A joint resolution 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
- S.J.Res. 63
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Public Lands and Natural Resources
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-10-07: Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 181.
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-09T21:24:57Z
AI-Generated Summary
Summary of S.J. Res. 63 (119th Congress)
Purpose
This joint resolution aims to block a specific decision by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), an agency within the U.S. Department of the Interior that oversees public lands. It uses the Congressional Review Act (CRA), a law that lets Congress quickly overturn certain federal agency rules, to stop the "Central Yukon Record of Decision and Approved Resource Management Plan" from taking effect. The plan covers land use and resource management in the Central Yukon area, likely in Alaska.
Key Provisions
- Disapproval of the Rule: Congress declares the BLM's record of decision and resource management plan, issued on November 12, 2024, as disapproved.
- No Force or Effect: The plan is nullified, meaning it cannot be implemented or enforced.
- Reference to GAO Opinion: The resolution cites a June 25, 2025, opinion from the Government Accountability Office (GAO), an independent agency that audits government operations. The GAO ruled that the BLM's plan qualifies as a "rule" under the CRA, making it eligible for congressional review. This opinion was printed in the Congressional Record on June 26, 2025.
- Procedural Steps: Introduced by Senators Dan Sullivan and Lisa Murkowski (both from Alaska) on July 22, 2025; referred to the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources; committee discharged by petition under 5 U.S.C. 802(c) on October 7, 2025, and placed on the Senate calendar.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This resolution does not amend or create new laws. Instead, it invokes the existing CRA (chapter 8 of title 5, U.S. Code) to override an agency action. If passed and signed into law (or if a veto is overridden), it would prevent the BLM's plan from becoming policy, effectively reverting to prior land management approaches in the affected area until a new plan is developed.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: The BLM would lose authority to enforce this specific plan, potentially delaying or altering resource management activities like mining, energy development, or conservation in Central Yukon. It could require the agency to restart planning processes.
- On Citizens and Local Communities: Residents and businesses in Alaska's Yukon region might see changes in land access for activities such as hunting, recreation, or commercial development. This could benefit or hinder local economies depending on the plan's original focus (e.g., environmental protections vs. resource extraction).
- On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, though it involves public lands near Alaska's borders, which could indirectly affect U.S.-Canada relations if cross-border resources are involved.
- Broader Effects: Could set a precedent for congressional intervention in agency land-use decisions, influencing future environmental or energy policies.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Federal Agencies: Primarily the BLM, with potential involvement from the Department of the Interior and GAO.
- Congressional Members: Senators from Alaska (Sullivan and Murkowski as sponsors), and broader Senate and House members voting on the resolution.
- Local and State Interests: Alaska Native communities, landowners, and businesses in the Central Yukon area affected by land management rules.
- Industry and Environmental Groups: Resource extraction companies (e.g., mining or oil) that might gain from blocking restrictive plans; conservation organizations that could lose protections if the plan emphasized sustainability.
- General Public: Taxpayers and users of public lands, as it affects federal resource allocation.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Relies on the CRA, which gives Congress a 60-day window (with some extensions) to review and disapprove agency rules via a simple majority vote. The GAO's role here is key, as it determines what counts as a reviewable "rule"—a non-major policy change like a land management plan. If enacted, it would be immune from judicial review under CRA provisions.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's oversight authority over executive agencies (Article I powers), checking the administrative state's rulemaking without needing new legislation.
- Political: Highlights tensions between Congress and federal agencies on public land use, especially in resource-rich states like Alaska. The petition to bypass committee review (under 5 U.S.C. 802(c)) shows urgency and bipartisan or regional support, potentially signaling broader debates on federalism, environmental regulation, and economic development.
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
- 2025-10-07: Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 181.
- 2025-10-07: Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources discharged, by petition, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 802(c).
- 2025-10-07: Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources discharged, by petition, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 802(c).
- 2025-07-22: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
- 2025-07-22: Introduced in Senate
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 2025-07-22 — 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 2025-10-07 — PDF (4 pages)