Summary of HJRES 111: Congressional Disapproval of Barred Owl Management Strategy
Bill Overview
Bill Number: HJRES 111
Title: Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service relating to "Barred Owl Management Strategy".
Status: Introduced in House
Introduced Date: July 23, 2025
Classification: Resolution
Purpose and Intent
HJRES 111 aims to formally disapprove a rule established by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) concerning the management of barred owls. The resolution seeks to negate the rule issued on September 6, 2024, which is considered a regulatory action under the Congressional Review Act (CRA). The intent behind this disapproval is to prevent the implementation of the barred owl management strategy as outlined in the USFWS's decision.
Key Provisions
- Disapproval of Rule: The resolution states that Congress disapproves the barred owl management strategy rule, which was issued by the USFWS.
- No Force or Effect: If passed, the resolution would ensure that the barred owl management strategy rule has no legal force or effect.
- Reference to GAO Opinion: The resolution references a letter of opinion from the Government Accountability Office (GAO) dated May 28, 2025, which confirms that the USFWS's record of decision constitutes a rule under the CRA.
Affected Parties
- Wildlife Management: The disapproval of the barred owl management strategy may impact wildlife management practices, particularly those concerning the barred owl population and its interactions with other species, such as the northern spotted owl.
- Environmental Organizations: Groups advocating for wildlife conservation may be affected by the resolution, as it could alter management strategies that aim to protect certain species.
- Federal Agencies: The USFWS and other federal entities involved in wildlife management and conservation will be directly impacted by the disapproval of this rule.
Legislative Actions
- Referred to Committee: On the same day it was introduced, HJRES 111 was referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources for further consideration.
- Introduced in House: The resolution was introduced in the House of Representatives on July 23, 2025.
Sponsors
HJRES 111 has a diverse group of sponsors, including:
- Primary Sponsor: Troy E. Nehls
- Cosponsors: Tim Burchett, Kat Cammack, Sydney Kamlager-Dove, Vern Buchanan, Jimmy Gomez, Claudia Tenney, Scott Perry, Donald G. Davis, Josh Harder, Andrew R. Garbarino, Andrew Ogles, Jake Ellzey, Earl L. "Buddy" Carter, Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, Josh Gottheimer, Lance Gooden, Brian K. Fitzpatrick, Jefferson Van Drew, Diana Harshbarger, Ben Cline, Sanford D. Bishop, Nancy Mace, Shri Thanedar, Gus M. Bilirakis, David G. Valadao, Anna Paulina Luna, André Carson, Adam Gray, Marc A. Veasey, and Clay Higgins.
Conclusion
HJRES 111 represents a significant legislative effort to disapprove a specific wildlife management strategy concerning barred owls. If enacted, it would halt the implementation of the USFWS's rule, potentially impacting wildlife management practices and conservation efforts. The resolution is currently under consideration by the House Committee on Natural Resources.