, more can be done to remove barriers that limit cross-boundary efforts, improve coordination, and reduce fragmentation and duplication across programs. H.R. 3922 will help address these challenges by directing the Government Accountability Office to conduct a study of wildfire mitigation efforts across Federal and non-Federal lands. This legislation requires an examination of Federal programs, rules, and authorities to determine which policies are supporting cross-boundary efforts and which are inhibiting them. The study will also identify necessary changes to improve and increase wildfire mitigation efforts. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 3922, and I reserve the balance of my time.
Text printed in the Record (2,198 characters)
Washington, DC, May 26, 2026. Hon. Bruce Westerman, Chairman, Committee on Natural Resources, Washington, DC. Dear Mr. Chairman: This letter confirms our mutual understanding regarding H.R. 3922, the "Cross-Boundary Wildfire Solutions Act." Thank you for collaborating with the Committee on Agriculture on the matters within our jurisdiction. The Committee on Agriculture will forgo any further consideration of this bill. However, by forgoing consideration at this time, we do not waive any jurisdiction over any subject matter contained in this or similar legislation. The Committee on Agriculture also reserves the right to seek appointment of an appropriate number of conferees, should it become necessary, and ask that you support such a request. We would appreciate a response to this letter confirming this understanding with respect to H.R. 3922 and request a copy of our letters on this matter be published in the Congressional Record during Floor consideration. Sincerely, Glenn "GT" Thompson, Chairman. ____ Washington, DC, May 26, 2026. Hon. Glenn Thompson, Chairman, Committee on Agriculture, Washington, DC. Dear Chairman Thompson: I write regarding H.R. 3922, the "Cross-Boundary Wildfire Solutions Act," which was ordered reported by the Committee on Natural Resources on February 11, 2026. I recognize that the bill contains provisions that fall within the jurisdiction of the Committee on Agriculture and appreciate your willingness to forgo further consideration of the bill. I acknowledge that the Committee on Agriculture will not formally consider H.R. 3922 and agree that the inaction of your Committee with respect to the bill does not waive any jurisdiction over the subject matter contained therein. I am pleased to support your request to name members of the Committee on Agriculture to any conference committee to consider such provisions. I will ensure that our exchange of letters is included in the Congressional Record during floor consideration of the bill and will include such letters in the committee report on H.R. 3922. I appreciate your cooperation regarding this legislation. Sincerely, Bruce Westerman, Chairman, Committee on Natural Resources.

Melanie A. Stansbury (D-NM)

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, the Cross-Boundary Wildfire Solutions Act, sponsored by Mr. Joe Neguse, would direct the Government Accountability Office, or GAO, to study the existing Federal programs, rules, and authorities that either enable or inhibit cross-boundary wildfire mitigation. As we all know, wildfires do not respect property lines or jurisdictional boundaries. Yet, our mitigation efforts are too often hindered by the complex borders between Federal, State, local, and Tribal lands. This bill takes direct aim at this problem by answering recommendation 24 from the bipartisan Wildland Fire Mitigation and Management Commission report. We need to know what is working and what is standing in the way. By identifying these gaps, we can improve collaboration, ensure all levels of government have better access to mitigation and funding, and build far more effective wildfire strategies. Ultimately, this legislation will enhance our capacity to manage these crises, reduce the frequency and severity of devastating wildfires, and protect our most vulnerable communities. I wish to take a moment to congratulate the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Neguse), my colleague, for his exceptional leadership, not just on this bill, but on wildfires in general, and for his work in advancing critical legislation to protect our public lands. Through his dedicated work leading the Bipartisan Wildfire Caucus and serving as the ranking member of the Subcommittee on Federal Lands, Representative Neguse has been a relentless champion for our communities. This is exactly the kind of bipartisan leadership and legislation needed to ensure we are doing everything possible to keep our communities safe. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Bruce Westerman (R-AR)

Mr. Speaker, I am prepared to close, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Melanie A. Stansbury (D-NM)

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Neguse).

Joe Neguse (D-CO)

Mr. Speaker, first, I thank my colleague from New Mexico for her steadfast leadership, for the work that she has done as a champion for the Southwest, the great State of New Mexico, and, of course, her leadership on all matters connected to science. I am grateful to her for her steadfast leadership and commitment. Mr. Speaker, I also thank the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Westerman), the chairman of the full Committee on Natural Resources, for giving me the opportunity to present this important legislation. I certainly echo his remarks, the remarks from Representative Stansbury, and, of course, the remarks of Ranking Member Huffman, as well. It has been said, but I think it bears repeating: Wildfires do not care if lands are Federal, State, or local. They don't respect manmade boundaries or political jurisdictions. To give you a sense of what that means on the ground level, I am privileged to represent the great State of Colorado here in the U.S. Congress. I represent a Congressional District that spans 12,000 square miles. It is larger than eight States, most of which are on the Eastern Seaboard. Over half of my Congressional District is Federal public lands. I represent three national forests, some of the most beautiful parts of our country. When you represent a district as large and as rural as mine, you see up close the damage and the devastation that comes from wildfires. Colorado is no stranger to wildfires, but in the last several years, we have had some of the most devastating in the history of our State. The Cameron Peak wildfire, the East Troublesome wildfire, these are wildfires that raged across hundreds of thousands of acres of land, Federal land, State land, and local land. What we have learned during the course of those fires and in the wake of that devastation is the critical need for partnership and for wildfire mitigation that ultimately stretches across these political boundaries. It is the reason why, in the wake of the Cameron Peak fire in particular, we created the Bipartisan Wildfire Caucus, bringing together folks from across the political spectrum here in Washington, D.C., to try to arrive at solutions like this bill, which I think could make a real difference in saving lives in the Rocky Mountain West, in my Congressional District, across the great State of Colorado, and indeed across the country. The Cross-Boundary Wildfire Solutions Act is simple. It is straightforward. It will help us identify and resolve the challenges that may exist with respect to gaps in wildfire mitigation across land ownership types. It is a simple, straightforward, bipartisan solution, and I am just delighted that we are able to come together on this important bill that I have introduced. Again, I thank you for your consideration. I hope we can all join in passing this and getting it across the finish line.

Melanie A. Stansbury (D-NM)4:30 p.m.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Bruce Westerman (R-AR)4:30 p.m.

Mr. Speaker, to address the enormity of the wildfire crisis, it is critical that we find ways to improve forest management across manmade jurisdictional boundaries. H.R. 3922 is a good bipartisan bill that will do just that by identifying existing Federal policies that can be changed to streamline proactive forest management. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

The SPEAKER pro tempore4:30 p.m.

The question is on the motion offered by the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Westerman) that the House suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 3922, as amended.

The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the rules were suspended and the bill, as amended, was passed. A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Initiative Reauthorization Act of 2025

Pages H3769–H3771 · Official text

Bruce Westerman (R-AR)

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 2860) to reauthorize the Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Initiative Act to promote the protection of the resources of the Northwest Straits, and for other purposes, as amended.

