Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed five bills from the House Committee on Natural Resources. These include measures to protect an underwater forest off the coast of Alabama, reauthorize programs conserving the Long Island Sound, and promote self-determination for American Samoa.

House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) commented on the legislative progress: "These bills are commonsense and forward-thinking solutions Americans in various parts of the country desperately need. Whether it’s supporting self-determination for our Pacific territories, conserving precious marine resources, or one of the other priorities we passed today, the House Committee on Natural Resources is committed to advancing thoughtful legislation that works for every American."

The key pieces of legislation are as follows:

H.R. 897, the Alabama Underwater Forest National Marine Sanctuary and Protection Act, introduced by U.S. Rep. Jerry Carl (R-Ala.), designates an underwater forest off Gulf Shores, Ala., as a National Marine Sanctuary while supporting vital industries in the Gulf.

H.R. 5441, the Long Island Sound Restoration and Stewardship Reauthorization Act of 2023, introduced by U.S. Rep. Nick LaLota (R-N.Y.), reauthorizes funding programs under the Long Island Sound Stewardship Act of 2006 through Fiscal Year 2028 at current levels.

H.R. 6062, introduced by U.S. Rep. Amata Radewagen (R-American Samoa), repeals Section 12 of Public Law 98-213 (48 U.S.C. § 1662a). This bill allows amendments to American Samoa's Constitution to be approved by the President through the Secretary of the Interior without congressional approval.

H.R. 5443, the Accelerating Appraisals and Conservation Efforts Act, introduced by U.S. Rep. Susie Lee (D-Nev.), permits non-federal land appraisers credentialed in one state or territory to perform appraisal services on behalf of DOI in any state or territory.

H.R. 5770, the Water Data Improvement Act, introduced by U.S. Rep. Joe Neguse (D-Colo.), reauthorizes the Federal Priority Streamgage Program and National Groundwater Resources Monitoring Program administered by USGS through fiscal year 2028 at existing funding levels.