The House Committee on Natural Resources favorably reported legislation to support Indian Country and rural communities, boost Maine’s lobster fishing industry, and enhance natural resources conservation on July 15. Chairman Bruce Westerman said, “Today, the House Committee on Natural Resources advanced a slate of bills supporting tribal and rural communities, restoring American seafood competitiveness and investing in water infrastructure and research, and species conservation. This continues our work to ensure responsible stewardship of our natural resources and support the rural way of life. I look forward to seeing these bills advance through the House.”
The committee advanced several pieces of legislation including H.R. 726, the Crow Tribe Water Rights Settlement Amendments Act of 2025 introduced by Representative Troy Downing. This bill revises the Crow Tribe Water Rights Settlement Act of 2010 involving the Crow Tribe of Montana and the state of Montana.
H.R. 2317, introduced by Representative Mark Amodei, addresses federal lands in northern Nevada across multiple counties and cities. H.R. 2827 from Representative Tom Cole gives jurisdiction to the U.S. Court of Federal Claims for a treaty-based damages claim raised by the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma under an 1805 treaty.
Other bills include H.R. 6251 from Representative Nick Begich amending importation rules for polar bear trophies taken before May 15, 2008; H.R. 7889 from Representative Rob Wittman reauthorizing water research initiatives; H.R. 8658 from Representative Mike Kennedy expanding notification timeframes for Tribal patients receiving emergency care; H.R. 9436 from Representative Mike Lawler extending deadlines related to Maine’s lobster fishery regulations; H.R. 2406 from Representative Suzanne Bonamici enhancing sexual harassment protections at NOAA; and H.R. 6893 from Representative Bobby Scott reauthorizing NOAA’s Chesapeake Bay Office.
No further details about debate or opposition were provided in the committee’s statement.