H.R. 677 Passed the House Government Operations and Politics

EARA

To establish a process to expedite the review of appeals of certain decisions by the Department of the Interior.

  1. Introduced
  2. Committee
  3. Passed House
  4. Passed Senate
  5. To President
  6. Became law
Sponsor Rep. Hageman, Harriet M. [R-WY-At Large] Introduced January 23, 2025 Cosponsors 0 Latest action September 30, 2026

Summary

Expedited Appeals Review Act or the EARA
This bill authorizes a party that files an appeal of a Department of the Interior decision with the Interior Board of Land Appeals to submit a written request for expedited review of the appeal. (The mission of the board is to provide an impartial forum within Interior for the resolution of disputes involving public lands and natural resources under Interior's jurisdiction.)
If a party submits such a request, the board must issue a final decision on the appeal not later than six months after the date on which the request for expedited review was received. However, the deadline may not be earlier than 18 months after the date on which the appeal was initially filed with the board.
If the deadline for expedited review is not met, Interior's decision is deemed a final agency action and is subject to de novo judicial review (i.e., without deference to the agency's decision).
This bill applies to appeals pending as of the date of enactment of this bill and appeals filed after the date of enactment.

Summary by the Congressional Research Service, Library of Congress.

Congress.gov

Actions

  1. Sep 30, 2026 Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
  2. Feb 12, 2026 Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on Public Lands, Forests, and Mining. Hearings held.
  3. May 14, 2025 Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
  4. May 13, 2025 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
  5. May 13, 2025 On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H1973)
  6. May 13, 2025 DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 677.
  7. May 13, 2025 Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H1973-1974)
  8. May 13, 2025 Mr. Westerman moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
  9. May 5, 2025 Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 63.
  10. May 5, 2025 Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 119-88.
  11. Apr 9, 2025 Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute by Unanimous Consent.
  12. Apr 9, 2025 Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held

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