WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HR 50

To amend title 54, United States Code, to prohibit the extension or establishment of national monuments in Arizona except by express authorization of Congress, and for other purposes.

117th Congress Introduced by Andy Biggs

Bill requires Congressional approval to establish or expand national monuments in Arizona, removing the President's current unilateral authority under the Antiquities Act.

Referred to the Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands.
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HR 50

Legislative bill overview

HR 50 would amend federal law to require explicit Congressional approval before the federal government can establish or expand national monuments in Arizona. Currently, the Antiquities Act of 1906 allows the President to unilaterally designate national monuments on federal lands without Congressional vote. This bill strips that executive authority specifically for Arizona.

Why is this important

This directly impacts land management authority and environmental protection in Arizona, which contains numerous federally-managed lands and potential mineral resources. The outcome determines whether future monument designations happen through executive action (faster, less politically constrained) or require Congressional agreement (slower, requires broader consensus). It also signals whether similar restrictions might apply to other states.

Potential points of contention

  • Executive power vs. Congressional authority: Supporters argue Congress should control major land-use decisions; opponents contend the Antiquities Act's executive power serves legitimate conservation purposes and bypassing it requires cumbersome legislation.
  • Resource extraction interests: The bill may facilitate mining and energy development on lands that could otherwise receive monument protection, benefiting extractive industries but potentially conflicting with conservation goals.
  • Federalism precedent: Arizona-specific restrictions could encourage similar bills for other states, fragmenting uniform national public lands policy and creating legal complexity.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.