Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Bureau of Land Management relating to "Miles City Field Office Record of Decision and Approved Resource Management Plan Amendment".
- Bill Number
- H.J.Res. 104
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Public Lands and Natural Resources
- Status
- Became Law
- Became Law
- Public Law 119-48
- Latest Action
- 2025-12-11: Became Public Law No: 119-48.
- Last Updated
- 2026-07-10T15:23:27Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This joint resolution (H.J. Res. 104) aims to disapprove and nullify a specific administrative decision by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), an agency under the U.S. Department of the Interior. The decision involves a resource management plan amendment for public lands managed by the BLM's Miles City Field Office, likely in eastern Montana. It uses the Congressional Review Act (CRA), a law that allows Congress to overturn certain federal agency rules with a simple majority vote, to prevent the plan from taking effect.
Key Provisions
- Disapproval of the Rule: Congress explicitly disapproves the BLM's "Miles City Field Office Record of Decision and Approved Resource Management Plan Amendment," issued on November 20, 2024.
- Reference to Supporting Analysis: The resolution cites a June 25, 2025, opinion from the Government Accountability Office (GAO), an independent agency that audits federal operations, confirming that the BLM's decision qualifies as a "rule" under the CRA. This opinion was printed in the Congressional Record on June 26, 2025.
- Nullification: The disapproved rule "shall have no force or effect," meaning it cannot be implemented or enforced.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- This resolution does not amend broader laws but invokes the CRA to override a specific agency action. It effectively reverses the BLM's planned updates to its resource management plan for the Miles City area, restoring the prior management framework.
- Under the CRA, once disapproved, the rule cannot be reissued in substantially similar form without new congressional authorization, preventing the BLM from easily reinstating the changes.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: The BLM will need to halt implementation of the new plan, potentially delaying or altering land-use decisions in the affected area. This could increase administrative burdens for the agency in managing public lands, including compliance with environmental reviews or resource allocations.
- On Citizens and Local Communities: Residents, businesses, and industries in the Miles City region (e.g., ranchers, energy developers) may see continued use of the old management plan, affecting activities like grazing, mining, or oil and gas extraction. Environmental protections or restrictions outlined in the new plan would not apply, potentially influencing local economies and land access.
- On International Relations: No direct impacts, as this concerns domestic public land management.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Federal Agencies: Primarily the BLM, with indirect effects on the Department of the Interior and GAO.
- Local and State Interests: Communities, landowners, and governments in Montana's Miles City area, including agriculture, energy, and recreation sectors.
- Industry Groups: Oil and gas companies, mining operations, and ranching associations that rely on BLM-managed lands.
- Environmental and Conservation Groups: Organizations advocating for wildlife protection or sustainable land use, which may oppose the nullification if the new plan included stronger safeguards.
- Congress and Taxpayers: Demonstrates congressional oversight of executive branch actions, funded through federal processes.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Reinforces the CRA's role as a check on agency rulemaking, ensuring that certain decisions receive congressional scrutiny. The GAO's opinion clarifies what qualifies as a reviewable "rule," setting a precedent for future disputes.
- Constitutional: Aligns with the separation of powers by allowing the legislative branch to review and veto executive actions, upholding Congress's authority over federal land policy under Article IV of the U.S. Constitution.
- Political: Highlights partisan or ideological divides on public land management, where Congress can swiftly block agency plans seen as overreaching. Enacted in the 119th Congress (starting January 2025), it reflects ongoing debates over resource development versus conservation on federal lands comprising about one-eighth of the U.S. total.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (1)
Recent Actions
- 2025-12-11: Became Public Law No: 119-48.
- 2025-12-11: Became Public Law No: 119-48.
- 2025-12-11: Signed by President.
- 2025-12-11: Signed by President.
- 2025-12-01: Presented to President.
- 2025-12-01: Presented to President.
- 2025-10-08: Message on Senate action sent to the House.
- 2025-10-08: Passed Senate without amendment by Yea-Nay Vote. 52 - 47. Record Vote Number: 549. (Roll call 549)
- 2025-10-08: Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate without amendment by Yea-Nay Vote. 52 - 47. Record Vote Number: 549. (Roll call 549)
- 2025-10-08: Considered by Senate. (consideration: CR S6995-7003)
- 2025-10-07: Measure laid before Senate by motion.
- 2025-10-07: Motion to proceed to consideration of measure agreed to in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 50 - 47. Record Vote Number: 548. (Roll call 548)
- 2025-09-04: Received in the Senate, read twice.
- 2025-09-03: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- 2025-09-03: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 211 - 208 (Roll no. 224). (text: CR H3782) (Roll call 224)
Bill Versions
- Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Bureau of Land Management relating to "Miles City Field Office Record of Decision and Approved Resource Management Plan Amendment". — issued 2025-09-03 — PDF (4 pages)
- Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Bureau of Land Management relating to "Miles City Field Office Record of Decision and Approved Resource Management Plan Amendment". — issued 2025-10-09 — PDF (1 pages)
- Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Bureau of Land Management relating to "Miles City Field Office Record of Decision and Approved Resource Management Plan Amendment". — issued 2025-07-10 — PDF (2 pages)
- Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Bureau of Land Management relating to "Miles City Field Office Record of Decision and Approved Resource Management Plan Amendment". — issued 2025-09-04 — PDF (2 pages)