Miller-Meeks, Newhouse Introduce the Congressional Oversight of the Antiquities Act
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Representatives Mariannette Miller-Meeks, M.D. (R-IA) and Dan Newhouse (R-WA) today introduced the Congressional Oversight of the Antiquities Act, legislation that requires congressional approval for the designation of national monuments. Also cosponsoring this legislation is Rep. Cliff Bentz (R-OR).
“We must preserve the use of federal lands for responsible recreational, agricultural and energy use,” said Representative Miller-Meeks, M.D. “For years the Obama and Biden Administrations used the Antiquities Act to institutionalize massive executive overreach, seizing acres and acres of land without consequence. In some congressional districts, almost 80% of rural land is set aside as public or federal land. Our legislation would curb executive overreach and require the administration to consult Congress before making rash decisions about our federal lands.”
“The Antiquities Act was designed to protect our nation’s culturally significant natural monuments and lands. Over the years, its scope has been expanded by Democrat administrations that seek to lock up federal lands and restrict access for important uses like agriculture and responsible energy production.” said Representative Newhouse. “This legislation gives Congress the power to check the executive branch in decisions regarding these lands and prevents future administrations from circumventing the legislative branch on such an important issue. I thank Rep. Miller-Meeks for her leadership on this legislation as we work to protect our nation’s treasured monuments and lands.”
Miller-Meeks, Chair of the Conservative Climate Caucus, also introduced the bill in the 118th Congress.
Background:
- The Congressional Oversight of the Antiquities Act, requires congressional approval of presidential declarations within 6 months or before the end of the last session of the Congress it was introduced, whichever comes first.
- If the legislation is not approved by Congress, the monument cannot be designated again by the President for 25 years.
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