Mike Kennedy

Rep. Kennedy Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Reduce Medical Billing Burden on Native American Patients

Position: Rep. Kennedy introduced legislation to extend the Indian Health Service Purchased/Referred Care notification deadline from 72 hours to 15 days for emergency care, allowing Native American patients more time to handle administrative requirements after a medical emergency.

Washington, D.C. — Congressman Mike Kennedy, M.D. (UT-03) introduced H.R. 8658, the Indian Health Service Emergency Claims Parity Act to give American Indian and Alaska Native patients a fair window to handle paperwork after a medical emergency. The bill extends the Purchased/Referred Care (PRC) notification deadline from 72 hours to 15 days. It is a commonsense fix that prevents patients from being saddled with bills simply because they were focused on getting well. "When a family is dealing with a medical emergency, the last thing they should worry about is paperwork," said Congressman Mike Kennedy. "As a physician, I've seen how chaotic those first hours and days can be. This bill gives American Indian and Alaska Native patients the time they need to focus on the emergency, not red tape, and protects them from medical bills they should never receive in the first place." Background The Indian Health Service Emergency Claims Parity Act: Extends the notification window from 72 hours to 15 days for Indian Health Service (IHS) patients who receive emergency care from a non-IHS provider. Gives patients and families more time to notify IHS after an emergency, when paperwork is often unrealistic and medical needs are the immediate priority. Helps protect American Indian and Alaska Native patients from being left with medical bills or collections because of a short administrative deadline. Maintains the existing 30-day notification window for elderly or disabled patients.ground The Indian Health Service (IHS) is the federal agency responsible for providing medical care to American Indians and Alaska Natives. When IHS patients need care that cannot be provided directly through the IHS system, the Purchased/Referred Care (PRC) program covers the cost of care provided outside of IHS medical facilities. The PRC program must be notified of any request for authorization of payment for health care services from a non-IHS provider. If a patient fails to fulfill the notification requirement, the burden of cost falls on them. Currently, when a patient receives emergency medical care from a non-IHS provider or at a non-IHS facility, the patient, someone acting on the patient's behalf, or the medical provider generally must notify the appropriate PRC authorizing official within 72 hours after treatment begins or after admission to the facility. If that notification requirement is not met, PRC payment may be denied, leaving patients at risk of receiving bills for care that should otherwise be covered. The Indian Health Service Emergency Claims Parity Act extends the PRC notification window from 72 hours to 15 days. This change gives patients and families more time to navigate the PRC process after a medical emergency, when paperwork is often unrealistic and medical needs are the immediate priority. The bill does not reduce or alter the existing 30-day notification period for elderly or disabled patients. Read the full bill text here.

Rep. Kennedy Introduces Legislation to PROTECT American Workers

Position: Rep. Kennedy opposes the H-1B visa program as currently structured and supports legislation to raise the H-1B visa fee to $100,000 to discourage employers from using the program to replace American workers with cheaper foreign labor.

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Mike Kennedy (UT-03) introduced the Prioritizing Resources and Opportunities for Talent, Employment, Compliance, and Terms Act of 2025", or the "PROTECT Act of 2026, or PROTECT Act of 2026, to protect hardworking American workers and the jobs they rely on. For too long, the H-1B visa program has been allowed to replace qualified American workers with cheap foreign labor. The PROTECT Act of 2026 will take away the financial incentives for employers to choose cheap foreign labor over the existing American workforce. “Hard working Americans deserve more than just an opportunity at American jobs, they deserve to be the priority,” said Congressman Mike Kennedy. “Americans want to work, they want to provide for their families and better their communities. The PROTECT Act of 2026 will make sure they are first in line.” Background The H-1B visa program was designed to fill genuine, documented gaps in the American workforce. Instead it has served as a tool to replace qualified American workers with cheaper foreign labor. The H-1B program is creating disincentives for future American workers to choose STEM careers, which threatens our national security. The PROTECT Act of 2026 takes direct aim at the program's issue. Consistent with President Trump's Executive Order titled Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers, the bill raises the H-1B visa fee to $100,000. This change will disincentivize employers from using the program as a cost-cutting scheme against American workers. Rep. Kennedy, alongside President Trump, intends to impose higher costs on companies seeking to use the H-1B visa program in order to address the abuse of the program, stop the undercutting of wages, and protect our national security. Read the full bill text here.

