Bill Summary
This joint resolution expresses Congress's disapproval of a specific rule issued by the Forest Service of the Department of Agriculture, which pertains to law enforcement and criminal prohibitions on federal lands. The rule, published in the Federal Register, sets forth regulations that Congress disagrees with. By passing this resolution, Congress effectively nullifies the rule, ensuring that it will not be implemented or enforced. This action falls under the procedures outlined in Chapter 8 of Title 5 of the United States Code, which allows Congress to veto certain regulatory actions.
Possible Impacts
The joint resolution disapproving the Forest Service's rule on "Law Enforcement; Criminal Prohibitions" could have several implications for various stakeholders. Here are three examples of how this legislation could affect people:
1. **Impact on Forest Service Operations**: The disapproval of the rule may hinder the Forest Service's ability to enforce certain criminal prohibitions against illegal activities in national forests, such as poaching, illegal logging, or unauthorized off-road vehicle use. This could lead to increased illegal activities, potentially harming wildlife and forest ecosystems, which may affect recreational users and conservationists.
2. **Recreational Users and Access**: Without the enforcement mechanisms that the rule provided, individuals engaging in lawful recreational activities (e.g., hiking, camping, fishing) may face increased risks from illegal activities occurring in the forests. For instance, if poaching or vandalism goes unchecked, it could diminish the quality of the outdoor experience, deter visitors, and impact local tourism economies reliant on outdoor recreation.
3. **Local Communities and Economies**: Communities surrounding national forests could experience economic repercussions due to the potential rise in illegal activities. A decrease in safety or an increase in environmental degradation could lead to reduced tourism. Additionally, local businesses that cater to outdoor enthusiasts may see a decline in patronage, affecting jobs and income in these regions.
These examples illustrate the broad potential impacts of the congressional disapproval on various stakeholders, including government agencies, recreational users, and local communities.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.J. Res. 36 Introduced in House (IH)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. J. RES. 36
Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5,
United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Forest Service of the
Department of Agriculture relating to ``Law Enforcement; Criminal
Prohibitions''.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
February 5, 2025
Ms. Maloy (for herself, Mr. Owens, Ms. Hageman, Mr. Moylan, Mr.
Fulcher, Mr. Kennedy of Utah, and Mr. Moore of Utah) submitted the
following joint resolution; which was referred to the Committee on
Agriculture
_______________________________________________________________________
JOINT RESOLUTION
Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5,
United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Forest Service of the
Department of Agriculture relating to ``Law Enforcement; Criminal
Prohibitions''.
Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United
States of America in Congress assembled, That Congress disapproves the
rule submitted by the Forest Service of the Department of Agriculture
relating to ``Law Enforcement; Criminal Prohibitions'' (89 Fed. Reg.
92808 (November 25, 2024)), and such rule shall have no force or
effect.
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