The Clerk read the title of the bill. The text of the bill is as follows:

Text printed in the Record (10,175 characters)
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the "Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Initiative Reauthorization Act of 2025". SEC. 2. REAUTHORIZATION OF NORTHWEST STRAITS MARINE CONSERVATION INITIATIVE ACT. The Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Initiative Act (title IV of Public Law 105-384; 112 Stat. 3458) is amended-- (1) in section 402, by striking "Commission (in this title referred to as the `Commission')." and inserting "Commission."; (2) by striking sections 403, 404, and 405; and (3) by inserting after section 402 the following: "SEC. 403. DEFINITIONS. "In this title: "(1) Commission.--The term `Commission' means the Northwest Straits Advisory Commission established by section 402. "(2) Marine resources committee.--The term `marine resources committee' means a county government committee that assists in assessing marine resource and conservation needs. "(3) Northwest straits region.--The term `Northwest Straits region' means the marine waters of the Strait of Juan de Fuca and of Puget Sound from the Canadian border to the south end of Snohomish County. "(4) Tribal government.--The term `Tribal government' means the recognized governing body of any Indian or Alaska Native tribe, band, nation, pueblo, village, community, component band, or component reservation individually identified (including parenthetically) in the list published most recently as of the date of enactment of the Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Initiative Reauthorization Act of 2025 pursuant to section 104 of the Federally Recognized Indian Tribe List Act of 1994 (25 U.S.C. 5131). "(5) Under secretary.--The term `Under Secretary' means the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere. "SEC. 404. MEMBERSHIP OF THE COMMISSION. "(a) Composition.-- "(1) In general.--The Commission shall be composed of 14 members, except as provided in paragraph (2), who shall be appointed as follows: "(A) One member appointed by a consensus of the members of a marine resources committee for San Juan County, Washington. "(B) One member appointed by a consensus of the members of a marine resources committee for Island County, Washington. "(C) One member appointed by a consensus of the members of a marine resources committee for Skagit County, Washington. "(D) One member appointed by a consensus of the members of a marine resources committee for Whatcom County, Washington. "(E) One member appointed by a consensus of the members of a marine resources committee for Snohomish County, Washington. "(F) One member appointed by a consensus of the members of a marine resources committee for Clallam County, Washington. "(G) One member appointed by a consensus of the members of a marine resources committee for Jefferson County, Washington. "(H) Two members appointed by the Secretary of the Interior, in coordination with the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission and in consultation with the Tribal governments affected by this title, to represent the interests of such Tribal governments. "(I) One member appointed by the Governor of the State of Washington to represent the interests of the Puget Sound Partnership. "(J) Four members appointed by the Governor of the State of Washington who-- "(i) are residents of the State of Washington; and "(ii) are not employed by a Federal, State, or local government, excluding an institution of higher education. "(2) Additional members.--The Commission may, as determined necessary to improve the ability of the Commission to perform the duties of the Commission under section 405(b), appoint members in addition to those appointed under paragraph (1). Any such additional member shall be appointed by a consensus of the members of a marine resources committee that is not described in such paragraph. "(b) Vacancies.--A vacancy in the Commission shall be filled in the manner in which the original appointment was made. "(c) Chairperson.--The Commission shall select a Chairperson from among its members. "(d) Meeting.--The Commission shall meet at the call of the Chairperson, but not less frequently than quarterly. "(e) Liaison.-- "(1) In general.--The Under Secretary, in consultation with the Commission, shall appoint an employee of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration-- "(A) to serve as a liaison between the Commission and the Department of Commerce; "(B) to coordinate programs of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration with activities related to the goal of the Commission described in section 405(a); and "(C) to perform additional liaison functions benefitting the Commission and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which may include, as agreed to by the Commission and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, attending meetings and other events of the Commission as a nonvoting participant. "(2) Limitation.--Service as a member of the Commission by the employee appointed under paragraph (1)-- "(A) is limited to the employee's service as a liaison; and "(B) does not obligate the employee to perform any duty of the Commission under section 405(b). "(f) Administration.--The Commission may enter into cooperative agreements with the State of Washington for staffing and administrative services for the purposes of supporting the duties of the Commission under section 405(b). "SEC. 405. GOAL AND DUTIES OF THE COMMISSION. "(a) Goal.--The goal of the Commission is to protect and restore the marine waters, habitats, and species of the Northwest Straits region to achieve ecosystem health and sustainable resource use by-- "(1) designing and recommending projects that are driven by the best available science, local priorities, community-based decisions, and the ability to measure results; "(2) building awareness and stewardship and making recommendations to improve the health of the marine resources of the Northwest Straits region; "(3) maintaining and expanding diverse membership and collaboration with partner organizations, such as the Puget Sound Partnership; "(4) expanding partnerships with Tribal governments and continuing to support Tribal treaties, cultures, and subsistence and Tribal treaty rights; and "(5) recognizing the importance of economic and social benefits that are dependent on marine environments and sustainable marine resources. "(b) Duties.--The duties of the Commission are the following: "(1) To provide resources and technical support for marine resources committees. "(2) To work with such marine resources committees and appropriate entities of Federal, State, and local governments and Tribal governments to provide advice in developing regional programs to monitor the overall health of the marine ecosystem of the Northwest Straits region. "(3) To collect marine resources data and identify factors adversely affecting or preventing the restoration of the health of the marine ecosystem and coastal economies of the Northwest Straits region to inform decisionmakers. "(4) To develop scientifically sound restoration and protection recommendations, informed by local priorities, that address such factors. "(5) To serve as a public forum for the informal discussion of policies and actions, with respect to the marine ecosystem of the Northwest Straits region, of Federal, State, or local governments, Tribal governments, or the Government of Canada. "(6) To inform appropriate authorities and local communities about the marine ecosystem of the Northwest Straits region and about issues relating to the marine ecosystem of the Northwest Straits region. "(7) To consult with all affected Tribal governments in the Northwest Straits region to ensure that the work of the Commission does not violate Tribal treaty rights. "(c) Coordination and Collaboration.--The Commission-- "(1) shall carry out the duties described in subsection (b) in coordination and collaboration, as appropriate, with Federal, State, and local governments and Tribal governments, including by-- "(A) providing technical support and assistance to any Tribal government seeking representation and participation on the Commission; and "(B) supporting the work and duties of the liaison to the Commission under section 404(e); and "(2) may enter into cooperative agreements with nonprofit entities, such as the Northwest Straits Foundation, to provide assistance, including financial assistance, in carrying out the duties described in subsection (b). "(d) Limitations.--Nothing in this title provides the Commission with authority to issue regulations or implement any Federal law or regulation. "(e) Annual Report.-- "(1) In general.--Each year, the Commission shall prepare, submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate, the Committee on Natural Resources and the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives, and the Under Secretary, and make available to the public a report describing-- "(A) the activities carried out by the Commission during the preceding year; and "(B) the progress in achieving the benchmarks described in paragraph (2). "(2) Benchmarks.--The benchmarks described in this paragraph are the following: "(A) Protection and restoration of marine, coastal, and nearshore habitats within the Northwest Straits region. "(B) Protection and restoration of marine resources populations to healthy, sustainable levels. "(C) Improvement of the water quality of the Northwest Straits region. "(D) Collection of high-quality data and promotion of the use and dissemination of such data for the purposes of ecosystem monitoring. "(E) Promotion of stewardship and understanding of marine resources of the Northwest Straits region through education and outreach, including by targeted outreach to underresourced communities. "SEC. 406. SUNSET. "The authority to carry out this title shall terminate on the date that is 7 years after the date of the enactment of the Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Initiative Reauthorization Act of 2025.".

The SPEAKER pro tempore

Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Westerman) and the gentlewoman from New Mexico (Ms. Stansbury) each will control 20 minutes. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Arkansas.

Bruce Westerman (R-AR)

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H.R. 2860, the bill now under consideration.

The SPEAKER pro tempore

Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from Arkansas?

There was no objection.

Bruce Westerman (R-AR)

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Initiative Reauthorization Act of 2025. The Northwest Straits Advisory Commission was first authorized by Congress in 1998. Initially, it was created to respond to discussions about a potential marine sanctuary that was proposed in that region of Washington State. In the years since, this commission has worked with local communities to conserve marine resources. H.R. 2860 reauthorizes this commission; establishes clear goals for the commission's work; and modifies its membership, including two representatives from the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Melanie A. Stansbury (D-NM)

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 2860 reauthorizes the Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Initiative Act. This legislation promotes the protection and restoration of marine ecosystems in the Northwest Straits region of Washington State. The Northwest Straits region is a special place. It encompasses the marine waters of the Strait de Juan de Fuca and Puget Sound, a region of priceless biodiversity that is home to iconic species such as salmon, tufted puffins, and orcas. It has been stewarded by communities for generations. However, over the 20th century, the region's environmental health has declined due to habitat loss, reductions in wildlife populations, declining water quality, and the impacts of climate change. We must do everything we can to address these issues. This bill takes a comprehensive approach to restore and protect the area. It leverages local knowledge and community engagement, while providing Federal resources and technical assistance to support and strengthen these ongoing efforts. This bill provides funding for projects that strengthen and proactively protect these ecosystems and support critical restoration. It also fosters collaboration by utilizing and reinforcing partnerships with Tribal Governments, local communities, and State and Federal agencies. It supports local communities' efforts to address environmental degradation, respond to the threats posed by climate change, and protect marine ecosystems. Mr. Speaker, I, therefore, urge my colleagues to support this legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Bruce Westerman (R-AR)

Mr. Speaker, I am prepared to close, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Melanie A. Stansbury (D-NM)

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Washington (Mr. Larsen).