Rep. Mike Kennedy introduces the TECH Act to Level the Playing Field for Technical Colleges

Position: The release advocates for expanding federal grant program eligibility to include qualified technical colleges on equal footing with traditional two- and four-year institutions, at no additional cost to taxpayers.

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Mike Kennedy (UT-03) introduced the Transforming Education through College and Hands-On Training Act, the TECH Act, to level the playing field for qualified technical schools by expanding their eligibility for four existing federal grant programs, at no new cost to taxpayers. Sen. John Curtis (R-UT) and Congressman Burgess Owens (UT-04) are co-leading this legislation. “I spent years in school, first training to be a doctor, then to be a lawyer, and I have eight kids who are at various stages of figuring out their own paths forward. I know firsthand just how much we've built our entire system around the assumption that a four-year university degree is the only road worth taking. But I can tell you that assumption is failing America,” said Congressman Mike Kennedy. “We need skilled nurses, trained technicians, and qualified tradespeople just as badly as we need lawyers and doctors — maybe more so right now. The TECH Act is about making sure that choosing a different path doesn't mean getting less support. America needs every one of these students to succeed.” “Millions of Americans are choosing short-term, hands-on training to build real skills for in-demand careers, yet outdated federal policies have left these programs behind,” said Sen. John Curtis. “Our commonsense, cost-neutral legislation will align our education system with the realities of today’s workforce—closing skills gaps and expanding opportunities for Americans ready to get to work.” "America was built by people who learned a trade, mastered a skill, and went to work. For too long, the federal government has locked qualified technical schools out of grant programs that most other institutions of higher education can access," said Congressman Burgess Owens. “With growing gaps in our workforce, it's time that we rethink our approach to education. The TECH Act opens the door for resources to get to where they're needed — the programs that are filling our workforce gap and preparing students for real-world, high-demand job" “On behalf of Uintah Basin Technical College (UBTech), we thank Congressman Kennedy for his leadership in introducing the TECH Act,” said President of Uintah Basin Technical College, Brian Weight. “By opening access to key federal grant programs historically limited to 2- and 4-year institutions, this bill recognizes the essential role technical colleges play in preparing students for high-need fields. It will enable us to expand short-term, industry-aligned training, strengthen employer partnerships, and connect more Utah students to in-demand careers.” "Technical colleges and universities are partners in higher education,” said Dixie Technical College President, Jordan Rushton. “When we both have the resources we need, more students succeed. The TECH Act helps make that possible." Background: Millions of Americans pursue short-term technical training programs to build career-ready skills in high-demand fields like healthcare, manufacturing, and national security Current federal law restricts eligibility for major grant programs to two- and four-year institutions of higher education — leaving qualified technical colleges entirely locked out This gap forces technical schools to compete for students and resources without access to the same federal support available to traditional colleges and universities The TECH Act: Grants qualified technical schools equal eligibility to participate in four existing federal grant programs — at no new cost to taxpayers The four programs opened up are: the Strengthening Institutions Program, the Federal TRIO Program, the CCAMPIS Program, and the Strengthening Community Colleges Training Grants Requires the Secretaries of Education and Labor to update eligibility criteria and application procedures within 180 days of enactment Directs agencies to issue guidance on how grants should be distributed to ensure an adequate workforce pipeline in critical sectors Read the 1 pager here. Read the full bill text here.

Reps. Kennedy and Crank Co-Lead Bill to Protect Access for Public Land Recreation

Position: The release advocates for legislation that would restore broader access to public lands for recreation, particularly motorized uses, by reversing a 2005 policy shift that restricted previously available roads and trails.

