Passed House. Latest step, Dec 8, 2025: Read the second time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 286. The House passed it 217–188.In the House, Iowa's representatives split: Randy Feenstra did not vote, Ashley Hinson yes, Mariannette Miller-Meeks yes, Zachary Nunn yes. It would change 1 section of existing law.
How this bill changes the law
Sourced
H.R. 1949 would change 1 section of existing law. Read from the bill text as placed on the Senate calendar (Dec 8, 2025).
adds
changes words
removes or repeals
renumbers
Dashed lines: proposed, not law.
H.R. 1949Bill
Sec. 2(1)Advancing United States global leadership1 change
Sec. 2(2)Advancing United States global leadership1 change
Sec. 2(3)Advancing United States global leadership1 change
Sec. 2(4)Advancing United States global leadership1 change
Sec. 2(5)Advancing United States global leadership1 change
15 U.S.C. 717bExportation or importation of natural gas; LNG terminals
(d)(1) Nothing in this Act limits the authority of the President under the Constitution, the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.), the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.), part B of title II of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (42 U.S.C. 6271 et seq.), the Trading With the Enemy Act (50 U.S.C. 4301 et seq.), or any other provision of law that imposes sanctions on a foreign person or foreign government (including any provision of law that prohibits or restricts United States persons from engaging in a transaction with a sanctioned person or government), including a country that is designated as a state sponsor of terrorism, to prohibit imports or exports.(2) In this subsection, the term state sponsor of terrorism means a country the government of which the Secretary of State determines has repeatedly provided support for international terrorism pursuant to—(A) section 1754(c)(1)(A) of the Export Control Reform Act of 2018 (50 U.S.C. 4318(c)(1)(A));(B) section 620A of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2371);(C) section 40 of the Arms Export Control Act (22 U.S.C. 2780); or(D) any other provision of law.
The bill says: by adding at the end the following new subsection:
From the bill's official text on GovInfo and the U.S. Code, 2024 edition, which may not yet show changes made since.
What it does
Sourced
Unlocking our Domestic LNG Potential Act of 2025
This bill repeals certain restrictions on the import and export of natural gas under the Natural Gas Act, including requirements for Department of Energy (DOE) approval and related provisions that address free trade agreements.
In addition, the bill grants the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) the exclusive authority to approve or deny applications to authorize the siting, construction, expansion, or operation of facilities (e.g., liquefied natural gas terminals) to export natural gas to foreign countries or import natural gas from foreign countries. (Currently, DOE authorizes the export or import of natural gas, and FERC authorizes related facilities.)
In determining whether to approve or deny an application, FERC must deem the exportation or importation of natural gas to be consistent with the public interest.
Official summary by the Congressional Research Service (Introduced in House, Mar 6, 2025).
Our plain-language breakdown, with what it means for you and the case for and against, is written once a bill starts to move.
What has happened
Sourced
Nov 20, 2025Passed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 217 - 188 (Roll no. 304). (text: CR H4841) Roll call recordLibrary of Congress
Sep 11, 2025Reported by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. H. Rept. 119-269.Library of Congress