Rick Larsen (D-WA)

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of my bill, H.R. 2860, the Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Initiative Reauthorization Act. The Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Initiative started as a bipartisan, homegrown idea. Thanks to the foresight and hard work of Democratic Senator Patty Murray and my predecessor here in the U.S. House of Representatives, former Representative Jack Metcalf, and local stakeholders, Congress created the Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Commission in 1998. The commission works with seven county-based marine resources committees, or MRCs, in northwest Puget Sound. Five of these seven MRCs are in the five counties I represent in northwest Washington State. Over the past 20 years, the commission's bottom-up approach has ensured that local communities and Tribes have the resources and expertise that they need to keep marine habitats healthy and recover endangered and threatened species, including the southern resident killer whales and salmon. My bill would reauthorize the Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Commission for 7 years, ensuring the commission can continue its work to restore the marine ecosystem of the Northwest Straits region, including by restoring shoreline in Skagit County, conserving Olympia oysters in Whatcom County, monitoring kelp beds in Island County, removing derelict vessels in San Juan County, and surveying forage fish eggs in Snohomish County. Mr. Speaker, all of these projects work in tandem, or work together, throughout the Puget Sound in order to increase the whole health of the Puget Sound. Not only do these projects restore the environment, but they are also supporting local jobs. According to the commission, the Northwest Straits region creates 16,000 jobs in Washington's commercial and recreational fishing industries and $150 million in economic input for the State's aquaculture industry. The commission partners with ports, local authorities, State agencies, marine-based businesses, and Tribes on everything from trapping invasive European green crab that threaten local shellfish economies, to helping boaters identify and communicating eelgrass locations, which are poor anchorage sites but important for commercial and recreational marine species. This is locally driven, job-creating work that Congress should continue to support. I thank Representative Emily Randall for co-leading this bill; Senators Murray and Cantwell for their partnership in the Senate; and Representatives Marilyn Strickland, Suzan DelBene, Adam Smith, Pramila Jayapal, and Kim Schrier, all my colleagues here in the House, for cosponsoring this bill. I thank the many partner organizations in our State, whose advocacy and hard work got the bill to this point, particularly the Northwest Straits Advisory Commission and the Puget Sound Partnership. Finally, I thank Ranking Member Huffman, Chair Westerman, and the entire House Natural Resources Committee--the members of the committee and the staff--for working with my office to move this bill forward. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill to keep the momentum going to restore marine habitat, protect Washington State's environment, and create more jobs in northwest Washington State.

Melanie A. Stansbury (D-NM)

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Bruce Westerman (R-AR)

Mr. Speaker, I support this bill to reauthorize the Northwest Straits Advisory Commission. I commend my colleague, the gentleman from the State of Washington (Mr. Larsen), not only for his work on this bill but for his leadership to pass the successful highway transportation reauthorization bill recently. Again, I support the legislation. I yield back the balance of my time.

The SPEAKER pro tempore

The question is on the motion offered by the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Westerman) that the House suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 2860, as amended.

The question was taken.

The SPEAKER pro tempore

In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.

Bruce Westerman (R-AR)

Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

The yeas and nays were ordered.

The SPEAKER pro tempore

Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, further proceedings on this motion will be postponed.

Honoring Robert "Bobby" Kilduff, Jr.

Page H3771 · Official text

(Ms. PRESSLEY asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute.)

Ayanna Pressley (D-MA)

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Boston firefighter Robert "Bobby" Kilduff, Jr. Bobby was a marine veteran, a proud third-generation firefighter, and a dedicated father to two beautiful children. For 24 years, he served the Boston Fire Department and kept the people of Boston safe. Tragically, Bobby died last week while in service to our community battling a large fire at a home in Dorchester. My husband, Conan, and I extend our deep condolences to his daughter, Hanna Jane; his son, Mason; his partner, Jess; his extended family; and the Boston Firefighters Local 718 as they grieve this loss. His 24-year-old daughter spoke passionately at his funeral in Boston yesterday. She said: "My dad represents everything our world can be if we look out for each other, if we reach out to help first and ask questions later." "He used to say that the only thing he loved more than being a firefighter was being our dad." Bobby's humanity, empathy, and strength saved the lives of so many of our Boston neighbors. As we mourn this loss, may we carry his example forward in word and deed.

Adjournment

Page H3771 · Official text

Ayanna Pressley (D-MA)

Mr. Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn.

The motion was agreed to; accordingly (at 4 o'clock and 40 minutes p.m.), under its previous order, the House adjourned until tomorrow, Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at 10 a.m. for morning-hour debate.

Expenditure Reports Concerning Official Foreign Travel

Page H3771 · Official text

Reports concerning the foreign currencies and U.S. dollars utilized for Official Foreign Travel during the first quarter of 2026 pursuant to Public Law 95-384, are as follows:

Text printed in the Record (7,416 characters)
REPORT OF EXPENDITURES FOR OFFICIAL FOREIGN TRAVEL, COMMITTEE ON WAYS AND MEANS, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, EXPENDED BETWEEN JAN. 1 AND MAR. 31, 2026 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date Per diem \1\ Transportation Other purposes Total ---------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- U.S. dollar U.S. dollar U.S. dollar U.S. dollar Name of Member or employee Country Foreign equivalent Foreign equivalent Foreign equivalent Foreign equivalent Arrival Departure currency or U.S. currency or U.S. currency or U.S. currency or U.S. currency currency currency currency -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------\2\-----------------------\2\-----------------------\2\-----------------------\2\----Hon. Jason Smith....................... N/A N/A Chile.................... ........... 1,679.35 ........... 5,095.66 ........... 5,971.14 ........... 12,746.15 Hon. Jimmy Panetta..................... N/A N/A Chile.................... ........... 1,679.35 ........... 5,095.66 ........... 5,971.14 ........... 12,746.15 Hon. Tom Suozzi........................ N/A N/A Chile.................... ........... 1,679.35 ........... 5,095.66 ........... 5,971.14 ........... 12,746.15 Hon. Jimmy Panetta..................... N/A N/A Chile.................... ........... 1,679.35 ........... 5,095.66 ........... 5,971.14 ........... 12,746.15 Hon. Darin LaHood...................... N/A N/A Chile.................... ........... 1,679.35 ........... 5,095.66 ........... 5,971.14 ........... 12,746.15 Hon. Jason Smith....................... 1/2 1/2 Bahrain.................. ........... 375.71 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 375.71 Dylan Chandler......................... 1/2 1/2 Bahrain.................. ........... 375.71 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 375.71 Hon. Jason Smith....................... 1/2 1/3 Baku..................... ........... 286.83 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 286.83 Hon. Jimmy Panetta..................... 1/2 1/3 Baku..................... ........... 286.83 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 286.83 Dylan Chandler......................... 1/2 1/3 Baku..................... ........... 286.83 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 286.83 Hon. Jason Smith....................... 1/3 1/5 Qatar.................... ........... 524.62 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 524.62 Hon. Jimmy Panetta..................... 1/3 1/5 Qatar.................... ........... 524.62 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 524.62 Dylan Chandler......................... 1/3 1/5 Qatar.................... ........... 809.67 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 809.67 Hon. Tom Suozzi........................ 1/16 1/18 Guatemala................ ........... 440.25 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 440.25 Hon. Tom Suozzi........................ 1/15 1/16 Panama................... ........... 254.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 254.00 Hon. Tom Suozzi........................ 1/18 1/20 El Salvador.............. ........... 343.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 343.00 Hon. Jimmy Panetta..................... 1/16 1/17 Sweden................... ........... 456.00 ........... 12,033.13 ........... ........... ........... 12,489.13 Hon. Jason Smith....................... 1/15 1/20 Morocco.................. ........... 4,517.64 ........... 5,432.83 ........... ........... ........... 9,950.47 Committee.............................. 1/15 1/20 Morocco.................. ........... 2,329.43 ........... 9,423.90 ........... 9,391.94 ........... 21,145.27 Hon. Ron Estes......................... 1/15 1/20 Morocco.................. ........... 4,517.64 ........... 5,432.83 ........... ........... ........... 9,950.47 Hon. Darin LaHood...................... 1/15 1/20 Morocco.................. ........... 3,550.19 ........... 12,806.23 ........... ........... ........... 16,356.42 Hon. Suzan DelBene..................... 1/15 1/20 Morocco.................. ........... 4,517.64 ........... 5,317.93 ........... ........... ........... 9,835.57 Alex Hopkins........................... 1/15 1/20 Morocco.................. ........... 4,517.64 ........... 6,967.26 ........... ........... ........... 11,484.90 Jenna Spealman......................... 1/15 1/20 Morocco.................. ........... 4,517.64 ........... 7,256.00 ........... ........... ........... 11,773.64 Payson Thomas.......................... 1/15 1/20 Morocco.................. ........... 4,517.64 ........... 16,333.23 ........... ........... ........... 20,850.87 Jorge Rueda............................ 1/15 1/20 Morocco.................. ........... 4,517.64 ........... 1,938.93 ........... ........... ........... 6,456.57 Hon. Darin LaHood...................... 1/25 1/28 Fiji..................... ........... 1,290.63 ........... 21,609.60 ........... ........... ........... 22,900.23 Hon. Darin LaHood...................... 1/28 2/1 Australia................ ........... 4,712.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 4,712.00 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Committee total.................. ........ .......... ......................... ........... 56,866.55 ........... 130,030.17 ........... 39,247.64 ........... 226,144.36 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------\1\ Per diem constitutes lodging and meals. \2\ If foreign currency is used, enter U.S. dollar equivalent; if U.S. currency is used, enter amount expended. HON. JASON SMITH, May 21, 2026.