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Mike Kennedy (UT-03) and Congressman Jeff Crank (CO-05) introduced the Public Lands Access Restoration Act (PLARA) to restore broad access to public lands for recreation. Before 2005, public lands generally operated under an “open unless posted closed” policy, meaning roads and trails were available for uses consistent with existing land use plans, including hiking, biking, and motorized access for hunting, angling, and other recreation. This approach provided broad and predictable access across public lands. Since the policy was reversed in 2005 through agency action and not at the direction of Congress, many previously used roads and trails were not included in agency inventories during travel management planning, resulting in an immediate loss of access for the motorized community. Access has continued to decline as agencies have designated fewer routes as open. “Utahns have watched 1,500 miles of trails be restricted under a federal rule that was designed without us in mind,” said Congressman Mike Kennedy. “Public lands should be open to the public; it is that simple. PLARA restores this common-sense standard, giving Utahns recreational access to the landscapes that have defined us for generations.” "America’s public lands support a wide range of recreation uses," said Congressman Crank. "The Public Lands Access Restoration Act will limit restrictions of motorized access to concerns over resource protection and public safety. This bill expands opportunities for Coloradans and all Americans to access and enjoy our public lands. Thank you to Rep. Kennedy for co-leading this bill, and to the Trails Preservation Alliance, headquartered in Colorado's Fifth Congressional District, for bringing this issue to our attention." "Colorado’s population is larger than ever and still growing while opportunities for motorized recreation on roads and trails continue to shrink,” said Chad Hixon, Executive Director of TPA. This isn’t an issue of overuse, it’s an issue of over-concentration driven not by a lack of trails, but by a lack of access to them. We are grateful to Rep. Crank and Rep. Kennedy for recognizing this problem and introducing a bill to solve the problem and open access to responsible riders.” “Public lands work best when they serve a wide range of users," said Becky Leinweber, Pikes Peak Outdoor Recreation Alliance. "By improving the process for maintaining and designating routes, this bill supports responsible motorized access while ensuring decisions remain grounded in resource protection and public input—benefiting all who recreate on our public lands.” “On behalf of motorized recreational businesses and the millions of off-road enthusiasts who support the industry, SEMA and ORBA thank Reps. Crank and Kennedy for introducing the Public Lands Access Restoration Act,” said Karen Bailey-Chapman, the Senior Vice President of Government and Public Affairs for the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA). This bill offers an important policy shift to ensure that BLM- and Forest Service-managed lands are open to motorized vehicles unless there is a justifiable resource protection or public safety need to prohibit motorized access. We strongly support the return to an 'open unless posted closed' policy on public lands.” “On behalf of motorized recreational businesses and the millions of off-road enthusiasts who support the industry, SEMA and ORBA thank Reps. Crank and Kennedy for introducing the Public Lands Access Restoration Act,” said Karen Bailey-Chapman, the Senior Vice President of Government and Public Affairs for the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA). This bill offers an important policy shift to ensure that BLM- and Forest Service-managed lands are open to motorized vehicles unless there is a justifiable resource protection or public safety need to prohibit motorized access. We strongly support the return to an 'open unless posted closed' policy on public lands.” Background The Public Lands Access Restoration Act (PLARA) would restore motorized access on public lands while improving transparency in land management. Codifies the policy of “open unless posted close” in the U.S. Forest service and Bureau of Land Management trails and roads. Limits restrictions of motorized access to concerns over resource protection and public safety Any restrictions are subject to a 30-day comment period and apply to the smallest area for the least amount of time; Must be clearly identifiable with signage and included on updated official maps in both digital and printed form; Reviewed on a 5-year basis to redetermine justification. Read the full bill text here

Rep. Kennedy Leads Bill to Keep American Energy Permitting on Track

Position: Rep. Kennedy supports streamlining federal energy permitting through reauthorization of the Permit Processing Improvement Fund to reduce delays and accelerate domestic energy development.

