Benton MacKaye National Scenic Trail Feasibility Study Act of 2026
Benton MacKaye Trail: National Scenic Trail Study
Legislative Progress
Key Points
- Congress is considering a plan to study whether the Benton MacKaye Trail should become an official National Scenic Trail. This trail stretches about 287 miles through Georgia, Tennessee, and North Carolina.
- The trail passes through beautiful areas like the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and several national forests. It is popular for its waterfalls, high mountain peaks, and deep forests.
- If the bill passes, the Secretary of Agriculture would have one year to report back to Congress on whether the trail meets the requirements for this special national status.
- Supporters say the trail is already well-maintained by volunteers and mostly sits on federal land. They believe national status would help local rural economies by attracting more visitors to buy food and supplies.
Impact Analysis
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Milestones
Received in the Senate. Read twice. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 426.
The bill is now on the schedule for the full chamber to consider. It's in line for debate and a vote.
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H3749-3750)
The House fast-tracked this bill — limited debate, no amendments allowed, but needs two-thirds support to pass.
Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
The House fast-tracked this bill — limited debate, no amendments allowed, but needs two-thirds support to pass.
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2768.
Votes
No votes have been recorded for this legislation yet.
News
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Source Information
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
Benton MacKaye National Scenic Trail Feasibility Study Act of 2026
Data Sources
Sponsor
Cosponsors
(3)Analysis generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.