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 "North Dakota Field Office Record of Decision and Approved Resource Management Plan".

Bill Number: H.J.Res. 105
Origin Chamber: House
Congress: 119th Congress, Session 1
Policy Area: Public Lands and Natural Resources
Status: Became Law
Became Law: Public Law 119-49
Latest Action: 2025-12-11: Became Public Law No: 119-49.
Last Updated: 2026-07-10T15:23:27Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

This joint resolution (H.J. Res. 105) uses the Congressional Review Act (CRA), a law that allows Congress to review and potentially overturn certain federal agency rules, to disapprove a specific decision by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The goal is to prevent the implementation of the BLM's "North Dakota Field Office Record of Decision and Approved Resource Management Plan," which outlines how federal lands in North Dakota will be managed for resources like energy development, conservation, and recreation.

Key Provisions

Disapproval of the Rule: Congress explicitly disapproves the BLM's record of decision and approved resource management plan, issued on January 14, 2025.
Reference to GAO Opinion: The resolution cites a June 25, 2025, opinion from the Government Accountability Office (GAO), an independent agency that audits federal operations, which determined that the BLM's plan qualifies as a "rule" under the CRA, making it subject to congressional review.
Nullification: The disapproved plan is declared to have no legal force or effect, meaning it cannot be enforced or implemented.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This resolution does not amend broader laws but applies the CRA to override a specific executive branch action (the BLM's plan).
It reverses the BLM's authority to proceed with the approved management plan, effectively reverting to prior land management practices or requiring a new process until Congress or the agency acts otherwise.
Under the CRA, once passed and signed (or if a veto is overridden), the rule is permanently barred from reissuance in substantially the same form without new congressional approval.

Potential Impacts

On Government Agencies: The BLM loses the ability to enforce this specific plan, potentially disrupting ongoing federal land management in North Dakota and requiring the agency to redirect resources or develop alternative strategies.
On Citizens: Residents of North Dakota, including local communities, businesses, and landowners near federal lands, may face uncertainty in activities like energy extraction (e.g., oil and gas drilling), grazing, or environmental protection, depending on what the plan intended to regulate.
On International Relations: No direct impacts, as this concerns domestic land management without foreign policy elements.

Main Stakeholders Affected

Bureau of Land Management (BLM): Directly impacted as the issuing agency; must halt implementation and possibly revise plans.
North Dakota Residents and Local Governments: Affected by changes in federal land use, which could influence economic activities like energy production or agriculture.
Energy and Resource Industries: Companies involved in oil, gas, mining, or other resource extraction on federal lands in North Dakota may benefit or face delays, depending on the plan's original restrictions.
Environmental and Conservation Groups: Potentially gain from blocking the plan if it favored development over protection, or lose if it included conservation measures.
Congress and the Executive Branch: Highlights congressional oversight of agency actions, affecting the balance of power between branches.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

Legal: Reinforces the CRA's role (enacted in 1996) as a tool for Congress to check agency rulemaking, especially for decisions deemed "rules" by the GAO. The resolution ensures the plan cannot take effect, upholding procedural requirements under the Administrative Procedure Act for federal land planning.
Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's oversight authority under Article I of the U.S. Constitution, allowing legislative reversal of executive actions without violating separation of powers, as the CRA was upheld by courts.
Political: Issued in the 119th Congress (beginning January 3, 2025), it demonstrates bipartisan or majority congressional intent to influence land policy in an energy-rich state like North Dakota, potentially signaling broader debates on federal land use amid environmental and economic priorities. No partisan bias is evident in the text itself.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Fedorchak, Julie [R-ND-At Large]

Recent Actions

2025-12-11: Became Public Law No: 119-49.
2025-12-11: Became Public Law No: 119-49.
2025-12-11: Signed by President.
2025-12-11: Signed by President.
2025-12-01: Presented to President.
2025-12-01: Presented to President.
2025-10-10: Message on Senate action sent to the House.
2025-10-08: Passed Senate without amendment by Yea-Nay Vote. 50 - 45. Record Vote Number: 556. (Roll call 556)
2025-10-08: Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate without amendment by Yea-Nay Vote. 50 - 45. Record Vote Number: 556. (Roll call 556)
2025-10-08: Measure laid before Senate by motion.
2025-10-08: Motion to proceed to consideration of measure agreed to in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 51 - 47. Record Vote Number: 553. (Roll call 553)
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: 215 - 211 (Roll no. 226). (text: CR H3791) (Roll call 226)
2025-09-03: Passed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 215 - 211 (Roll no. 226). (text: CR H3791: 1) (Roll call 226)

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 "North Dakota Field Office Record of Decision and Approved Resource Management Plan". — 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 "North Dakota Field Office Record of Decision and Approved Resource Management Plan". — issued 2025-10-15 — 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 "North Dakota Field Office Record of Decision and Approved Resource Management Plan". — 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 "North Dakota Field Office Record of Decision and Approved Resource Management Plan". — issued 2025-09-04 — PDF (2 pages)