Big Bend National Park Boundary Adjustment Act | ChamberLight
Bills · HR 2323
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 2323TexasGeography and mapping
Big Bend National Park Boundary Adjustment Act
INTRO MAR 25· LAST ACTION JUN 23
READING
2MIN
COSPONSORS
9BIPARTISAN
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8
Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-written
This bill matters because it provides a mechanism to expand Big Bend National Park, which is a significant natural and ecological area in Texas. Adding 6,100 acres could enhance the park's ability to protect critical habitats, preserve biodiversity, and maintain the region's unique landscapes for future generations.
Furthermore, the bill's emphasis on voluntary acquisition through donation or exchange, specifically prohibiting eminent domain, addresses concerns about government overreach and respects private property rights. If this bill passes, the park could grow and offer greater conservation and recreational opportunities without forcing landowners to sell. If it doesn't pass, the opportunity to incorporate these specific parcels into the park through these voluntary means would be lost, potentially leaving those areas open to other uses that might not align with national park conservation goals.
KEY PROVISIONS
4AI-extracted
PROVISION 01
Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to acquire approximately 6,100 acres of land or interests in land for Big Bend National Park.
This is the primary action of the bill, allowing for the potential expansion of the national park.
PROVISION 02
Stipulates that land can only be acquired through donation or exchange, explicitly prohibiting the use of eminent domain or condemnation.
This protects private property owners by ensuring they are not forced to sell their land to the government.
PROVISION 03
Requires the Secretary to revise the park's official boundary to include any acquired land and to administer it as part of Big Bend National Park.
This ensures new land is fully integrated into the park system and managed consistently with existing park regulations.
PROVISION 04
Mandates that the map detailing the proposed boundary adjustment be kept on file and made available for public inspection.
This promotes transparency by allowing the public to see exactly which areas are being considered for inclusion in the park.
ASSUMING FIRST SPONSORSHIP - Mr. Pfluger asked unanimous consent that he may hereafter be considered as the first sponsor of H.R. 2323, a bill originally introduced by Representative Gonzales (TX), for the purpose of adding cosponsors and requesting reprintings pursuant to clause 7 of rule XII. Agreed to without objection.
FLOOR
MAR 25
Introduced in House
INTROREFERRAL
MAR 25
Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
HOUSE · INTROREFERRAL
MAR 25
Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
This bill matters because it provides a mechanism to expand Big Bend National Park, which is a significant natural and ecological area in Texas. Adding 6,100 acres could enhance the park's ability to protect critical habitats, preserve biodiversity, and maintain the region's unique landscapes for future generations.
Furthermore, the bill's emphasis on voluntary acquisition through donation or exchange, specifically prohibiting eminent domain, addresses concerns about government overreach and respects private property rights. If this bill passes, the park could grow and offer greater conservation and recreational opportunities without forcing landowners to sell. If it doesn't pass, the opportunity to incorporate these specific parcels into the park through these voluntary means would be lost, potentially leaving those areas open to other uses that might not align with national park conservation goals.
KEY PROVISIONS
AI-extracted
high
Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to acquire approximately 6,100 acres of land or interests in land for Big Bend National Park.
This is the primary action of the bill, allowing for the potential expansion of the national park.
high
Stipulates that land can only be acquired through donation or exchange, explicitly prohibiting the use of eminent domain or condemnation.
This protects private property owners by ensuring they are not forced to sell their land to the government.
med
Requires the Secretary to revise the park's official boundary to include any acquired land and to administer it as part of Big Bend National Park.
This ensures new land is fully integrated into the park system and managed consistently with existing park regulations.
low
Mandates that the map detailing the proposed boundary adjustment be kept on file and made available for public inspection.
This promotes transparency by allowing the public to see exactly which areas are being considered for inclusion in the park.
GLOSSARY
AI-written
Secretary of the Interior
The top official in the U.S. government department responsible for managing federal lands, national parks, and natural resources.
Big Bend National Park
A large national park located in West Texas, known for its diverse desert, river, and mountain environments.
Boundary Adjustment
A formal change to the official outer limits or borders of a protected area like a national park.
Land Acquisition
The process by which the government or another entity obtains ownership of land or rights to use it.
Donation (of land)
The act of giving land or property to the government without receiving any payment in return.
Exchange (of land)
A transaction where two parties trade parcels of land or property of similar value.
Eminent Domain
The power of the government to take private land for public use, even if the owner does not wish to sell, provided the owner receives fair compensation.
ACTION TIMELINE
4 EVENTS
JUN 23
ASSUMING FIRST SPONSORSHIP - Mr. Pfluger asked unanimous consent that he may hereafter be considered as the first sponsor of H.R. 2323, a bill originally introduced by Representative Gonzales (TX), for the purpose of adding cosponsors and requesting reprintings pursuant to clause 7 of rule XII. Agreed to without objection.
FLOOR
MAR 25, 25
Introduced in House
INTROREFERRAL
MAR 25, 25
Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
INTROREFERRAL
MAR 25, 25
Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.