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Mike Kennedy (UT-03) introduced the License to Drill Act so the federal government has the resources to process energy permits efficiently and without unnecessary delay. This legislation will reauthorize the Application for Permit to Drill (APD) fee program, cutting red tape and keeping our critical American energy development moving. “We know the effects of overreliance on foreign nations for our energy; it is a risk that we must mitigate. We also know that permitting delays cost jobs and drive up energy prices for everyday Americans,” said Congressman Mike Kennedy. “America needs an all-of-the-above energy strategy, and that starts with a government that can keep up with demand. The License to Drill Act will streamline permitting so our critical energy projects stop waiting on Washington and start delivering the domestic production this country needs to remain independent and secure.” “BLM’s Project Offices in Utah are essential to keeping up with a high volume of drilling permits, rights‑of‑way, and complex environmental reviews,” said Rikki Hrenko-Browning, President of the Utah Petroleum Association. “The Vernal office in particular processes the second highest number of APDs in the U.S., right after Carlsbad. When these offices have the resources to coordinate with other agencies and stay staffed up, projects move forward more predictably and our rural communities benefit from stable investment and jobs. We’re grateful to Rep. Kennedy for recognizing how important this program is to Utah and for leading the effort to ensure PPIF doesn’t lapse just when the country needs more reliable American energy.” “The Permit Processing Improvement Fund is one of the quiet success stories of federal energy policy,” said Melissa Simpson, Western Energy Alliance President. “It speeds up permits, cuts backlogs, and gives BLM the dedicated staff and tools they need to do their jobs well. Reauthorizing PPIF is about making government work better, reach decisions faster, shorten timelines, and support frontline BLM staff in offices across the West. We’re grateful for Rep. Kennedy’s leadership on this issue and for introducing a bill to extend the program for another 10 years.” “The independent American producers we represent operate on tight margins and long timelines,” said Dan Naatz, Executive Vice President and Chief Policy Officer of the Independent Petroleum Association of America. “When federal permits get bogged down, so do investments into critical energy infrastructure. The Permit Processing Improvement Fund has proven that when Congress gives BLM resources and direction, the agency can move projects forward efficiently while maintaining strong environmental safeguards. Extending this bipartisan program is a common‑sense way to support American energy production and the small and midsize companies that anchor it. Thank you, Rep. Kennedy, for working to ensure this important program does not expire later this year.” “The world is seeing once again how geopolitical crises can send energy markets into turmoil,” said Tim Stewart, President of the U.S. Oil & Gas Association. “With attacks in the Middle East and shipping disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, it is more important than ever that America can rely on its own oil and natural gas. The Permit Processing Improvement Fund is a practical, bipartisan way to keep federal permitting from becoming a weak link in our energy security. Rep. Kennedy understands that by strengthening BLM’s permitting capacity, PPIF helps ensure that American barrels can reach consumers when global supplies are at risk.” “Behind every drilling permit are engineers, technicians, and skilled workers whose livelihoods depend on predictable, timely decisions from federal agencies,” said Tim Tarpley, President of the Energy Workforce & Technology Council. “In addition to helping directly support BLM staff, it ultimately helps the professionals in the field who produce the energy our nation needs. Rep. Kennedy recognizes that reauthorizing PPIF is an investment in the workforce that keeps American energy reliable, affordable, and responsibly developed.” "North Dakota's BLM State Office is one of the busiest permitting offices in the country, and the Permit Processing Improvement Fund has been a key reason it can keep pace with demand,” said North Dakota Petroleum Council President, Ron Ness. “This program is entirely industry-funded and has delivered faster permit approvals, reduced backlogs, and better interagency coordination. For our members operating in the Bakken, that translates directly into investment certainty and jobs. We commend Representative Kennedy for his leadership in ensuring this proven program continues, and we urge Congress to act before the September deadline." “Colorado knows firsthand how important it is to balance protecting the environment with permitting energy projects. Achieving timely permitting at the federal level helps support jobs, tax revenue, and responsible development,” said Lynn Granger, President and CEO of the Colorado Oil & Gas Association. “The Permit Processing Improvement Fund gives BLM field offices the staff and tools they need to stay ahead of backlogs while still doing thorough environmental reviews. Rep. Kennedy’s legislation to extend PPIF ensures that Colorado communities can continue to count on federal partners that are responsive, professional, and equipped to keep critical projects moving.” “Communities across Montana count on a federal process that is predictable, timely, and grounded in good stewardship,” said Sonny Capece, Executive Director of the Montana Petroleum Association. “The Permit Processing Improvement Fund helps BLM field offices in our state keep permits moving on energy projects and maintains strong environmental safeguards. By championing PPIF reauthorization, Rep. Kennedy is helping to preserve a bipartisan tool that supports Montanans and public lands alike.” “Small, independent producers in New Mexico don’t have the luxury of sitting on permits for years,” said Jim Winchester, Executive Director of the Independent Petroleum Association of New Mexico. “When federal approvals stall, local jobs, small businesses, and state revenues all feel it. Rep. Kennedy’s bill keeps a proven, industry‑funded tool in place so that producers in New Mexico can continue to invest, hire, and deliver affordable energy to consumers.” “In New Mexico, oil and natural gas produced on BLM’s multiple‑use public lands in turn fund our public schools, roads, and essential community services,” said Missi Currier, President and CEO of the New Mexico Oil and Gas Association. “That’s because nearly half of the federal royalties flow back to the state. That revenue depends on BLM’s ability to process permits in a timely, predictable way. The Permit Processing Improvement Fund helps ensure federal offices like Carlsbad and Farmington have the staff and expertise to keep responsible development moving, even when workloads spike. We appreciate Rep. Kennedy’s leadership in reauthorizing PPIF so New Mexico’s students and communities can continue to benefit from energy produced on nearby federal lands.” PPIF Letter of Support Background The Application for Permit to Drill (APD) fee program was first established by Congress in 2004 to help the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) process drilling permits more efficiently using industry-funded fees. Since its creation, the program has helped reduce backlogs, streamline approvals, and support domestic energy production across sectors that everyday Americans depend on. Under current federal law, companies seeking to drill for oil or gas on public lands must submit an APD to the BLM. That process includes environmental reviews and coordination across multiple agencies. The APD fee program requires applicants to pay a fee at the time of submission, directly funding the staffing and resources the BLM needs to review and process those permits efficiently. Americans feel permitting inefficiency at the pump, in their utility bills, and in the jobs that never get created. Meeting America's growing energy demands requires investment across all sectors, and that starts with a permitting system that can keep pace. This bill directs 100% of APD fees to the BLM Permit Processing Improvement Fund (PPIF) for fiscal years 2027 through 2037, ensuring every dollar collected goes directly toward faster, more efficient permitting for domestic energy development. Read the full bill text here