Executive Communications, Etc.

Pages H3771–H3773 · Official text

Under clause 2 of rule XIV, executive communications were taken from the Speaker's table and referred as follows:

Text printed in the Record (11,989 characters)
EC-3658. A letter from the Counsel, Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, Department of the Treasury, transmitting the Department's interim final order -- Order Preempting the Illinois Interchange Fee Prohibition Act [Docket ID: OCC-2026-0431] (RIN: 1557-ZA10) received April 29, 2026, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee on Financial Services. EC-3659. A letter from the Assistant General Counsel for Legislation, Regulation, and Energy Efficiency, Office of Critical Minerals and Energy Innovation, Department of Energy, transmitting the Agency's interim final rule --Petroleum-Equivalent Fuel Economy Calculation [EERE-2025-VT-0073] (RIN: 1904-AF47) received May 4, 2026, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. EC-3660. A letter from the Assistant General Counsel for Legislation, Regulation, and Energy Efficiency, Office of State and Community Energy Programs, Department of Energy, transmitting the Department's final rule -- Rescinding the Grant Programs for Schools and Hospitals and Buildings Owned by Units of Local Government and Public Care Institutions Regulations [DOE-HQ-2025-0022] (RIN: 1930-AA02) received May 4, 2026, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. EC-3661. A letter from the Assistant General Counsel for Legislation, Regulation, and Energy Efficiency, Office of Critical Minerals and Energy Innovation, Department of Energy, transmitting the Department's final rule -- Energy Conservation Program: Exempt Power Supplies Under the EPS Service Parts Act of 2014 [EERE-2025-BT-STD-0010] (RIN: 1904-AF80) received May 4, 2026, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104- 121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. EC-3662. A letter from the Acting Branch Chief, Regulatory Management Branch, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting the Agency's final rule -- Air Plan Revisions; Arizona; Arizona Department of Environmental Quality; Gila County Reasonably Available Control Technology [EPA-R09-OAR-2025-2961; FRL-13073-02-R9] received May 21, 2026, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. EC-3663. A letter from the Acting Branch Chief, Regulatory Management Branch, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting the Agency's final rule -- Reporting Deadline Extension for the Health and Safety Data Reporting Rule Under Toxic Substance Control Act (TSCA) Section 8(d) [EPA-HQ-OPPT-2023-0360; FRL-13162-02-OCSPP] (RIN: 2070-AL43) received May 21, 2026, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. EC-3664. A letter from the Acting Branch Chief, Regulatory Management Branch, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting the Agency's final rule -- Aluminum in Pesticide Formulations; Exemption From the Requirement for a Tolerance [EPA-HQ-OPP-2023-0484; FRL-13354-01-OCSPP] received May 21, 2026, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. EC-3665. A letter from the Acting Branch Chief, Regulatory Management Branch, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting the Agency's final rule -- Significant New Use Rules on Certain Chemical Substances (25-1.5e) [EPA-HQ-OPPT-2024-0514; FRL-12730-02-OCSPP] (RIN: 2070-AB27) received May 21, 2026, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. EC-3666. A letter from the Acting Branch Chief, Regulatory Management Branch, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting the Agency's final rule -- Phasedown of Hydrofluorocarbons: Reconsideration of Certain Regulatory Requirements Promulgated Under the Technology Transitions Provisions of the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act of 2020 [EPA-HQ-OAR-2025-0005; FRL-12166-02-OAR] (RIN: 2060-AW39) received May 21, 2026, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. EC-3667. A letter from the Chief, Office of Engineering and Technology, Federal Communications Commission, transmitting the Commission's final rule -- Promoting the Integrity and Security of Telecommunications Certification Bodies, Measurement Facilities, and the Equipment Authorization Program [ET Docket No.: 24-136] received May 12, 2026, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. EC-3668. A letter from the Congressional and Public Affairs Specialist, Bureau of Industry and Security, Department of Commerce, transmitting the Department's final rule --Extension of Authorized Integrated Circuit (IC) Designer Status and Application Deadline To Become an Approved IC Designer [Docket No.: 260406-0093] (RIN: 0694-AJ98) received May 4, 2026, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee on Foreign Affairs. EC-3669. A letter from the Assistant Chief Counsel for Safety, Federal Railroad Administration, Department of Transportation, transmitting the Department's final rule --Prosecutorial Discretion of Enforcement Attorneys [Docket No.: FRA-2025-0077; Notice No.: 2] (RIN: 2130-AD11) received May 4, 2026, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. EC-3670. A letter from the Assistant Chief Counsel for Safety, Federal Railroad Administration, Department of Transportation, transmitting the Department's final rule --Removal of Unnecessary and Outdated Paperwork Reduction Act References [Docket No.: FRA-2025-0109; Notice No.: 2] (RIN: 2130-AD22) received May 4, 2026, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. EC-3671. A letter from the Attorney-Advisor, Federal Highway Administration, Department of Transportation, transmitting the Department's final rule -- Rescinding Requirements Regarding Required Contract Provisions for Federal-Aid Construction Contracts (Other Than Appalachian Contracts) [Docket No.: FHWA-2025-0012] (RIN: 2125-AG19) received May 18, 2026, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. EC-3672. A letter from the Paralegal, Office of Chief Counsel, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, Department of Transportation, transmitting the Department's final rule -- Pipeline Safety: Editorial Correction to CFR 195.9 [Docket No.: PHMSA-2026-1547; Amdt. No.: 195-127] (RIN: 2137-AG51) received May 21, 2026, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. EC-3673. A letter from the Manager, Legal Litigation and Support, FAA, Department of Transportation, transmitting the Department's final rule -- Airworthiness Directives; Embraer S.A. Airplanes [Docket No.: FAA-2026-3877; Project Identifier MCAI-2026-00437-T; Amendment 39-23333; AD 2026-08-52] (RIN: 2120-AA64) received May 26, 2026, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. EC-3674. A letter from the Manager, Legal Litigation and Support, FAA, Department of Transportation, transmitting the Department's final rule -- Standard Instrument Approach Procedures and Takeoff Minimums and Obstacle Departure Procedures; Miscellaneous Amendments [Docket No.: 31664; Amdt. No.: 4218] received May 26, 2026, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. EC-3675. A letter from the Manager, Legal Litigation and Support, AGC-010, FAA, Department of Transportation, transmitting the Department's final rule -- Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD) Helicopters [Docket No.: FAA-2026-0730; Project Identifier MCAI-2025-01416-R; Amendment 39-23329; AD 2026-09-08] (RIN: 2120-AA64) received May 26, 2026, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. EC-3676. A letter from the Manager, Legal Litigation and Support, AGC-010, FAA, Department of Transportation, transmitting the Department's final rule -- Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes [Docket No.: FAA-2025-3989; Project Identifier MCAI-2025-00160-T; Amendment 39-23324; AD 2026-09-03] (RIN: 2120-AA64) received May 26, 2026, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. EC-3677. A letter from the Manager, Legal Litigation and Support, AGC-010, FAA, Department of Transportation, transmitting the Department's final rule -- Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes [Docket No.: FAA-2026-3871; Project Identifier MCAI-2026-00247-T; Amendment 39-23327; AD 2026-09-06] (RIN: 2120-AA64) received May 26, 2026, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. EC-3678. A letter from the Manager, Legal Litigation and Support, AGC-010, FAA, Department of Transportation, transmitting the Department's final rule -- Standard Instrument Approach Procedures, and Takeoff Minimums and Obstacle Departure Procedures; Miscellaneous Amendments [Docket No.: 31663; Amdt. No.: 4217] received May 26, 2026, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. EC-3679. A letter from the Manager, Legal Litigation and Support, AGC-010, FAA, Department of Transportation, transmitting the Department's final rule -- Airworthiness Directives; Gulfstream Aerospace LP Airplanes [Docket No.: FAA-2025-5404; Project Identifier MCAI-2025-00424-T; Amendment 39-23325; AD 2026-09-04] (RIN: 2120-AA64) received May 26, 2026, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. EC-3680. A letter from the Manager, Legal Litigation and Support, AGC-010, FAA, Department of Transportation, transmitting the Department's final rule -- Amendment of Jet Routes J-70 and J-94 and Amendment of Very High Frequency Onmidirectional Range Federal Airways V-30, V-55, V-84, V-170, and V-274 and Revocation of Jet Routes J-547 and J-548 in the Vicinity of Pullman, MI [Docket No.: FAA-2025-5244; Airspace Docket No.: 25-AGL-8] (RIN: 2120-AA66 ) received May 26, 2026, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. EC-3681. A letter from the Manager, Legal Litigation and Support, AGC-010, FAA, Department of Transportation, transmitting the Department's final rule -- Airworthiness Directives; Dassault Aviation Airplanes [Docket No.: FAA-2026-0737; Project Identifier MCAI-2025-01038-T; Amendment 39-23328; AD 2026-09-07] (RIN: 2120-AA64) received May 26, 2026, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. EC-3682. A letter from the Manager, Legal Litigation and Support, AGC-010, FAA, Department of Transportation, transmitting the Department's final rule -- Airworthiness Directives; Leonardo S.p.A. Helicopters [Docket No.: FAA-2026-0017; Project Identifier MCAI-2023-00681-R; Amendment 39-23326; AD 2026-09-05] (RIN: 2120-AA64) received May 26, 2026, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat.
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868); to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. EC-3683. A letter from the Manager, Legal and Litigation Support, Federal Aviation Administration, transmitting the Administration's notice of funding opportunity -- Aviation Maintenance Technical Workers Workforce Development Grant Program [NG-AWM-25-002] received May 26, 2026, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. EC-3684. A letter from the Federal Register Liaison, Internal Revenue Service, transmitting the Service's interim final rule -- Enrolled Agent Special Enrollment Examination User Fee Update [TD 10045] (RIN: 1545- BS12) received May 4, 2026, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee on Ways and Means. EC-3685. A letter from the Section Chief, Internal Revenue Service, transmitting the Service's final regulations --Treatment of Income From Indian Fishing Rights-Related Activity as Compensation [TD 10046] (RIN: 1545-BL61) received May 12, 2026, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee on Ways and Means.

