WHAT THE LAW DOINCongress, in plain words

S.J.Res. 11 · 119th Congress · Public Law 119-3

A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management relating to "Protection of Marine Archaeological Resources".

Became lawPublic Lands and Natural Resources
IntroducedFeb 4, 2025
Passed SenateFeb 25, 2025
Passed HouseMar 6, 2025
To PresidentMar 10, 2025
Became lawMar 14, 2025

What it does

Sourced

This joint resolution rescinds a requirement for lessees and operators to submit an archaeological report with any oil and gas exploration or development plan they submit to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) for approval of activities proposed on the Outer Continental Shelf. (An archaeological report identifies material remains of human life or activities that are at least 50 years old and that are of archaeological interest.)

Specifically, the joint resolution nullifies BOEM's final rule titled Protection of Marine Archaeological Resources and published on September 3, 2024.

Nullifying this rule requires BOEM to reinstate regulations that were previously in effect and authorized BOEM to require an archaeological report only if a BOEM regional director has reason to believe that an archaeological resource may be present in the lease area.

Official summary by the Congressional Research Service (Public Law, Mar 14, 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
  1. 2025-03-14Became Public Law No: 119-3.Library of Congress
  2. 2025-03-14Became Public Law No: 119-3.Library of Congress
  3. 2025-03-14Signed by President.Library of Congress
  4. 2025-03-14Signed by President.Library of Congress
  5. 2025-03-10Presented to President.House floor actions
  6. 2025-03-10Presented to President.Library of Congress
  7. 2025-03-06Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.House floor actions
  8. 2025-03-06On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 221 - 202, 1 Present (Roll no. 61). (text: CR H1014-1015) Roll call recordHouse floor actions
  9. 2025-03-06Passed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 221 - 202, 1 Present (Roll no. 61). (text: CR H1014-1015) Roll call recordLibrary of Congress
  10. 2025-03-06The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.House floor actions
  11. 2025-03-06DEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on S.J. Res. 11.House floor actions
  12. 2025-03-06Rule provides for consideration of H.J. Res. 42, H.J. Res. 61 and S.J. Res. 11. The resolution provides for consideration of H.J. Res. 42, H.J. Res. 61, and S.J. Res. 11 under a closed rule with one of general debate on each measure. The resolution also provides for one motion to recommit on H.J. Res. 42 and H.J. Res. 61 and one motion to commit on S.J. Res. 11.House floor actions
  13. 2025-03-06Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 177. (consideration: CR H1014-1019)House floor actions
  14. 2025-03-04Rule H. Res. 177 passed House.House floor actions
  15. 2025-02-26Held at the desk.House floor actions
  16. 2025-02-26Received in the House.House floor actions
  17. 2025-02-26Message on Senate action sent to the House.Senate
  18. 2025-02-25Passed Senate without amendment by Yea-Nay Vote. 54 - 44. Record Vote Number: 92. (text: CR S1333) Roll call recordSenate
  19. 2025-02-25Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate without amendment by Yea-Nay Vote. 54 - 44. Record Vote Number: 92. Roll call recordLibrary of Congress
  20. 2025-02-25Measure laid before Senate by motion. (consideration: CR S1322-1324, S1332-1333)Senate
  21. 2025-02-25Motion to proceed to consideration of measure agreed to in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 54 - 42. Record Vote Number: 91. (CR S1322) Roll call recordSenate
  22. 2025-02-24Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 15.Senate
  23. 2025-02-24Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources discharged, by petition, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 802(c).Senate
  24. 2025-02-24Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources discharged, by petition, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 802(c).Library of Congress
  25. 2025-02-04Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.Senate
  26. 2025-02-04Introduced in SenateLibrary of Congress

Show key steps only

After it became law

Sourced

Nothing in the Federal Register names Public Law 119-3 yet (checked Oct 27, 2026). Many laws need no new rules: they set penalties, name a building, or fund something directly.

Recorded votes

Sourced

Feb 25, 2025 · Senate roll call 91 · needed 1/2

On the Motion to Proceed: Motion to Proceed Agreed to 54–42

R 51 yes, 0 no, 2 present or not votingI 0 yes, 2 noD 3 yes, 40 no, 2 present or not voting

How each member voted · Official record

Feb 25, 2025 · Senate roll call 92 · needed 1/2

On the Joint Resolution: Joint Resolution Passed 54–44

R 51 yes, 0 no, 2 present or not votingI 0 yes, 2 noD 3 yes, 42 no

How each member voted · Official record

Mar 6, 2025 · House roll call 61 · needed 1/2

On Passage: Passed 221–202

R 212 yes, 1 no, 5 present or not votingD 9 yes, 201 no, 4 present or not voting

How each member voted · Official record

Cosponsors

  • Mike Crapo R-ID
  • Cindy Hyde-Smith R-MS