Star-Spangled Summit Act of 2026
- Bill Number
- H.R. 4684
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Public Lands and Natural Resources
- Status
- Passed House
- Latest Action
- 2026-05-20: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-11T23:41:27Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose of the Legislation This Act directs the Secretary of Agriculture to issue a special use permit allowing the installation, operation, maintenance, and removal of a flagpole displaying the United States flag at Kyhv Peak Lookout Point in the Uinta National Forest, Utah. It aims to formalize a longstanding seasonal practice of displaying the flag at this location.
Key Provisions Outlined
- Definitions: Establishes terms including "covered flagpole" (a flagpole bearing the U.S. flag), the specific geographic coordinates of Kyhv Peak Lookout Point, "qualified person" (an individual or nonprofit/volunteer group based in Utah County with relevant flagpole experience), and the Secretary (the Secretary of Agriculture acting through the Forest Service).
- Permit Issuance: Requires the Secretary to issue a 10-year special use permit within 180 days of enactment, prioritizing individuals who previously applied for or maintained such a flag display before specified dates; if declined, the permit goes to a qualified person.
- Application and Conditions: Allows the Secretary to set terms for proper care, requires public notice of permit availability, and exempts the permit from land use fees.
- Renewals and Revocation: Mandates renewal or new 10-year permits every 10 years, upon holder request, or in cases of early termination; the Secretary may revoke for non-compliance.
- Exemptions and Access: Waives cost recovery fees under federal regulations, exempts activities from the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and authorizes reasonable access limited to the smallest practical area for safety and resource protection.
Significant Changes to Existing Law Introduced
- Creates a targeted exemption from NEPA environmental review for permit-related activities, bypassing standard assessments that typically apply to federal land uses.
- Waives land use and cost recovery fees normally charged for special use permits on national forest lands.
- Establishes a streamlined, time-bound process for permit issuance and renewal specific to this flagpole installation, overriding general procedural requirements.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: Reduces administrative burdens on the Forest Service by eliminating NEPA compliance and fee collection for this permit.
- Citizens: Supports continued flag display by local Utah County residents or groups, potentially enhancing public access to a scenic viewpoint with symbolic elements.
- International Relations: No direct effects, as the legislation addresses only domestic land management on federal property.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- The Secretary of Agriculture and the U.S. Forest Service, responsible for permit issuance and oversight.
- Individuals and nonprofit or volunteer organizations in Utah County, Utah, eligible to hold the permit.
- Local communities in Utah Valley, who may observe or benefit from the flag display at the lookout point.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Provides explicit statutory authority that preempts certain general federal regulations, including environmental review processes, for this narrow activity.
- Constitutional: Operates under Congress's authority over federal lands but introduces specific carve-outs from broader environmental statutes without altering core constitutional land management powers.
- Political: Focuses on authorizing a patriotic symbol on public lands, which could reflect legislative priorities for national symbolism while limiting regulatory oversight.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Recent Actions
- 2026-05-20: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
- 2026-05-19: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- 2026-05-19: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H3570)
- 2026-05-19: Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H3570)
- 2026-05-19: DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 4684.
- 2026-05-19: Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H3570-3572)
- 2026-05-19: Mr. Westerman moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
- 2026-04-02: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 504.
- 2026-04-02: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 119-584.
- 2026-04-02: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 119-584.
- 2026-03-05: Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute (Amended) by Unanimous Consent.
- 2026-03-05: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- 2026-03-05: Subcommittee on Federal Lands Discharged
- 2026-01-14: Subcommittee Hearings Held
- 2026-01-07: Referred to the Subcommittee on Federal Lands.
Bill Versions
- Star-Spangled Summit Act of 2026 — issued 2026-05-19 — PDF (8 pages)
- Star-Spangled Summit Act of 2025 — issued 2025-07-23 — PDF (6 pages)
- Star-Spangled Summit Act of 2026 — issued 2026-05-20 — PDF (6 pages)
- Star-Spangled Summit Act of 2026 — issued 2026-04-02 — PDF (8 pages)