Reports of Committees on Public Bills and Resolutions

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Under clause 2 of rule XIII, reports of committees were delivered to the Clerk for printing and reference to the proper calendar, as follows:

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Mr. WALBERG: Committee on Education and Workforce. H.R. 7086. A bill to support the creation and implementation of State policies, as well as the expansion of existing State policies, for improving the quality and affordability of charter school facilities and to authorize the provision of technical assistance to support the growth and expansion of high-quality charter schools; with an amendment (Rept. 119-672). Referred to the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union. Mr. WESTERMAN: Committee on Natural Resources. H.R. 3922. A bill to direct the Comptroller General of the United States to conduct a study on existing programs, rules, and authorities that enable or inhibit wildfire mitigation across land ownership boundaries on Federal and non-Federal land, and for other purposes; with an amendment (Rept. 119-673, Pt. 1). Referred to the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union. Mr. WESTERMAN: Committee on Natural Resources. H.R. 5694. A bill to amend the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 to protect the cultural practices and livelihoods of producers of Alaska Native handicrafts and marine mammal ivory products, and for other purposes; with an amendment (Rept. 119-674). Referred to the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union. Mr. WESTERMAN: Committee on Natural Resources. H.R. 7250. A bill to reauthorize the Fort Peck Reservation Rural Water System Act of 2000 (Rept. 119-675). Referred to the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union.

Pursuant to clause 2 of rule XIII, the Committee on Agriculture discharged from further consideration. H.R. 3922 referred to the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union.

Public Bills and Resolutions

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Under clause 2 of rule XII, public bills and resolutions of the following titles were introduced and severally referred, as follows:

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By Mr. GROTHMAN (for himself, Mr. Tiffany, Mr. Moore of Alabama, Mr. Fulcher, Mr. Bost, Mr. Baird, Mr. Fitzgerald, and Mr. Joyce of Ohio): H.R. 9083. A bill to amend the Clean Air Act to repeal the mandatory requirements for State motor vehicle inspection and maintenance programs, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. By Ms. CASTOR of Florida: H.R. 9084. A bill to increase transparency relating to the Department of Energy's authorizations of certain nuclear facilities; to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. By Mr. SMITH of New Jersey (for himself and Mr. Suozzi): H.R. 9085. A bill to require a determination regarding atrocities in Tibet, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Foreign Affairs. By Mr. LAWLER (for himself and Mr. Mast): H.R. 9086. A bill to amend the Foreign Service Act of 1980 to modify and improve that Act; to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. By Mr. MAST: H.R. 9087. A bill to direct the Secretary of State to take actions with respect to certain foreign affairs matters; to the Committee on Foreign Affairs. By Mr. BEGICH: H.R. 9088. A bill to direct the Secretary of Transportation to conduct a feasibility study on the establishment of a rail route linking Alaska to the North American continental rail network, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. By Mr. BILIRAKIS: H.R. 9089. A bill to establish the Commission on Sustaining Medicare and Social Security, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. By Ms. CLARKE of New York: H.R. 9090. A bill to improve menopause care and mid-life women's health, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. By Mr. DELUZIO: H.R. 9091. A bill to require the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment to submit a report and implement a plan for advanced manufacturing for certain critical readiness items of supply, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Armed Services. By Mr. FITZGERALD (for himself and Mr. Nunn of Iowa): H.R. 9092. A bill to direct the Secretary of State to make available to government officials of nonadversarial countries in South and Central Asia training in analyzing, assessing, and mitigating any risk of accepting investment or lending from China, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Foreign Affairs. By Mr. FITZGERALD (for himself and Mr. Nunn of Iowa): H.R. 9093. A bill to require a report regarding the scope of efforts by the People's Republic of China and Chinese Communist Party to utilize the Belt and Road Initiative to undermine the United States-led international world order and a detailed strategy regarding how the United States Government intends to counter such Initiative, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Foreign Affairs. By Mr. SCOTT FRANKLIN of Florida (for himself, Mrs. Cammack, Mr. Patronis, Mr. Dunn of Florida, Mr. Rutherford, Mr. Fine, Mr. Mills, Mr. Haridopolos, Mr. Soto, Mr. Frost, Mr. Webster of Florida, Mr. Bilirakis, Mrs. Luna, Ms. Castor of Florida, Ms. Lee of Florida, Mr. Buchanan, Mr. Donalds, Ms. Lois Frankel of Florida, Mr. Moskowitz, Ms. Wilson of Florida, Ms. Wasserman Schultz, Ms. Salazar, and Mr. Gimenez): H.R. 9094. A bill to appropriate sums for the Secretary of Agriculture to provide block grants to States for losses of revenue as a consequence of certain freezes or cold weather conditions; to the Committee on Appropriations, and in addition to the Committee on the Budget, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. By Mr. GRIFFITH (for himself and Mr. Johnson of Georgia): H.R. 9095. A bill to protect the constitutional right to trial and discourage imposition of extended sentences for defendants who elect to go to trial instead of accepting a plea offer, and for other purposes; to the Committee on the Judiciary. By Mr. HUIZENGA: H.R. 9096. A bill to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to revoke the citizenship of any naturalized United States citizen convicted of a terrorism-related crime; to the Committee on the Judiciary. By Mr. HUIZENGA (for himself, Mr. Olszewski, Mrs. Kim, Mr. Bilirakis, and Mr. Thompson of Pennsylvania): H.R. 9097. A bill to establish a new educational exchange program to strengthen manufacturing workforce education, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Foreign Affairs. By Mr. KELLY of Pennsylvania (for himself, Mr. Gooden, Mr. Hunt, Ms. Hageman, Mr. Fry, Mr. Onder, and Mr. Jordan): H.R. 9098. A bill to protect the separation of powers enshrined in the United States Constitution and end the weaponized surveillance of Members of Congress; to the Committee on the Judiciary. By Mr. KENNEDY of New York (for himself, Mr. Thompson of Mississippi, Ms. Meng, Mr. Raskin, Mr. Carter of Louisiana, Mr. Walkinshaw, Mr. Goldman of New York, Mr. Nadler, and Mr. Espaillat): H.R. 9099. A bill to require the Secretary of Homeland Security to notify a designated point of contact of release of a detained individual, and for other purposes; to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Homeland Security, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. By Mr. LaHOOD (for himself, Mr. Evans of Pennsylvania, Mr. Feenstra, and Ms. Sewell): H.R. 9100. A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to modify certain rules applicable to qualified small issue manufacturing bonds, to expand certain exceptions to the private activity bond rules for first-time farmers, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Ways and Means. By Ms. LETLOW: H.R. 9101. A bill to improve transparency, accessibility, and accountability in the administration of rural development grant programs at the Department of Agriculture, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Agriculture. By Mr. MOOLENAAR (for himself and Mrs. Dingell): H.R. 9102. A bill to amend title VIII of the Defense Production Act of 1950 to alter the definitions of "prohibited technology" and "notifiable technology", and for other purposes; to the Committee on Financial Services. By Mr. NORMAN (for himself and Mr. Steube): H.R. 9103. A bill to prohibit Federal research agencies and recipients of Federal research grants from using a prohibited diversity, equity, or inclusion practice with respect to Federal research grants, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. By Ms. NORTON: H.R. 9104. A bill to redesignate Rock Creek Park in the District of Columbia as Rock Creek National Park; to the Committee on Natural Resources. By Mr. PAPPAS (for himself, Mr. Bacon, Ms. Bynum, Mr. Lawler, Ms. Norton, Ms. Budzinski, Mr. Keating, Ms. Titus, Mr. Vindman, Mr. Panetta, and Ms. Craig): H.R. 9105. A bill to reinstate criminal penalties for persons charging veterans unauthorized fees relating to claims for benefits under the laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. By Mr. PFLUGER (for himself, Mr. Issa, and Mr. Ellzey): H.R. 9106. A bill to authorize the President to award the Medal of Honor to Robert Lodge for acts of valor as a member of the Air Force during the Vietnam War; to the Committee on Armed Services. By Mr. RULLI (for himself, Mr. Griffith, Mr. Balderson, and Mr. Bean of Florida): H.R. 9107. A bill to amend the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to provide that qualified health plans are not required to use a provider network; to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. By Mr. SCHMIDT: H.R. 9108. A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to adjust the eligibility for the rural emergency hospital designation under the Medicare program; to the Committee on Ways and Means. By Mr. STEUBE: H.R. 9109. A bill to designate Antifa as a domestic terrorist organization, to counter domestic terrorism and organized political violence, and for other purposes; to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committees on Homeland Security, Ways and Means, and Financial Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. By Mr. TAKANO (for himself and Mr. Carson): H.R. 9110. A bill to amend the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to require a disclaimer for certain communications paid for by a political committee, and for other purposes; to the Committee on House Administration. By Mr. THANEDAR: H.R. 9111. A bill to amend title 11 of the United States Code to stop abusive student loan collection practices in bankruptcy cases; to the Committee on the Judiciary. By Ms. VAN DUYNE (for herself, Ms. Clarke of New York, and Mrs. Foushee): H.R. 9112. A bill to provide visuals artists the exclusive right to authorize the commercial exploitation, or public distribution in or affecting interstate commerce of a stylistic impersonation of that visual artist, and for other purposes; to the Committee on the Judiciary. By Mr. WALKINSHAW (for himself, Mr. Thompson of Mississippi, Ms. Norton, Mr. Goldman of New York, Mr. Correa, Mr. Krishnamoorthi, Mr. Carter of Louisiana, Mr. Kennedy of New York, Mrs. McIver, Mr. Subramanyam, Mr. Thanedar, Mr. Green of Texas, Ms. Mejia, and Mr. Hernandez): H.R. 9113. A bill to require the Secretary of Homeland Security to notify Congress of any serious injury or death of any individual in the custody of the Department of Homeland Security, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Homeland Security. By Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN (for herself, Ms. Lee of Pennsylvania, Mrs. McIver, Mrs. Hayes, Ms. Tlaib, Ms. Adams, Ms. Omar, and Mrs. Ramirez): H.R. 9114. A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to require payroll tax withholding on independent contractors of certain large businesses; to the Committee on Ways and Means. By Ms. MACE: H.J. Res. 190. A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to clarify the 14th amendment does not provide for automatic citizenship for the children of aliens; to the Committee on the Judiciary. By Mrs. DINGELL (for herself and Mr. Joyce of Pennsylvania): H. Res. 1331. A resolution expressing support for the designation of June 1, 2026, through June 7, 2026, as "Hidradenitis Suppurativa Awareness Week"; to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. By Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS: H. Res. 1332. A resolution supporting the designation of February 1, as "Blue Star Mother's Day"; to the Committee on Armed Services.

Memorials

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Under clause 3 of rule XII, memorials were presented and referred as follows:

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ML-78. The SPEAKER presented a memorial of the Legislature of the State of Idaho, relative to Senate Joint Memorial No. 114, calling on the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States to take immediate federal action to restore clarity, consistency, and stability to the governance of intercollegiate athletics; to the Committee on Education and Workforce. ML-79. Also, a memorial of the Legislature of the State of Idaho, relative to Senate Joint Memorial No. 107, supporting actions by the Bureau of Land Management and other federal agencies, in partnership with agencies of the great State of Idaho and Owyhee County, to move forward and approve Integra Resources' DeLamar Project in a timely and cost-effective manner so that the site may be developed; to the Committee on Natural Resources. ML-80. Also, a memorial of the Legislature of the State of Idaho, relative to Senate Joint Memorial No. 111, commending the Idaho congressional delegation for opposing efforts to sell or transfer Idaho's cherished public lands; to the Committee on Natural Resources. ML-81. Also, a memorial of the Legislature of the State of Idaho, relative to Senate Joint Memorial No. 109, calling upon the members representing Idaho in the Congress of the United States to actively uphold the principles of federalism; to the Committee on the Judiciary. ML-82. Also, a memorial of the Legislature of the State of Idaho, relative to Senate Joint Memorial No. 110, urging immediate action to raise the tier-2 duty on imported sugar to restore its intended protective function and to prioritize American farmers, workers, and rural communities; to the Committee on Ways and Means. ML-83. Also, a memorial of the Legislature of the State of Idaho, relative to Senate Joint Memorial No. 112, calling on Idaho's federal delegation to lead the Congress of the United States in balancing the federal budget and reigning in the national debt; to the Committee on Ways and Means. ML-84. Also, a memorial of the Legislature of the State of Idaho, relative to Senate Joint Memorial No. 108, calling on the Trump administration and Congress to protect Idaho's agriculture and livestock industries by mandating that claims of depredation are not a basis for materially modifying or revoking federal grazing permits and directing the United States Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management to promulgate rules protecting grazing permittees from the federal government modifying or revoking grazing privileges based on claims of wildfire depredation; jointly to the Committees on Agriculture and Natural Resources.