Rep. Kennedy Advances Legislation to Drive Growth in the Geothermal Energy Sector

Position: Rep. Kennedy supports H.R. 5638, the Geothermal Royalty Reform Act, which modifies federal royalty rules for geothermal energy facilities to reduce costs, eliminate penalties on new facilities, and increase investment in geothermal energy development.

Washington, D.C. – H.R. 5638, The Geothermal Royalty Reform Act advanced through the House Natural Resources Committee this week. The legislation reforms outdated federal royalty rules to ensure fair cost distribution, end penalties on new geothermal facilities, and unleash investment in America’s energy future. “Americans need reliable, affordable energy, and geothermal power is one of the most promising untapped resources we have,” said Congressman Mike Kennedy. “Outdated royalty rules have penalized new facilities and stifled the investment needed to unleash this energy source. The Geothermal Royalty Reform Act fixes that, and I am grateful to Chairman Westerman and the Natural Resources Committee for their support in advancing this important legislation.” “The Geothermal Royalty Reform Act provides much needed clarity for geothermal royalty payments,” said Chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee, Bruce Westerman. “I commend Rep. Kennedy for his efforts in unleashing America’s geothermal resources to provide a greater supply of reliable energy to American families.” Rep. Kennedy's Geothermal Royalty Reform Act: Ensures each facility pays royalties based on its own operations, rather than being tied to the highest-cost facility on the lease. Promotes fairness for taxpayers and energy producers by ensuring each geothermal production facility is fairly charged. Modernizes outdated rules and reduces red tape, unlocking new energy investment. Drives growth in the geothermal energy sector by lowering unnecessary costs. Secures America's competitive advantage in energy production and positions us for a stronger, more innovative energy future. Read the bill text here. ###

Rep. Kennedy Advances Star-Spangled Summit Act Through House Natural Resources Committee

Washington, D.C. – H.R. 4684, The Star-Spangled Summit Act advanced through the House Natural Resources Committee this week. The legislation directs the U.S. Forest Service to issue a special-use permit allowing the American flag to be flown on Kyhv Peak, overlooking the Provo Valley in Utah. “For over two decades, Robert Collins has brought the American flag to the top of Kyhv peak to display over Utah valley. His trek creates an opportunity for community members to honor the ideals of our nation and the service men and women who fought to protect it,” said Congressman Mike Kennedy. “In 2021, U.S. Forest Service restricted the flag from being displayed. After years of bureaucratic delay, my community needed a solution. This act ensures the flag will fly over Kyhv Peak, but it also represents a larger battle. I remain committed to pushing back against federal overreach and protecting the rights of our communities.” “The Star-Spangled Summit Act will enshrine a longstanding local tradition of raising the American flag on Kyhv Peak near Provo, Utah, just in time for celebrations of America’s 250th birthday,” said Chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee, Bruce Westerman. This is a commonsense bill that prevents federal bureaucracy from standing in the way of a local act of patriotism. I want to commend Rep. Kennedy for leading this timely and patriotic bill.” Rep. Kennedy's Star-Spangled Summit Act: Directs the Forest Service to issue a special-use permit to Robert Collins for the placement and seasonal maintenance of a flagpole flying the U.S. flag on Kyhv Peak. Authorizes the Forest Service to set appropriate conditions for the care, safety, and environmental responsibility associated with the flag display. Provides for the permit to be reviewed, reissued, or terminated based on future circumstances or violations of terms. Read the full bill text here. ###

