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 "Central Yukon Record of Decision and Approved Resource Management Plan".

Bill Number: H.J.Res. 106
Origin Chamber: House
Congress: 119th Congress, Session 1
Policy Area: Public Lands and Natural Resources
Status: Became Law
Became Law: Public Law 119-50
Latest Action: 2025-12-11: Became Public Law No: 119-50.
Last Updated: 2026-07-10T15:23:27Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

This joint resolution (H.J. Res. 106) uses the Congressional Review Act (CRA)—a law allowing 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 "Central Yukon Record of Decision and Approved Resource Management Plan" from taking effect, effectively nullifying the BLM's plan for managing public lands in the Central Yukon area.

Key Provisions

Disapproval of the Rule: Congress explicitly disapproves the BLM's Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan, issued on November 12, 2024.
Reference to GAO Opinion: The resolution cites a June 25, 2025, opinion from the Government Accountability Office (GAO)—a nonpartisan agency that audits federal operations—stating that this BLM decision qualifies as a "rule" under the CRA, making it subject to congressional review. This opinion was published in the Congressional Record on June 26, 2025.
No Force or Effect: Upon enactment, the disapproved rule is voided and cannot be implemented.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This resolution does not amend broader laws but invokes the CRA (chapter 8 of title 5, U.S. Code) to override an executive agency action. It reverses the BLM's approved plan without altering the underlying statutes governing land management, such as the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976, which requires BLM to create resource management plans (RMPs) for public lands.
It sets a precedent for using the CRA against non-traditional "rules," like land-use decisions, based on the GAO's interpretation that RMPs can be treated as reviewable rules.

Potential Impacts

On Government Agencies: The BLM loses authority to enforce its Central Yukon plan, potentially requiring it to revert to prior management strategies or develop a new one. This could delay federal land-use decisions in the region and increase administrative workload.
On Citizens: Residents, businesses, and communities in the Central Yukon area (likely in Alaska, given the regional name) may face uncertainty in land access for activities like mining, recreation, or conservation. It could preserve the status quo, benefiting those opposing the plan's changes (e.g., if it favored development over protection).
On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, though it might indirectly affect U.S. commitments to indigenous rights or environmental standards in Alaska, where cross-border Yukon River issues involve Canada.

Main Stakeholders Affected

Bureau of Land Management (BLM): Directly impacted as the rule's issuer; must adjust operations without the plan.
Congress: Asserts oversight authority, with members from resource-dependent states (e.g., Alaska) likely driving the resolution.
Local Communities and Indigenous Groups: In Central Yukon (Alaska Native villages and tribes), who rely on these lands for subsistence, cultural practices, or economic activities; the disapproval could protect or disrupt traditional uses.
Environmental and Industry Groups: Conservation organizations may support nullification if the plan allowed more extraction (e.g., oil, gas, minerals), while energy or mining companies could oppose it if the plan restricted development.
Federal Taxpayers: Indirectly affected through shifts in land management costs and potential litigation over the decision.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

Legal: Reinforces the CRA's role in checking agency actions, especially after the GAO's opinion expands what counts as a "rule." It could invite court challenges if stakeholders argue the disapproval exceeds congressional authority or violates administrative procedures.
Constitutional: Highlights the separation of powers, with Congress exercising its legislative veto-like tool under the CRA to counter executive branch decisions, though the Supreme Court has scrutinized similar mechanisms in the past (e.g., in INS v. Chadha, 1983, which invalidated legislative vetoes outside structured processes like the CRA).
Political: Demonstrates bipartisan or partisan use of the CRA in the 119th Congress (2025–2026) to influence land policy, potentially signaling tensions over federal control of Western public lands. It may encourage similar resolutions against other agency plans, affecting future environmental or resource debates without needing new legislation.

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

Sponsor

Rep. Begich, Nicholas J. [R-AK-At Large]

Recent Actions

2025-12-11: Became Public Law No: 119-50.
2025-12-11: Became Public Law No: 119-50.
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.
2025-10-09: Passed Senate without amendment by Yea-Nay Vote. 50 - 46. Record Vote Number: 560. (Roll call 560)
2025-10-09: Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate without amendment by Yea-Nay Vote. 50 - 46. Record Vote Number: 560. (Roll call 560)
2025-10-09: Measure laid before Senate by motion. (consideration: CR S7052, S7061)
2025-10-09: Motion to proceed to consideration of measure agreed to in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 50 - 47. Record Vote Number: 559. (CR S7052) (Roll call 559)
2025-09-04: Received in the Senate.
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 - 210 (Roll no. 225). (text: CR H3787) (Roll call 225)
2025-09-03: Passed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 215 - 210 (Roll no. 225). (text: CR H3787: 1) (Roll call 225)

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 "Central Yukon 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 "Central Yukon 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 "Central Yukon Record of Decision and Approved Resource Management Plan". — issued 2025-07-14 — 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 "Central Yukon Record of Decision and Approved Resource Management Plan". — issued 2025-09-04 — PDF (2 pages)