Constitutional Authority Statement

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Pursuant to clause 7 of rule XII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, the following statements are submitted regarding the specific powers granted to Congress in the Constitution to enact the accompanying bill or join resolution.

Additional Sponsors

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Under clause 7 of rule XII, sponsors were added to public bills and resolutions, as follows:

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H.R. 116: Mr. DesJarlais. H.R. 336: Mr. Mackenzie. H.R. 349: Ms. Salazar. H.R. 392: Ms. Craig. H.R. 642: Mr. Webster of Florida. H.R. 924: Mr. Frost. H.R. 1004: Ms. McCollum, Mr. Neal, and Mr. Bell. H.R. 1056: Mr. Langworthy. H.R. 1065: Mr. Mullin and Ms. Pettersen. H.R. 1085: Mr. Langworthy. H.R. 1109: Mr. Steube. H.R. 1111: Ms. Barragan and Ms. Mejia. H.R. 1132: Ms. Wilson of Florida and Mr. Figures. H.R. 1135: Ms. Simon. H.R. 1178: Ms. Balint. H.R. 1197: Mr. Nunn of Iowa. H.R. 1219: Mr. Barrett. H.R. 1227: Mr. Gottheimer. H.R. 1288: Ms. Bynum. H.R. 1317: Mr. Thanedar. H.R. 1340: Mr. LaHood. H.R. 1406: Mr. Lieu. H.R. 1502: Ms. Craig and Mr. Schweikert. H.R. 1529: Mr. Raskin. H.R. 1548: Mr. Baird. H.R. 1572: Ms. Craig. H.R. 1628: Mr. Case. H.R. 1733: Mr. Lawler. H.R. 1772: Mr. Fuller. H.R. 1783: Ms. McClellan. H.R. 1787: Mr. Fleischmann, Ms. Morrison, Mr. Issa, and Mr. Guthrie. H.R. 1802: Mr. Langworthy. H.R. 2002: Mr. Schweikert. H.R. 2004: Mr. Mills. H.R. 2028: Mrs. Grijalva, Ms. DeGette, Mr. Cisneros, Ms. Stevens, and Mr. Amo. H.R. 2029: Mrs. McBath. H.R. 2055: Mr. Huffman and Ms. Scholten. H.R. 2077: Mr. Lawler. H.R. 2089: Mr. Bishop. H.R. 2102: Mr. Johnson of South Dakota. H.R. 2199: Mr. Rulli, Mr. Thompson of California, and Mr. Langworthy. H.R. 2220: Ms. Mejia. H.R. 2231: Mr. Gomez. H.R. 2253: Ms. Mejia. H.R. 2343: Mr. Soto. H.R. 2357: Ms. Wasserman Schultz. H.R. 2368: Mr. Stanton. H.R. 2596: Ms. Budzinski. H.R. 2598: Ms. Wasserman Schultz. H.R. 2671: Mrs. Foushee. H.R. 2705: Mr. DesJarlais. H.R. 2715: Mr. Carter of Georgia and Mr. Moore of Alabama. H.R. 2729: Mr. Soto. H.R. 2756: Mr. Sorensen. H.R. 2757: Mr. Rulli. H.R. 2767: Ms. Bynum. H.R. 2788: Mr. Hurd of Colorado. H.R. 2821: Mr. Thanedar. H.R. 2878: Mrs. Kim. H.R. 2891: Mr. Feenstra. H.R. 2902: Mr. Moore of North Carolina, Mr. Larson of Connecticut, and Mr. Edwards. H.R. 2904: Mr. Garcia of Illinois. H.R. 2911: Ms. Ross, Mr. Moore of Utah, Mr. Rogers of Alabama, and Mr. Timmons. H.R. 2913: Ms. Goodlander and Mr. Bacon. H.R. 2941: Mr. Davis of North Carolina. H.R. 2978: Mr. Schmidt and Mr. Ivey. H.R. 3037: Mr. Goldman of New York and Mr. Davis of North Carolina. H.R. 3045: Ms. Scholten. H.R. 3071: Mr. Min. H.R. 3117: Mrs. Fletcher. H.R. 3164: Mr. Womack. H.R. 3178: Mr. Suozzi. H.R. 3184: Mr. LaLota and Ms. Scanlon. H.R. 3268: Mr. Thanedar. H.R. 3277: Mr. LaHood. H.R. 3287: Mr. Weber of Texas. H.R. 3295: Mr. Thanedar. H.R. 3368: Mr. Moulton. H.R. 3447: Mr. Fuller. H.R. 3458: Ms. Lofgren. H.R. 3514: Mr. Ellzey and Mr. Diaz-Balart. H.R. 3527: Mrs. Grijalva. H.R. 3565: Mr. Menefee. H.R. 3593: Mr. Nunn of Iowa. H.R. 3597: Mr. McGuire, Mr. Rogers of Alabama, Mr. Ryan, Ms. Strickland, Ms. McBride, and Mr. Wittman. H.R. 3821: Mrs. Bice and Mr. Sorensen. H.R. 3921: Mr. Subramanyam. H.R. 4099: Mr. Vasquez. H.R. 4104: Ms. Ansari. H.R. 4167: Mr. Yakym. H.R. 4186: Mr. Sorensen. H.R. 4231: Mr. Takano. H.R. 4253: Mr. Jackson of Illinois and Mr. Davis of North Carolina. H.R. 4348: Mr. Thompson of California. H.R. 4382: Mr. Fong and Mr. Moulton. H.R. 4398: Ms. Strickland. H.R. 4505: Mr. Raskin. H.R. 4509: Ms. Budzinski. H.R. 4548: Mr. LaHood. H.R. 4669: Mrs. Miller-Meeks, Ms. Lois Frankel of Florida, and Mr. Patronis. H.R. 4731: Mr. Takano, Mr. McGovern, and Ms. Randall. H.R. 4768: Mr. Mrvan. H.R. 4805: Mr. Patronis. H.R. 4872: Mr. Lieu. H.R. 4895: Mr. Harder of California. H.R. 4936: Ms. Bonamici. H.R. 4966: Ms. Wasserman Schultz. H.R. 4982: Mr. Valadao. H.R. 5068: Ms. Hoyle of Oregon. H.R. 5106: Mr. Moore of Alabama. H.R. 5206: Ms. Scanlon. H.R. 5234: Ms. Schrier. H.R. 5267: Ms. Lee of Florida and Mrs. Kiggans of Virginia. H.R. 5269: Mr. McDowell and Mr. Allen. H.R. 5286: Mr. Doggett. H.R. 5475: Mr. Carey and Mr. Davis of North Carolina. H.R. 5476: Mr. Larsen of Washington, Ms. Wilson of Florida, and Mr. Figures. H.R. 5588: Mr. Morelle. H.R. 5589: Mr. Morelle. H.R. 5641: Mr. Morelle. H.R. 5642: Mr. Morelle. H.R. 5643: Mr. Morelle. H.R. 5776: Mr. Thanedar. H.R. 5973: Mr. Carbajal. H.R. 6011: Ms. Scholten. H.R. 6123: Mr. Lieu. H.R. 6128: Ms. Lee of Florida. H.R. 6130: Mr. Begich, Mr. Carbajal, Mr. Cleaver, Mrs. Fischbach, Ms. Houlahan, Mr. McGovern, Mr. Kelly of