Rep. Kennedy Introduces Bill to Protect Millions in Federal Child Care Funds from Fraud and Abuse

Position: Rep. Kennedy advocates for legislation that would strengthen federal oversight and accountability in the Child Care and Development Block Grant program by lowering allowable error rates, requiring corrective action plans, and imposing financial penalties on states with high improper payment rates.

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Mike Kennedy (UT-03) introduced the Stop Childcare Funding Fraud Act to restore accountability in the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) — the $8 billion federal program that funds critical child care for working families across America. This legislation holds fraudsters accountable by requiring states to track and report improper payments, submit corrective action plans when error rates are too high, and face real funding cuts if they fail to fix the problem. “When fraud happens, it's not just the taxpayers who lose, it is the kids and families these dollars were intended to help. Utah families work hard and pay their taxes expecting Washington to be good stewards of that money,” said Congressman Mike Kennedy. The Stop Child care Funding Fraud Act makes certain that fraudsters face real consequences and brings transparency to how states are spending these funds. I will continue to fight to root out waste, fraud, and abuse wherever it exists — because every federal dollar meant for America's children must reach America's children.” Investigators found that in Minnesota, fraudsters exploited the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) to siphon off tens of millions of dollars through fake or ineligible providers. But we know Minnesota is not an isolated case. The same structural weaknesses that enable that fraud exist across the country. Families depend on these funds to keep their kids in care. Under current law, states can misuse 1 in 10 federal child care dollars before they're required to submit so much as a correction plan. And even then, there are no financial penalties. The Stop Childcare Funding Fraud Act fixes that with clear definitions, a stricter standard, real financial consequences, and full public transparency. The Stop Childcare Funding Fraud Act: Defines fraud clearly. For the first time, the law explicitly defines what an "improper payment" is, including overpayments, underpayments, payments to ineligible recipients, and payments that can't be verified. States can no longer claim ambiguity. Cuts the fraud error rate from 10% to 6%, matching SNAP. Any state with an improper payment rate above 6% must immediately submit a corrective action plan to HHS detailing how they will bring their error rate down. The SNAP food assistance program already operates under this stricter standard. Child care should too. Creates a tiered penalty structure with real financial consequences. States that exceed the threshold don't just get a warning — they lose funding. Error rates of 6–8% trigger a 5% reduction in federal funds. Rates of 8–10% trigger a 10% cut. Rates at or above 10% trigger a 15% cut — until the state fixes the problem. Forces full public transparency, state by state. HHS will be required to publish a public, state-by-state breakdown of improper payment rates and the corrective action plans for every state that falls short. Every American will be able to see exactly how their state is managing federal child care dollars. Read the full bill text here.

Utah Delegation Moves to Block Biden-Era Grand Staircase Land-Use Rule

Position: The delegation opposes the Biden-era Resource Management Plan for Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument and supports Congressional Review Act disapproval to overturn it, arguing the plan restricts mineral development, energy production, and local economic activity without adequate input from affected Utah communities.

