River Bend Times

U.S. Representatives Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA) and Dan Newhouse (R-WA) have introduced new legislation aimed at modifying the process for designating national monuments. The proposed bill, known as the Congressional Oversight of the Antiquities Act, would require congressional approval before national monuments can be designated.

Representative Miller-Meeks highlighted the need for congressional oversight, stating, "We must preserve the use of federal lands for responsible recreational, agricultural and energy use." She expressed concerns regarding past administrations' use of the Antiquities Act, stating, "For years the Obama and Biden Administrations used the Antiquities Act to institutionalize massive executive overreach, seizing acres and acres of land without consequence."

Representative Newhouse echoed these concerns, mentioning the expansion of the Antiquities Act's scope under Democrat administrations. He stated, "This legislation gives Congress the power to check the executive branch in decisions regarding these lands and prevents future administrations from circumventing the legislative branch on such an important issue. I thank Rep. Miller-Meeks for her leadership on this legislation as we work to protect our nation’s treasured monuments and lands."

Additionally, Congressman Cliff Bentz (R-OR) is a cosponsor of the bill. Under the proposed legislation, congressional approval for presidential declarations must be obtained within six months or before the conclusion of the last session of Congress in which the declaration was introduced, whichever is sooner. If the approval is not secured, the monument cannot be designated again for a period of 25 years.

Representative Miller-Meeks, who serves as the Chair of the Conservative Climate Caucus, had previously introduced the bill during the 118th Congress.