SW Arkansas Times

The U.S. House of Representatives has passed 11 bills from the House Committee on Natural Resources, garnering bipartisan support. These legislative measures aim to honor American history, assist farmers, and enhance outdoor recreational opportunities.

House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) stated, "Even as we approach the final days of the 118th Congress, we're still working to honor our nation's most sacred sites, increase outdoor recreation opportunities for veterans and recognize the contributions of groundbreaking Americans. The House Committee on Natural Resources is ending this congress the way we started: passing meaningful legislation that impacts every American. I look forward to building on this momentum in the 119th Congress to accomplish our goals and find solutions to the issues facing our country."

The Lumbee Fairness Act (H.R. 1101), introduced by Rep. David Rouzer (R-N.C.), seeks federal recognition for the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina, granting its members access to services and benefits available to federally recognized tribes.

The 9/11 Memorial and Museum Act (H.R. 5401), presented by Rep. Anthony D'Esposito (R-N.Y.), proposes a one-time grant from the Department of Homeland Security to aid with security costs at the 9/11 Memorial & Museum.

Rep. Blake Moore (R-Utah) introduced H.R. 6127, known as the Modernizing Access to Our Public Waters Act, which aims to improve access to outdoor recreational activities by digitizing mapping information related to federal waters.

The Klamath Basin Water Agreement Support Act (H.R. 7938), brought forth by Rep. Cliff Bentz (R-Ore.), intends to protect farmers from negative impacts due to dam removals on the Klamath River.

Rep. Michael Waltz (R-Fla.) proposed H.R. 8012, which designates Jackie Robinson Ballpark in Daytona Beach as a national commemorative site in honor of Jackie Robinson's role in breaking baseball's color barrier.

Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) introduced H.R. 8931, aiming to redesignate Saratoga National Historical Park as Saratoga National Battlefield Park.

The Military Families National Parks Access Enhancement Act (H.R. 9516), proposed by Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer (R-Ore.), seeks expanded access for Gold Star families and veterans' families to free lifetime passes for national parks.

Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) put forward S. 3857, or the Jamul Indian Village Land Transfer Act, which would transfer land into trust for the Jamul Indian Village in California.

Rep. Josh Harder (D-Calif.) introduced two bills: H.R. 3396 requires standardized procedures for fire suppression cost-sharing agreements; H.R. 8308 reauthorizes efforts against nutria infestations damaging ecosystems.

Lastly, Rep. Doris Matsui's (D-Calif.) Reversionary Interest Conveyance Act (H.R. 8946) addresses land development conflicts in Sacramento.