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Mike Kennedy (UT-03), alongside Utah’s congressional delegation, introduced a Joint Resolution of Disapproval under the Congressional Review Act to overturn the Biden era Resource Management Plan for the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. On January 13, 2025, as a lame-duck president in the final stretch of his term, President Biden’s Bureau of Land Management pushed out its Record of Decision approving a sweeping new Resource Management Plan governing nearly 1.9 million acres in southern Utah. The plan locks in binding management direction for visitation, access, and allowable uses. It was developed in Washington, D.C., detached from the realities facing the Utah communities most affected. Recently, the Government Accountability Office concluded that the Grand Staircase–Escalante RMP qualifies as a “rule” under the Administrative Procedure Act and therefore falls within the scope of the Congressional Review Act. The GAO determined that the plan is an agency statement of future effect with binding legal consequences, including the designation of lands as available or unavailable for certain uses. It does not fall within any of the Act’s limited exceptions. Under the Congressional Review Act, any such rule must be submitted to both chambers of Congress and the Comptroller General before it can take effect. The Joint Resolution introduced today is grounded in the GAO’s determination and ensures Congress exercises its statutory authority to review and, if necessary, disapprove of agency actions of this magnitude. If enacted, the Joint Resolution of Disapproval would nullify the Grand Staircase–Escalante RMP and prevent the issuance of any substantially similar rule absent further authorization from Congress. “We must ensure that Utah has a meaningful voice in how land within its borders is managed, allow for responsible mineral development and energy production, strengthen local economies and support domestic resource security.,” said Congressman Mike Kennedy. “ We can protect the landscape while also recognizing the importance of jobs, access, and state input in federal land decisions.” “With our County being engulfed by 80% monument, the crushing restrictions of the 2025 rules severely impact local families and business owners,” said the Kane County Commission. “We are overjoyed to hear of these efforts to return power to our duly elected federal delegation.” “With Garfield County sitting at the very heart of Grand Staircase–Escalante, the sweeping restrictions contained in the 2025 management plan fall squarely on the backs of our residents and small businesses,” said the Garfield County Commission. “Our communities live with the day-to-day consequences of decisions made about these lands. We appreciate our congressional delegation stepping forward to ensure these decisions receive proper review and that the voices of Garfield County are heard.” “The Antiquities Act was written to protect specific objects and to reserve only the smallest area compatible with their protection,” said Senator Lee. “Instead, we have a 1.9 million acre, sweeping land-use regime finalized in the last days of a failed President, with generational consequences for rural Utah communities. Congress does not surrender its oversight responsibility simply because an agency labels something a ‘plan’ rather than a ‘rule.’ The GAO has now confirmed what the law makes clear: this Resource Management Plan is a rule. It carries binding consequences. It shapes what can and cannot occur across millions of acres. Under the Congressional Review Act, Congress has the right to review it.” “Our lands are best managed and most appreciated by those who live closest to them. Unfortunately, the Biden Administration’s overreaching management plan for the Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument clearly does not reflect the full spectrum of voices who live and work in the area,” said Senator Curtis. “This resolution will help ensure that future management plans better serve the long-term interests of Utahns, not distant federal agencies.” “Major land-use decisions impacting millions of acres and generations of Utahns should not bypass congressional oversight. No one manages Utah’s lands better than the people of Utah,” said Representative Moore. “We have shown that we can protect natural treasures while also supporting grazing, recreation, tourism, and responsible energy development. We’ve consistently demonstrated that we deserve a seat at the table, and this decision will help ensure Utah’s lands are not used by administrations to advance political goals that ignore local needs, thereby avoiding Congressional oversight.” “For too long, Grand Staircase–Escalante has been used as a political talking point in Washington,” said Representative Owens. “Almost 30 years ago, in Arizona and with his back turned to Utah, President Clinton abused the Antiquities Act that locked up millions of acres of Utah. Then again, thousands of miles away in the in a last-ditch effort to enshrine a failed legacy of an awful president, this overreaching rule was issued in both instances these sweeping decisions framed as "environmental victories” sidelined the voices of southern Utah. The people who live, work, and raise their families near these lands deserve a seat at the table. Our responsibility is not to score political points — it is to improve quality of life, protect rural jobs, and ensure local communities are heard. The GAO has confirmed this action qualifies as a rule, and Congress has a duty to conduct a thorough review with meaningful input from community leaders and stakeholders across southern Utah. “The people most affected by government decisions should have the most input,” said Representative Maloy. “The 2020 GSENM plan was built with local communities, balanced conservation with access, and reflected the realities of life in southern Utah. This CRA is Congress exercising our constitutional responsibility to check executive overreach. And to be clear: this land remains federal land. It remains protected. The CRA is holding the agency accountable to the local people we represent.” “This is the right move by our federal delegation,” said Governor Cox. “The Biden Administration advanced a rigid, top-down plan without coordinating with the state, putting livestock grazing, public access, recreation, and rural Utah’s economy at risk. Rural Utahns deserve a seat at the table when decisions like this are made.” Read the full resolution here.