House Advances Legislation to Support America’s Public Lands, Tribal Communities and Water Resources

Today, the U.S. House of Representatives advanced legislation to implement commonsense land management, encourage investment in America’s public lands, promote water quality research, conserve tribal cultural practices and deliver healthcare services to tribal members. Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) issued the following statement in response:

“Today, House Committee on Natural Resources Republicans once again delivered real results to the American people. Throughout the 119^th Congress, we have focused on promoting commonsense land policies, supporting our tribal communities and ensuring responsible stewardship of America’s vast water resources. I would like to thank all of our Members for their hard work on pushing our shared goals across the finish line in the House.”

Background

H.R. 309, the National Law Enforcement Officers Remembrance, Support and Community Outreach Act, introduced by U.S. Rep. Troy Nehls (R-Texas), will honor those who serve in law enforcement by providing grants to support the National Law Enforcement Memorial Fund and its community outreach initiatives. This legislation aligns with President Trump's Executive Order (EO) 14288, “Strengthening and Unleashing America's Law Enforcement to Pursue Criminals and Protect Innocent Citizens.”

H.R. 2317, the Northern Nevada Economic Development and Conservation Act of 2025, introduced by U.S. Rep. Mark Amodei (R-Nev.), comprehensively addresses federal lands issues in several counties in northern Nevada.

H.R. 3925, the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Land Exchange Act, introduced by U.S. Rep. Jay Obernolte (R-Calif.), authorizes a land exchange between the U.S. Forest Service and the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation to improve land management and tribal stewardship.

H.R. 4931, the National Park System Long-Term Lease Investment Act, introduced by U.S. Rep. Greg Murphy (R-N.C.), authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to extend certain leases within units of the National Park System to encourage long-term investments.

H.R. 5063, the Safe Beaches, Safe Swimmers Act, introduced by U.S. Rep. Jen Kiggans (R-Va.), ensures adequate lifeguard staffing at Federal beaches by allowing the Department of the Interior to enter into partnerships with localities to provide lifeguard services.

H.R. 6021, the Archie Cavanaugh Migratory Bird Treaty Amendment Act, introduced by U.S. Rep. Nick Begich (R-Alaska), directs updates to the U.S. migratory bird treaty with Japan and domestic laws to clarify that the possession, sale or transport of authentic Alaska Native artworks and handicrafts made with certain materials, such as migratory bird feathers, are not prohibited.

H.R. 7889, the Advancing Water Research and Collaboration (AWRC) Act of 2025, introduced by U.S. Rep. Rob Wittman (R-Va.), bolsters research and education initiatives designed to improve the scientific understanding, management and sustainability of the nation’s water resources. It reauthorizes the Water Resources Research Act of 1984, which implements and helps fund these initiatives at universities.

H.R. 8454, introduced by U.S. Rep. Tom McClintock (R-Calif.), transfers administrative jurisdiction over certain parcels of federal land in the State of California, improving management of the Ackerson Meadow by reducing checkerboard ownership to support wildlife habitat, grazing operations and restoration work.

H.R. 8658, the Indian Health Service Emergency Claims Parity Act, introduced by U.S. Rep. Mike Kennedy (R-Utah), protects Tribal patients from medical debt by providing a reasonable window of 15 days to notify the Indian Health Service after receiving outside care.

H.R. 741, the Stronger Engagement for Indian Health Needs Act of 2025, introduced by U.S. Rep. Greg Stanton (D-Ariz.), will redesignate the Director of the Indian Health Service as the Assistant Secretary for Indian Health within the Department of Health and Human Services.

H.R. 2406, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Sexual Harassment and Assault Prevention Improvements Act of 2025, introduced by U.S. Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (D-Ore.), enhances reporting, improves the reporting system and expands the categories of employees covered by existing sexual assault and sexual harassment protections at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

H.R. 3276, the Local Communities & Bird Habitat Stewardship Act of 2025, introduced by U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.), codifies the Urban Bird Treaty Program at existing funding levels through fiscal year 2033.

H.R. 4219, the National Wildlife Refuge System Invasive Species Strike Team Act of 2025, introduced by U.S. Rep. Ed Case (D-Hawaii), codifies the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Invasive Species Strike Team program to address invasive species on and adjacent to the National Wildlife Refuge System.

H.R. 6893, the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Advancement for Training, Education, Restoration and Science (WATERS) Act, introduced by U.S. Rep. Bobby Scott (D-Va.), reauthorizes NOAA's Chesapeake Bay Office.

H.R. 8121, introduced by U.S. Rep. Stacey Plaskett (D-V.I.), redesignates the historic bandstand located in Christiansted National Historic Site on St. Croix as the “Peter G. Thurland, Sr., Bandstand.”

S. 240, the Crow Tribe Water Rights Settlement Amendments Act of 2025, introduced by U.S. Senator Steve Daines (R-Mont.), revises the Crow Tribe Water Rights Settlement Act of 2010, which was entered into by the Crow Tribe of Montana and the state of Montana.

S. 283, the Illegal Red Snapper and Tuna Enforcement Act, introduced by U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas), directs the National Institute of Standards and Technology and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to develop a standard methodology for identifying the country of origin of red snapper and certain species of tuna imported into the United States.

S. 550, introduced by U.S. Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), provides a narrow jurisdictional pathway for the Miami tribe to bring its treaty-based land claim regarding certain lands in Illinois before the U.S. Court of Federal Claims.

S. 759, the Modernizing Access to Our Public Oceans Act, introduced by U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas), authorizes the creation of a website with geospatial information on access and closures of Federal waterways.

S. 790, introduced by U.S. Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), renames the National Historic Trails Interpretive Center in Casper, Wyo., after former U.S. Rep. Barbara Cubin.

S. 603, introduced by U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (R-Va.), designates the General George C. Marshall House as an affiliated area of the National Park System.

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