WHAT THE LAW DOINCongress, in plain words

H.R. 677 · 119th Congress

EARA

Passed HouseGovernment Operations and Politics
IntroducedJan 23, 2025
Passed HouseMay 13, 2025
Passed SenateNot yet
To PresidentNot yet
Became lawNot yet

What it does

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Expedited Appeals Review Act or the EARA

This bill authorizes a party that files an appeal of a Department of the Interior decision with the Interior Board of Land Appeals to submit a written request for expedited review of the appeal. (The mission of the board is to provide an impartial forum within Interior for the resolution of disputes involving public lands and natural resources under Interior's jurisdiction.)

If a party submits such a request, the board must issue a final decision on the appeal not later than six months after the date on which the request for expedited review was received. However, the deadline may not be earlier than 18 months after the date on which the appeal was initially filed with the board.

If the deadline for expedited review is not met, Interior's decision is deemed a final agency action and is subject to de novo judicial review (i.e., without deference to the agency's decision).

This bill applies to appeals pending as of the date of enactment of this bill and appeals filed after the date of enactment.

Official summary by the Congressional Research Service (Introduced in House, Jan 23, 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

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  1. 2026-09-30Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.Senate
  2. 2026-02-12Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on Public Lands, Forests, and Mining. Hearings held. With printed Hearing: S.Hrg. 119-305.Senate
  3. 2025-05-14Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.Senate
  4. 2025-05-13Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.House floor actions
  5. 2025-05-13On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H1973)House floor actions
  6. 2025-05-13Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H1973)Library of Congress
  7. 2025-05-13DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 677.House floor actions
  8. 2025-05-13Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H1973-1974)House floor actions
  9. 2025-05-13Mr. Westerman moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.House floor actions
  10. 2025-05-05Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 63.House floor actions
  11. 2025-05-05Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 119-88.House floor actions
  12. 2025-05-05Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 119-88.Library of Congress
  13. 2025-04-09Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute by Unanimous Consent.House committee actions
  14. 2025-04-09Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session HeldHouse committee actions
  15. 2025-01-23Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.House floor actions
  16. 2025-01-23Introduced in HouseLibrary of Congress
  17. 2025-01-23Introduced in HouseLibrary of Congress

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