Mississippi, Ms. King-Hinds, Mr. Bishop, Mr. Harder of California, Mr. Keating, Ms. Wilson of Florida, Mr. Joyce of Pennsylvania, Ms. Salinas, and Mr. Courtney. H.R. 6170: Mr. Smucker. H.R. 6213: Mr. Babin. H.R. 6245: Mr. Vasquez. H.R. 6280: Mr. Lynch. H.R. 6324: Mr. Begich. H.R. 6423: Mr. Thanedar. H.R. 6453: Mr. Gooden. H.R. 6461: Mr. Gottheimer and Ms. Scholten. H.R. 6509: Mr. Edwards. H.R. 6561: Mrs. Grijalva. H.R. 6635: Mr. Lynch. H.R. 6694: Mr. LaLota. H.R. 6731: Mr. Landsman. H.R. 6766: Mr. Moore of Utah, Mr. Donalds, Ms. Elfreth, and Mrs. Fischbach. H.R. 6782: Ms. DeGette and Mr. Fields. H.R. 6806: Mr. Walkinshaw, Ms. Wasserman Schultz, Mr. Levin, and Ms. Ross. H.R. 7014: Ms. McBride. H.R. 7024: Ms. McCollum and Mrs. Grijalva. H.R. 7026: Ms. Scholten. H.R. 7037: Mr. Mackenzie. H.R. 7100: Mr. Meuser and Mrs. Watson Coleman. H.R. 7173: Mr. Deluzio. H.R. 7176: Mr. Lawler. H.R. 7187: Mr. Lawler. H.R. 7212: Mrs. Grijalva. H.R. 7230: Mr. Fuller and Mrs. McBath. H.R. 7281: Mr. DeSaulnier and Mr. Tonko. H.R. 7333: Mr. Lynch. H.R. 7335: Ms. Pingree. H.R. 7352: Ms. Craig. H.R. 7390: Ms. Lee of Florida. H.R. 7545: Ms. Randall. H.R. 7556: Mr. Deluzio. H.R. 7608: Mr. Moulton. H.R. 7645: Ms. Williams of Georgia and Ms. Velazquez. H.R. 7733: Ms. Salinas and Ms. Chu. H.R. 7735: Mr. Lawler. H.R. 7766: Mr. Moulton. H.R. 7805: Ms. Stevens. H.R. 7836: Mr. Thanedar and Mr. Moulton. H.R. 7931: Mr. Thanedar. H.R. 7960: Mrs. Grijalva and Ms. Norton. H.R. 7987: Mr. Foster. H.R. 8041: Mr. Figures, Mr. Magaziner, Mr. Espaillat, and Mr. Cuellar. H.R. 8046: Mr. McGovern and Ms. Wasserman Schultz. H.R. 8076: Mr. Moore of Utah and Mr. Deluzio. H.R. 8092: Mr. Moore of North Carolina and Mrs. Grijalva. H.R. 8118: Mr. Begich. H.R. 8119: Mr. Mackenzie. H.R. 8126: Ms. Randall. H.R. 8128: Mr. Latimer and Mr. Kennedy of New York. H.R. 8194: Ms. Boebert. H.R. 8205: Mr. Cleaver, Mr. Carter of Texas, and Mr. Stanton. H.R. 8211: Ms. Goodlander and Mr. Riley of New York. H.R. 8239: Mr. Langworthy and Ms. Gillen. H.R. 8268: Ms. Stevens. H.R. 8283: Mr. Mackenzie. H.R. 8313: Mr. Feenstra, Mr. McCormick, and Mr. Meuser. H.R. 8326: Mr. Gottheimer. H.R. 8330: Mr. Schmidt. H.R. 8359: Mr. Onder. H.R. 8438: Ms. Friedman. H.R. 8528: Mr. Gottheimer. H.R. 8540: Mrs. Grijalva. H.R. 8541: Mrs. Grijalva. H.R. 8563: Ms. Salinas. H.R. 8582: Mr. Lynch, Ms. Chu, Mr. Frost, Mr. Carbajal, and Ms. DelBene. H.R. 8596: Ms. Boebert. H.R. 8603: Ms. Foxx. H.R. 8611: Mr. Knott. H.R. 8630: Mr. Carter of Texas. H.R. 8666: Ms. Williams of Georgia, Ms. Pingree, Mr. Mullin, Mrs. Foushee, and Mrs. Dingell. H.R. 8691: Mr. Wittman, Mr. Bresnahan, and Mr. Van Drew. H.R. 8697: Mr. Rutherford. H.R. 8720: Mr. Barrett. H.R. 8721: Mr. Barrett. H.R. 8736: Mr. Bergman. H.R. 8743: Ms. Craig. H.R. 8774: Mr. Schmidt. H.R. 8781: Mr. Williams of Texas and Mr. Balderson. H.R. 8791: Mrs. Bice, Mr. Bishop, Mr. Westerman, Ms. Norton, Mr. Donalds, Mrs. Beatty, Mr. Barr, and Ms. Bynum. H.R. 8806: Ms. Salazar and Ms. Norton. H.R. 8826: Mrs. Houchin. H.R. 8839: Mr. Bishop, Mr. Johnson of Georgia, Mr. Gottheimer, Mr. Doggett, and Mr. Raskin. H.R. 8850: Mr. Hernandez and Mr. Kennedy of New York. H.R. 8856: Mr. Harrigan. H.R. 8876: Mr. Ezell and Ms. Tokuda. H.R. 8896: Mrs. Grijalva. H.R. 8914: Mrs. Ramirez, Mr. Krishnamoorthi, Ms. Scholten, Mr. Jackson of Ilinois, Mr. Takano, Ms. Schakowsky, and Mrs. Torres of California. H.R. 8939: Ms. Simon, Mr. Kennedy of New York, and Ms. Bynum. H.R. 8951: Mr. Obernolte. H.R. 8955: Mr. Goldman of New York and Mr. Riley of New York. H.R. 8967: Mr. Begich. H.R. 8968: Mrs. Foushee and Mr. Liccardo. H.R. 8975: Ms. Chu and Ms. Tokuda. H.R. 8990: Mr. Langworthy. H.R. 9009: Mr. Crane, Mr. Harrigan, Mr. Burlison, and Mr. Fuller. H.R. 9034: Ms. Brownley, Mr. Lieu, Mr. Carbajal, and Ms. Tlaib. H.R. 9035: Ms. Brownley, Mr. Lieu, Mr. Carbajal, and Ms. Tlaib. H.R. 9047: Mrs. Fletcher, Ms. Elfreth, Mr. Vindman, Mr. Casten, and Mr. Raskin. H.R. 9048: Ms. Wasserman Schultz. H.R. 9062: Mr. McCaul. H.R. 9063: Mr. Harrigan. H.R. 9068: Ms. DeGette. H.R. 9069: Ms. DeGette. H.R. 9070: Ms. DeGette. H.R. 9076: Mr. Veasey and Ms. Craig. H.R. 9078: Mr. Gottheimer and Mr. Davis of North Carolina. H.J. Res. 1: Mr. Schmidt. H.J. Res. 84: Mr. Tran. H.J. Res. 189: Mr. Moulton. H. Con. Res. 4: Mr. Landsman. H. Con. Res. 86: Mr. Massie. H. Con. Res. 106: Mrs. Trahan and Ms. Stansbury. H. Res. 50: Mr. Steube. H. Res. 69: Mr. Khanna. H. Res. 70: Mr. Schmidt. H. Res. 1058: Mr. Gottheimer. H. Res. 1258: Mr. Gottheimer. H. Res. 1270: Mr. Pappas, Mr. Riley of New York, Mr. Hill of Arkansas, and Mr. Gottheimer. H. Res. 1310: Mr. Van Epps and Mrs. Fischbach. H. Res. 1316: Ms. Tlaib. H. Res. 1318: Mr. Tonko. H. Res. 1322: Ms. Norton and Ms. Elfreth. H. Res. 1330: Mr. Scott of Virginia.