Senate Republican leaders announced on Friday night an extensive, 940-page bill aimed at advancing President Trump’s agenda. Notably, it includes a provision urging Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) to facilitate the sale of public land, though it covers less area than a similar proposal that was recently rejected by Congressional official Elizabeth McDonough.
The bill now directs the Secretary of the Interior to sell between 0.25% and 0.50% of the land managed by the department.
Specifically, the Secretary is tasked with “disposing” of land deemed to have the “highest value.” This includes land owned by state and local governments, located near developed areas and existing infrastructure, and is suitable for housing.
It’s important to note that the land sold by the Interior Department is designated solely for housing development or infrastructure that supports housing.
Areas protected by federal law, like national monuments and recreational areas, are excluded from any sales.
Additionally, the Interior is restricted from selling lands that are more than five miles away from significant population centers of at least 1,000 residents.
The newly updated bill reduces the amount of land the Interior can sell, a change from earlier proposals that suggested selling 0.5 to 0.75% of Bureau of Land Management properties.
Last Monday, a ruling deemed the original language—calling for millions of acres to be sold from both the Land Management Bureau and the U.S. Forest Service—as a violation of the Bird Rules.
The Bird Rules outline which laws can bypass filibusters and pass through the Senate with a simple majority. To adhere to these rules, legislation must primarily focus on budgetary matters.
This provision pertains to public lands in several states, including Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.
The topic has sparked debate even among Republicans, with five House Republicans stating they would oppose the bill if the current provisions remain upon their return to the House.
Senate Republicans are rushing to push through Trump’s massive agenda this weekend, despite lingering uncertainties. Leadership had hoped to hold a vote on Saturday, but the schedule remains flexible.
