Big Bend National Park Boundary Adjustment Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 2323
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Public Lands and Natural Resources
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-06-23: ASSUMING FIRST SPONSORSHIP - Mr. Pfluger asked unanimous consent that he may hereafter be considered as the first sponsor of H.R. 2323, a bill originally introduced by Representative Gonzales (TX), for the purpose of adding cosponsors and requesting reprintings pursuant to clause 7 of rule XII. Agreed to without objection.
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-24T08:09:00Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The Big Bend National Park Boundary Adjustment Act aims to expand the boundaries of Big Bend National Park in Texas by incorporating approximately 6,100 acres of land, enhancing the park's protected area through voluntary means.
Key Provisions
- Land Acquisition: The Secretary of the Interior may acquire about 6,100 acres of land or interests in land (as shown on a specific map titled "Big Bend National Park, Proposed Boundary Adjustment," dated November 2022) only through donation or exchange—no eminent domain (forced government takeover) or condemnation is allowed.
- Map Availability: The referenced map will be kept on file and open for public viewing at National Park Service offices.
- Boundary Revision: Once land is acquired, the Secretary must update the park's official boundaries to include the new areas.
- Administration: Acquired lands will be managed as part of the park under existing federal laws and National Park Service regulations, which generally focus on conservation, public access, and resource protection.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- This act modifies the boundaries of Big Bend National Park, originally established in 1935 (under 16 U.S.C. 156), by adding new land to its protected area.
- It introduces a strict prohibition on using eminent domain for acquisitions, emphasizing voluntary transactions over compulsory ones, which differs from some past federal land acquisition practices.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: The National Park Service (under the Department of the Interior) will gain responsibility for managing an additional 6,100 acres, potentially increasing operational costs for maintenance, visitor services, and conservation but also expanding recreational and ecological opportunities.
- Citizens: Local residents and landowners in the affected Texas area may benefit from or be involved in voluntary land exchanges or donations; park visitors could enjoy more protected natural spaces for activities like hiking and wildlife viewing.
- International Relations: No direct impacts, as the bill focuses on domestic park management near the U.S.-Mexico border but does not address cross-border issues.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Federal Government: Primarily the Secretary of the Interior and the National Park Service, who handle acquisition, boundary changes, and ongoing park administration.
- Landowners and Local Communities: Private owners of the targeted lands in Texas, who must agree to donate or exchange property; nearby residents may see changes in land use from private to public conservation.
- Conservation and Recreation Groups: Environmental organizations and park enthusiasts, who stand to gain from expanded protected habitats in the Chihuahuan Desert region.
- General Public: U.S. taxpayers funding park operations and visitors seeking access to natural resources.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Property Rights Emphasis: By banning eminent domain, the act respects constitutional protections under the Fifth Amendment (which requires just compensation for taken property) and promotes voluntary cooperation, potentially reducing legal challenges from landowners.
- Conservation Policy: Aligns with broader U.S. environmental goals by growing national park acreage without coercive measures, supporting biodiversity in a border-adjacent ecosystem.
- Political Context: As a bipartisan-friendly bill introduced in the 119th Congress (2025), it reflects priorities for public lands management in Texas, but its success depends on committee approval (referred to House Natural Resources Committee) and availability of donated or exchanged lands—no funding is appropriated, so implementation relies on private initiatives.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (9)
Rep. Veasey, Marc A. [D-TX-33], Rep. Castro, Joaquin [D-TX-20], Rep. Moran, Nathaniel [R-TX-1], Rep. Pfluger, August [R-TX-11], Rep. Self, Keith [R-TX-3], Rep. Cuellar, Henry [D-TX-28], Rep. Ellzey, Jake [R-TX-6], Rep. Escobar, Veronica [D-TX-16], Rep. Hunt, Wesley [R-TX-38]
Recent Actions
- 2026-06-23: ASSUMING FIRST SPONSORSHIP - Mr. Pfluger asked unanimous consent that he may hereafter be considered as the first sponsor of H.R. 2323, a bill originally introduced by Representative Gonzales (TX), for the purpose of adding cosponsors and requesting reprintings pursuant to clause 7 of rule XII. Agreed to without objection.
- 2025-03-25: Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
- 2025-03-25: Introduced in House
- 2025-03-25: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Big Bend National Park Boundary Adjustment Act — issued 2025-03-25 — PDF (3 pages)