The House Committee on Natural Resources has advanced twelve bills focused on a range of issues, including the creation of two new national parks, support for ranchers, and efforts to secure mineral supply chains. The committee’s action is part of ongoing work to address economic development, conservation, and infrastructure in rural and tribal communities.
Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) commented on the progress: “Continuing the momentum of last year, the House Committee on Natural Resources is continuing to deliver results for communities across America. By advancing legislation that strengthens rural economies and promotes natural and historical landmarks as we celebrate America's 250th birthday, we are creating opportunities for Americans across the country to explore and thrive. I hope to see these bills on the House floor soon.”
Among the bills reported by the committee is H.R. 755, known as the Critical Mineral Consistency Act of 2025. This bill would establish a new list combining critical minerals identified by both the U.S. Geological Survey and materials designated by the Department of Energy. Federal agencies would be required to use this list when managing programs related to critical minerals or materials.
Another measure, H.R. 5497—the Apostle Islands National Park and Preserve Act—would create Wisconsin’s first national park in Northern Wisconsin. Similarly, H.R. 6380 aims to establish Chiricahua National Park as Arizona’s fourth national park.
Other legislation includes H.R. 6300, which seeks parity among federal grazing permit holders; H.R. 5419 addressing regulatory barriers for broadband deployment in rural and tribal areas; H.R. 4463 amending membership rules for the Catawba Indian Nation; and measures targeting illegal fishing practices.
Additional bills extend legislative authority for memorials honoring emergency medical services personnel, designate historic sites such as America’s National Churchill Museum in Missouri and General George C. Marshall House in Virginia as affiliated areas or landmarks within the National Park System, direct studies into wildfire mitigation efforts across public lands, and propose assistance programs for wildland firefighters injured or killed in service.
The committee expects these bills will move forward for consideration by the full House.
